Scott J. Goldstein receives award for excellence in bankruptcy

Scott J. Goldstein recently received this year’s Michael R. Roser Excellence in Bankruptcy Award.

The Missouri Bar Financial Services & Insolvency Law Committee presents this award each year to a lawyer who manifests the highest standard of excellence in bankruptcy practice, who contributes distinctively to the development and appreciation of bankruptcy law, and who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of bankruptcy practice or administration. The award is named after prominent Kansas City bankruptcy lawyer Michael R. Roser.

A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Goldstein is a partner at Spencer Fane in Kansas City, where he concentrates on bankruptcy and reorganization for businesses, representation of secured creditors and creditors’ committees in workouts and bankruptcies, and bond default situations.

Goldstein said it was “an honor” to receive the award, following in the steps of several of his mentors.

“[My] … passion was for the people I worked with young and old, whether at Spencer Fane or other firms, and the results which often got creditors at least some payment and often allowed businesses to continue and employees to keep their jobs,” he said. “Some of the debtor entities that survived had thousands of employees. I’m proud of that.”

Goldstein encouraged new lawyers to be civil to opponents and look for compromise resolutions, while also continuing to be strong advocates for clients. He also suggested new lawyers value the relationships made in the profession.

“Treasure friends and relationships made along the way and always be willing to learn something new,” he said. “Mentor if possible. I’ve made some of my best lifelong friends during my practice.”

Goldstein received the award at the Midwestern Bankruptcy Institute in Kansas City earlier this month.

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.