John Kozyak is a nationally recognized bankruptcy and trial lawyer, and a fellow of both the American College of Bankruptcy and the American College of Trial Lawyers. Known for “Bet the Company” litigation, Kozyak has also had a role in major bankruptcy cases and high-profile Ponzi schemes. He is a dedicated mentor and champion for young law students and lawyers and his firm gives an annual scholarship to top students in Miami Law’s Litigation Skills Program. He co-founded the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation. Kozyak is a past chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation and serves on the board of the Fresco Parkinson Institute in Florence, Italy.
What aspects of the curriculum or faculty had the most significant impact on your legal education and career trajectory?
I took litigation-focused courses during my time at the UM Law School to prepare me for a 50+ year career in litigation and bankruptcy.
How did your education at the University of Miami School of Law prepare you for your career?
I met many law students who became great lawyers and friends. I also met several judges, who were mentors.
What opportunities or connections did you gain at the law school, and how did they influence your career?
Most importantly, I met my wife of almost 48 years, Barbara Silverman, J.D. ’76, and my career law partner, Harley Tropin, J.D. ‘77. I was also able to clerk for U.S. District Judge Paul Huck when he was in private practice.
