Attorney Profile

Daniel J. Zeller is a partner in Shapiro Sher’s Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring Group, known for delivering results in complex insolvency and commercial litigation matters. Since joining the firm in 2008 following a federal clerkship, Mr. Zeller has worked with debtors, trustees, and secured and unsecured creditors on matters ranging from reorganizations and liquidations to litigation and asset sales. 

He has handled a broad mix of bankruptcy-related issues, including  

avoidance actions, safe-harbor disputes, problems of discharge and dischargeability, and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. He is also adept at structuring sophisticated asset sales and business dispositions within insolvency contexts, helping clients maximize recovery and protect their interests during financially distressed transactions.  

Mr. Zeller played a key role in the complex bankruptcy of TMST, Inc. (formerly Thornburg Mortgage, Inc.), navigating asset sales, repurchase and structured finance transactions, mortgage servicing challenges, and litigation against major investment banks. His in-depth knowledge and courtroom experience provide clients with confident advocacy and tactical advantage in high-stakes financial restructuring matters.

Mr. Zeller began his legal career as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Robert A. Gordon and the Honorable Duncan W. Keir of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. He also served as a law clerk intern with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He previously worked as a data analyst for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, where he contributed to regulatory enforcement policy. 

He earned his law degree with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law and holds a B.A., summa cum laude, from Western Maryland College. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of the Coif and has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Maryland Super Lawyers.  

Affiliations

  • Member, Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member, Bankruptcy Bar Association of Maryland
  • Member, Baltimore City Bar Association

News & Publications

October 08, 2020
Know Your Risks: Limiting or Eliminating Damages through In Limine Requests

For the latest issue of ​Trial Evidence, ​a publication of the ABA Litigation Section, Anastasia L. McCusker and Daniel J. Zeller write on the intersection of summary judgment motions and motions in limine.

March 06, 2020
"Every Penny Counts: Remember Prejudgment Interest When Pursuing Pre-Petition Causes of Action"

Anastasia L. McCusker and Daniel J. Zeller write for the ABA's Bankruptcy & Insolvency Litigation newsletter.

July 30, 2019
"Can a Court Take Judicial Notice of Government Tweets?"

Anastasia L. McCusker and Daniel J. Zeller write for Practice Points, a publication of the ABA Section of Litigation.

January 02, 2018
Shapiro Sher Wins Award for Reorganization of Novation Companies

February 18, 2014
Daniel J. Zeller named partner

Daniel J. Zeller is named partner in the firm's Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring Group.