MILESTONES AND AFFILIATIONS

Chief Judge Peter H. Carroll Profiled

Chief Judge Peter H. Carroll was the subject of a judicial profile, authored by solo practitioner Christie L. Cronenweth with the assistance of attorney J. Scott Bovitz, which appeared in the January/February issue of The Federal Lawyer. The profile chronicles Chief Judge Carroll’s career, beginning with his education at the University of California at Berkley and St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas and his rise from law clerk to partner at a Texas law firm. After he was certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in business and consumer bankruptcy law, Chief Judge Carroll served as a member of the Bankruptcy Law Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. He then relocated to San Francisco, where he took a position serving as Assistant U.S. Trustee for the U.S. Department of Justice in Fresno, California from 1994 to 2002. In 2002, he was appointed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to serve as a bankruptcy judge in the Central District of California. He has served as the Chief Bankruptcy Judge of the Central District since 2011.

On behalf of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, Ms. Cronenweth presented Chief Judge Carroll with a framed copy of the judicial profile on March 14, 2013 at the conclusion of the “State of the Circuit/District” luncheon.

Judge Thomas B. Donovan Profiled

Judge Thomas B. Donovan was the subject of a judicial profile in the January/February issue of The Federal Lawyer. The article, by attorney Nancy B. Clark, begins with Judge Donovan’s adolescence in San Jose, California and follows him through his distinguished career as a trial and bankruptcy lawyer. While still in his early 30s, Judge Donovan argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and subsequently became a founding partner of a San Francisco law firm, where he practiced for 24 years before his appointment to the bankruptcy court. Ms. Clark’s article concludes with a review of two notable cases over which Judge Donovan has presided since his appointment as a bankruptcy judge in 1994. On May 22, 2013, Judge Donovan was presented with a framed copy of the profile, and Ms. Clark and Evan A. Jenness, President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, spoke in honor of Judge Donovan.

Judge Barry Russell Receives 2013 William L. Norton Jr. Judicial Excellence Award

On November 1, 2013, Judge Barry Russell received the William L. Norton Jr. Judicial Excellence Award at the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ) in Atlanta, Georgia. The award, established by Thomson/West Publishing and the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) to recognize lifetime achievement, is given to a bankruptcy judge who has distinguished himself or herself as an educator, writer, or scholar. The Norton Award was presented at the NCBJ’s ABI luncheon. Thomson Reuters presented a check for $10,000 in Judge Russell’s name to the ABI Endowment for Education. In their announcement of this year’s award, the Norton Institutes on Bankruptcy Law, Inc. cited Judge Russell’s “[exemplary] leadership and scholarship contributions to bankruptcy law for the past 40 years.”

Judges Riblet, Ahart, and Zurzolo Serve 25 Years on the Bench

Judges Robin L. Riblet, Alan M. Ahart, and Vincent P. Zurzolo were appointed in 1988 and reappointed in 2002 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In 2013, the judges celebrated 25 years of service to the Court.

On Thursday, April 18, 2013, a celebration at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse honored the 25th anniversary of Judge Vincent P. Zurzolo’s appointment to the bench. The judge was joined by a packed courtroom of guests from the Court, including a number of firsts: his first law clerk, his first extern, his first extern who is taller and older than him, and his first extern who became a judge (Judge Sandra R. Klein). Speeches were made by Chief Judge Peter H. Carroll, Judge Alan M. Ahart, and Executive Officer/Clerk of Court Kathleen J. Campbell.

Recalled Judges Serve Central District

Five recalled judges served the Central District in 2013. Recalled Judges William V. Altenberger from Peoria, Illinois, Gregg W. Zive from Reno, Nevada, and Philip H. Brandt from Seattle, Washington heard referred contested matters, ranging from motions to dismiss adversary proceedings and motions for summary judgment to evidentiary hearings and trials. Judge Brandt presided over matters in January, March, and August. Recalled Judges Geraldine Mund and Kathleen Thompson, who retired in the first months of 2011 and were subsequently appointed to recalled judge status, continue to serve the district by covering calendars as needed for active judges. Judges Mund and Thompson also presided over chapter 13 confirmation and reaffirmation hearings, and Judge Mund presided over numerous chapter 7 and chapter 11 cases.

Recognizing Recalled Judge William V. Altenberger's Service

The Honorable William V. Altenberger, a recalled judge from Peoria, Illinois, has presided over adversary proceedings and other contested matters referred by the judges in the Central District of California since April of 2011. Matters that he presided over while holding court in Los Angeles included, but were not limited to: trials, evidentiary hearings, valuations, objections to claims, and cash collateral motions. During the week of Judge Altenberger’s last visit in 2013, the Los Angeles Division hosted an event, attended by judges and court staff, to recognize the judge for his assistance. Judge Altenberger received a Certificate of Appreciation from Chief Judge Peter H. Carroll and a “thank you” card signed by the judges. The experience, knowledge, and professionalism that Judge Altenberger shared with the Court over the last several years rendered an invaluable service to the District.

