Geoff Berman is a former president of the American Bankruptcy Institute and author of tABI’s book on general assignments, “General Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors, the ABCs of ABCs”., in addition to numerous articles about ABCs. Geoff is an “Observer” to the Uniform Laws Commission ABC Committee, which is studying the need and applicability of a uniform set of statutes governing ABCs.

Geoff retired at the end of 2022 after over twenty-five years with Development Specialists, Inc., and more than forty-five years in the insolvency industry.  His experience included administering all types of insolvency cases with a special emphasis in general assignments for the benefit of creditors and post confirmation estate management through liquidating and creditor trusts under confirmed Chapter 11 Plans of Reorganization.  Geoff has also served as an examiner in bankruptcy matters and a federal equity receiver.

Prior to joining DSI, Geoff was with Credit Managers Association of California, where he was the Manager of the Adjustment Bureau and a member of the Association's senior management and worked for Union Bank (of California) and Mitsui Manufacturers Bank.

Geoff graduated from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA in 1975 with a B.A. in Business Administration (majoring in accounting and finance) and an undergraduate honors thesis in finance.  He obtained a J.D. in 1985 from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, CA.  Geoff is also a certified mediator and is on the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court panel of mediators, as well as the Register of mediators for the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.