Overview
Michael Godwin represents clients in high-stakes litigation and cross-border asset recovery matters. He has developed a unique practice representing creditors and pursuing asset recovery and judgment enforcement, often through litigation focused on piercing fraudulent schemes and offshore asset protection devices.
Michael also has a long track record of successfully representing clients in commercial litigation matters involving bankruptcy, crypto-asset disputes, real estate, and trade secrets. He has been involved in every stage of litigation, from pre-suit investigations through trial and appeal.
Earlier in his career, Michael clerked for the Honorable Andrew G. Schopler of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.
Results
- Represents post-confirmation plan administrator of Voyager Digital Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded cryptocurrency company and one of the largest cryptocurrency platforms in the world, in connection with post-confirmation administrative and litigation matters
- Represents post-confirmation litigation trustee of Prime Trust, a leader in the cryptocurrency space with more than $3.8 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat under custody at its peak, in connection with post-confirmation administrative and litigation matters
- Represented a US creditor in a federal district court action to enforce an international arbitration award against foreign award debtors and a related alter ego; recovered more than $300 million after trial*
- Recovered a seven-figure attorneys’ fee award after prevailing at a two-week bench trial on behalf of a real estate client*
- Argued and obtained complete summary judgment on behalf of a global telecommunications company against a lawsuit seeking eight figures in damages for breach of contract and related claims*
- Represented a crypto-mining machine manufacturer in litigation concerning the hosting and deployment of thousands of crypto-mining machines*
- Represented a leading global investment firm in litigation concerning the termination of an agreement to purchase a large shopping center*
- Represented a leading provider of consumer products and retail solutions in a product dispute concerning products falsely advertised as “Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod” compliant*
- Represented a semiconductor company in complex trade secret litigation involving breaches of confidence and competitive activities by a former consultant*
*Matter handled prior to joining the firm.
Recognitions
- San Diego Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2025
Credentials
Education
University of San Diego School of Law, JD, 2018
University of San Diego, BBA, 2013
Admissions
California
Courts / Agencies
US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
US District Court for the Central District of California
US District Court for the Southern District of California