Committee Appointments

Judge Erithe A. Smith Serves on the Judicial Conference Committee on the Administration of the Bankruptcy System

Since 2012, Judge Erithe A. Smith has served as a member of the Judicial Conference Committee on Administration of the Bankruptcy System (Bankruptcy Committee). Charged with oversight of the bankruptcy system, the committee monitors and analyzes bankruptcy operations throughout the nation. It also makes recommendations to the Judicial Conference on the numbers and locations of bankruptcy judgeships, issues that affect the office of bankruptcy judge, the allocation of judicial resources to bankruptcy courts, and other matters. Judge Smith serves on the Subcommittee on Budget Matters and the Subcommittee on Estate Administration. She also serves as the Bankruptcy Committee’s liaison to the Judicial Conference's Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure. Judge Smith’s term will end October 1, 2015.

Judge Tighe and Bauer Serve on the Ninth Circuit Pro Se Litigation Committee

Judges Maureen A. Tighe and Catherine E. Bauer served on the Ninth Circuit Pro Se Litigation Committee. Pursuant to its mission, the Ninth Circuit Pro Se Litigation Committee considers the impact on self-represented litigants and makes recommendations with respect to improving the administration of such cases. Judges Tighe’s and Bauer’s terms will end on September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

Judge Richard M. Neiter Serves on the Ninth Circuit Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Judge Richard M. Neiter serves on the Ninth Circuit Standing Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The committee produces educational materials on ADR for the benefit of the Ninth Circuit’s district and bankruptcy judges and aids in developing and expanding ADR programs within the circuit. Judge Neiter’s term will end on September 30, 2015.

Judge Deborah J. Saltzman Serves on the CM/ECF NextGen Working Group and Ninth Circuit Courts & Community Committee

Judge Deborah J. Saltzman serves as a member of the national Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) NextGen Working Group. The group includes five bankruptcy judges. The purpose of the NextGen Working Group is to review functional requirements and design documents for a new application related to how work is done in CM/ECF, and to review policy questions and make recommendations concerning whether policy issues should be referred to the Judicial Conference's Committee on Court Administration and Case Management, Next Generation Subcommittee. Judge Saltzman provides regular updates to the Court’s IT Committee and to the CM/ECF Committee. Additionally, Judge Saltzman serves on the Ninth Circuit Courts & Community Committee. Charged with educating the public about federal courts, the Ninth Circuit Courts & Community Committee promotes community outreach programs and cultivates the relationships between the courts and media.

Judges Saltzman, Clarkson, Klein, and Brand Serve on the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Judges Education Committee

Judges Deborah J. Saltzman, Scott C. Clarkson, Sandra R. Klein, and Julia W. Brand serve on the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Judges Education Committee. Judge Clarkson was appointed as the chair of the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Judges Education Committee in November 2013. The Ninth Circuit Judges Education Committee was formed more than 20 years ago as a vehicle to provide a program exclusively related to bankruptcy topics. Members are either elected by their peers or volunteer to serve three-year terms. The committee consists of six to seven bankruptcy judges from throughout the Ninth Circuit who work together to create a pre-conference program that is presented at the Annual Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. Members of the committee also participate in an annual review of Ninth Circuit bankruptcy decisions and in the annual New Judges Orientation. Judges Saltzman’s, Clarkson’s, and Klein’s terms will end July 31, 2014, and Judge Brand’s term will end on September 30, 2015.

Judge Geraldine Mund Serves on the Advisory Council for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society

Judge Geraldine Mund continues to serve on the Advisory Council for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society (NJCHS) Committee. The NJCHS was founded in 1985 to collect, preserve, and present to the public the history of law in the western United States and the Pacific Islands and educates children and the general public about the judicial system, the rule of law, and other civic values. As a long-time member on the NJCHS, Judge Mund has been instrumental in overseeing the national implementation of oral histories for bankruptcy judges and attorneys, constructing NJCHS’s Strategic Plan, and much more.

Executive Officer/Clerk of Court Kathleen J. Campbell Serves on the Bankruptcy Clerks Advisory Group (BCAG), Human Resources Advisory Council (HRAC), and Ninth Circuit Courts & Community Committee

Executive Officer/Clerk of Court Kathleen J. Campbell serves on the Bankruptcy Clerks Advisory Group (BCAG), the Human Resources Advisory Council (HRAC), and the Ninth Circuit Courts & Community Committee. BCAG and HRAC advise the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. BCAG provides advice about Clerk’s Office-related issues that affect the administration of the bankruptcy system, and HRAC provides advice on the needs and views of court constituents with respect to judiciary-wide human resources matters. Ms. Campbell’s terms on the BCAG and HRAC will end on December 31, 2014. Ms. Campbell also serves on the Ninth Circuit Courts & Community Committee. The mission of the Ninth Circuit Courts & Community Committee is to educate the public about the work of the federal courts by promoting community outreach programs, and to facilitate relations between the courts and the news media. Ms. Campbell’s term on the Ninth Circuit Court’s & Community will end on September 30, 2015.

Beryl Dixon Appointed to Human Resources Specialists Advisory Group

In November 2013, Officer of Planning and Personnel Management Beryl Dixon was appointed to serve on the national Human Resources Specialists Advisory Group (HRSAG) by the Director of the Administrative Office, Judge John D. Bates. The HRSAG’s mission is to provide the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts with advice, assistance, and recommendations regarding human resources, payroll, and benefits administration on an ongoing basis, in order to enhance the quality and timeliness of service to the courts. Ms. Dixon will represent the Ninth Circuit through December 2015.

Francis Ha Appointed to Courtroom Technology Working Group

Network Manager Francis Ha was appointed to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts’ (AO) Courtroom Technology Working Group. The national Courtroom Technology Working Group evaluates and recommends changes to the current courtroom technology program including funding, mechanisms, procurement strategies, best practices, guidelines, and future direction of the program. The working group also assists the AO and the Information Technology Advisory Council in making recommendations to the Judicial Conference Committee on Information Technology for adjustments to the courtroom technology program. Mr. Ha’s appointment ends September 2014.

Sam Abram Reappointed to Ninth Circuit IT Committee

Systems Integration Manager Sam Abram was reappointed to the Ninth Circuit IT Committee in 2013. The Ninth Circuit IT Committee holds two face-to-face meetings each year. These meetings are used to discuss IT trends and directions within the Judiciary and IT in general; establish guidelines and recommendations for implementation of new initiatives within the Ninth Circuit; and demonstrate new technologies which can be beneficial to Ninth Circuit courts. Additionally, the Ninth Circuit IT Committee discusses training Court staff on new software, hardware, processes, and mandated procedures. The committee also discusses the best method to make recommendations to the Judiciary IT Committee and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Mr. Abram’s appointment will end September 2014.

John Kohler and Jan Zari Appointed to NCBC Awards Committee

In April 2013, Administrative Manager John Kohler and Operations Support Clerk Jan Zari were appointed to the National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks (NCBC) Awards Committee for a one-year term. The committee selects NCBC members whose service to the organization and the judiciary merits special recognition at the annual conference’s awards ceremony. The committee will also award scholarships for continuing education to qualified applicants.

Jennifer Paro Appointed as NCBC Historian

In November 2013, the National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks (NCBC) Board of Governors appointed Courtroom Technology Specialist Jennifer Paro as NCBC Historian. Ms. Paro will maintain NCBC’s existing historical records and document its activities in photographs, videos, and audio recordings. Serving jointly with long-time NCBC Historian Mary Lynn Wilson, Ms. Paro will focus on digitizing the association’s existing historical documents and recording oral histories, among other duties. Ms. Paro’s three-year term will end in 2016.

Sabrina Palacio-Garcia Appointed as Ninth Circuit Liaison of the NCBC

After serving as the National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks’ (NCBC) Local Representative for the Central District from 2010 to 2012, Operations Specialist Sabrina Palacio-Garcia was appointed to serve as the Ninth Circuit Liaison by the President of NCBC, with the consent of the Board of Governors. As the Ninth Circuit Liaison, her duties consist of representing the circuit constituency, coordinating NCBC activities within the circuit, chairing meetings and teleconferences with the NCBC Board, and disseminating membership and other information as necessary. Mrs. Palacio-Garcia’s appointment ends December 2014.

Herbert Seales Announced as Co-Chair of the Greater Los Angeles Area Federal Executive Board (GLAFEB)

In July 2013, Administrative Specialist and COOP Planner Herbert Seales was named co-chair for the Greater Los Angeles Area Federal Executive Board (GLAFEB) COOP Working Group. The GLAFEB COOP Working Group was established in 2006 to promote the development of continuity plans and enhance emergency preparedness for a wide range of potential emergencies. Working with the GLAFEB will provide additional resources for the Court's COOP planning and support regional efforts to prepare for emergency situations.

California Central District Judicial Committees

In accordance with the Court Governance Plan, judicial committees appointed by the Chief Judge address Court-related issues and provide feedback to the entire Board of Judges regarding Court operations and administrative issues. The Chief Judge and the Executive Officer/Clerk of Court are ex officio members of each committee. Clerk’s Office staff members attend meetings and support the judicial committees.

The members of the 2013 judicial committees were: