J. Scott Bovitz — senior partner at Bovitz & Spitzer in Los Angeles, Board-Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law, Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, past Chair of the American Board of Certification, adjunct professor, media commentator, ham radio operator, world traveler — and composer of 786 original songs — joins Salene for a wide-ranging conversation about mastery, longevity, leadership, and building a life that blends law, music, teaching, and community.
From launching his own firm in 1991 with his spouse (and still practicing 30+ years later) to recording lawyer-only bands across state lines, teaching generations of law students, and serving in nearly every major bankruptcy organization, Scott shares what it means to stay curious, keep rowing, and never step off your path.
A thoughtful, funny, and deeply grounded conversation about professional reinvention, civic leadership, creativity, and defining success on your own terms.
✅ NOTES
Today on The Pivot Playbook, Salene sits down with J. Scott Bovitz — bankruptcy litigator, educator, organization builder, media spokesperson, and musician.
Scott practices in the Central District of California, representing creditors, landlords, trustees, and distressed businesses in complex bankruptcy litigation. He is Board-Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law (ABC), a Certified Specialist by the State Bar of California, a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, and a past president and chair of numerous professional organizations.
But behind the credentials is a renaissance professional:
Founder of BankruptcyDog.com (a long-running bankruptcy community calendar)
Adjunct professor at Loyola, UNLV, and other law schools
Former member of California’s Committee of Bar Examiners
Frequent media commentator (including national coverage of the Dodgers bankruptcy)
Composer of 786 songs and member of two all-lawyer bands
Photographer who has traveled to 82 countries
⭐ In this episode, we cover:
1. The early pivots that shaped his career
Clerking for his bankruptcy professor before even getting bar results
Being asked — on short notice — to teach bankruptcy at Loyola
Realizing that teaching creates both mastery and opportunity
Choosing a niche and digging deep
“Find a field and learn everything you possibly can. The law is infinite.”
2. The boldest pivot: Starting Bovitz & Spitzer
Leaving a large firm in Century City in 1991 to launch a two-lawyer firm with his spouse.
Managing overhead carefully
Building a litigation-focused bankruptcy practice
Choosing scope intentionally (knowing what not to take)
“When you’re on your own, you decide the scope of your practice.”
Thirty-plus years later, the firm still thrives.
3. Building a reputation through service
Scott estimates that he spends roughly one-third of his time on non-billable leadership and educational work:
Writing and lecturing (hundreds of programs delivered)
Serving on the State Bar’s Legal Specialization Board
Writing certification exams
Serving on the Committee of Bar Examiners
Leadership in ABC, ABI, local bankruptcy forums
“Don’t just belong. Participate.”
4. Media appearances & becoming a trusted expert
From answering live call-in radio questions to appearing on CBS 14 times during the Dodgers bankruptcy, Scott shares how showing up publicly builds credibility — and how even his mother finally believed he was a “real lawyer” after seeing him on television.
He’s also fielded complex overnight reporter calls (including on 23andMe bankruptcy privacy issues) — often from airports.
5. The music life: 786 songs and counting
It started in 8th grade — writing a song for a girl.
Years later, mid-career, he took UCLA extension classes in recording technology. That turned into:
A home studio in Los Angeles
Remote collaboration across cities
Serving as recording engineer
ABA licensing his music for podcast intros
He writes constantly — and rarely declares a song “done.”
“No song is ever finished.”
Music, he says, keeps him grounded and in flow.
6. The power of community
Scott describes the bankruptcy community as surprisingly small — perhaps 300 regular national players.
Whether at ABI, ABC, NCBJ, or local forums, he values walking into a room knowing he has colleagues — and friends.
He also finds connection in unexpected places:
Ham radio (licensed since 1969)
The Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic
A lawyer movie club (“Monday Night Lawyer Movie Club — unless it’s on Tuesday”)
BankruptcyDog.com, which he updates daily
“These people who are sometimes your adversaries are your friends.”
7. Advice for younger lawyers
Find a mentor you want to be like.
Choose a field and master it.
Go to programs year-round — not just to meet CLE requirements.
Never stop sharpening your sword.
“You never master the law. It’s infinite.”
8. Advice for business clients in distress
Clients often arrive scared, overly optimistic, or poorly informed.
Assess whether bankruptcy truly helps.
Explain risks and costs clearly.
Be honest when the answer is no.
“Bankruptcy isn’t magic.”
9. Life at 70: How he defines success
Scott recently turned 70 and has no plans to slow down.
A stable marriage (married since 1984)
Being able to walk into a national conference and know people
“You never get off your path.”
🔥 MEMORABLE QUOTES
“Don’t just belong. Participate.”
“When you’re on your own, you decide the scope of your practice.”
“Bankruptcy isn’t magic.”
“You never stop rowing the canoe.”
“Golden rule and common sense — that guides my decisions.”
🎯 THE PIVOT PLAYBOOK FOUR PIVOTS
Pivot he’s most proud of:
Launching Bovitz & Spitzer in 1991 and building it into a decades-long practice.
Practice that keeps him grounded:
Writing and recording music.
Principle that guides him:
The Golden Rule and common sense.
People who shaped his trajectory:
Professor David Luna (first employer)
Frank Riall (who asked him to teach)
Michael Dempsey (litigation role model)
Candice Carlyon (ABC leadership invitation)
✅ CALLS TO ACTION
Learn more about the American Board of Certification:
Explore BankruptcyDog.com (Southern California bankruptcy events calendar):
Connect with the American College of Bankruptcy:
https://www.americancollegeofbankruptcy.com
Learn more about the American Bankruptcy Institute:
