Announcement Archive


Effective January 1, 2023, the Northern District of California
adopted a new Chapter 13 Plan


Santa Rosa Judge Transition Seminars

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

presents

Santa Rosa Judge Transition Seminars
Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. and
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at 3:00 p.m.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
99 South E Street, Santa Rosa



Attachment: PDF icon Transition.pdf

Recruitment to the Bench-Bar Liaison Committee

The Bench-Bar Liaison Committee (the “Committee”) is seeking members of the Bar to serve a three-year term on the Committee. There are currently seven (7) vacancies in the Committee and service will commence on July 1, 2017.

Prospective Committee members should review the requirements and selection criteria of General Order No. 15. Trustees and employees of the U.S. Trustee are eligible to apply. Applicants must commit to participate in six to eight Committee meetings each year during their membership term and to otherwise actively further the Committee’s mission. To apply for a position on the Committee, please send a letter of interest along with a current resume or curriculum vitae to the Committee Co-Chairs, Robert Franklin (franklin.robert@dorsey.com (link sends e-mail)) and Sarah Stuppi (sarah@stuppilaw.com (link sends e-mail)) by June 14, 2017.

 

Federal Holiday - Memorial Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, May 29th, in observance of Memorial Day.

Judge Montali's Updated Practices and Procedures

Link: Judge Montali's Updated Practices and Procedures

CM/ECF will be unavailable on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 6 PM to 10 PM to install system upgrades.

Notice of Temporary Assignment - Network Administrator

              

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

 

Notice of Temporary Assignment - Network Administrator

Length of Assignment: Approximately 90 days

Opportunity to Respond:  May 4 – May 11, 2017

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California is seeking a temporary employment agency to provide a temporary Network Administrator for a 90 day assignment.

Interested employment agencies should email Corrine_Jew@canb.uscourts.gov  for more information. 

 

NEW Amended General Order 32. In re: Payment Advices

Attachment: PDF icon NEW Amended General Order 32. In re: Payment Advices

Resolution Advocate Recruitment for the Bankruptcy Dispute Resolution Program (BDRP)

The BDRP invites applications from individuals for appointment to the BDRP Panel of Resolution Advocates.  Please visit Information on Joining BDRP as a Resolution Advocate to submit an application.

2017 Bay Area Bankruptcy Judges' Conference UPDATED with Registration Information

Attachment: PDF icon Judges' Conference - Updated with Registration Info.pdf

NEW General Order 32. In re: Payment Advices

Attachment: PDF icon General Order 32 - Payment Advices.pdf

Due to system maintenance, CM/ECF will be unavailable from Friday, March 17 10:00 PM PDT to Saturday, March 18 4:00 AM PDT (6 hours).

Federal Holiday - Presidents' Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, February 20th, in observance of Presidents' Day.

NEW General Order No. 31. Amended Order regarding Deposit and Investment of Registry Funds



Changes to procedures and fees for registry funds invested with the Court become effective December 1, 2016.

  • To accommodate a few changes in the administration of registry funds, General Order No. 31 becomes effective on December 1, 2016. As specified in GO 31 paragraph IV (E), the disputed ownership funds provision will become effective when the Court Registry Investment System (CRIS), as administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO), begins to accept Disputed Ownership Fund (DOF) deposits.
     
  • The Judicial Conference approved changes in the fee structure for registry funds that become effective December 1, 2016.  For more information regarding the fee structure refer to General Order No. 31, paragraph III.

The new procedures enable the Court to administer the tax administration requirements established by the Internal Revenue Service for registry funds through the CRIS investment mechanism.

Please contact Chris Gundayao at 415-268-2344 with any questions.

Due to system maintenance, CM/ECF and the Court's website ( www.canb.uscourts.gov) will be unavailable from January 28, 2017 9:00 PM PST to January 29, 2017 12:00 AM PST (3 hours).

Elementary Bankruptcy Procedure for Consumer Counsel

January 23rd at 4 p.m.

THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Santa Rosa / Eureka Division
presents
A Further Seminar in Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure

Elementary Bankruptcy Procedure for Consumer Counsel
or
Why You are an Idiot if you use 506 to Avoid Judicial Liens

Monday, January 23, 2017, at 4:00 P.M.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
99 South E Street, Santa Rosa

     Using § 506 of the Bankruptcy Code instead of § 522 to avoid judicial liens on a debtor’s home works, sort of, but reflects a dangerous lack of knowledge of elementary bankruptcy procedure. This seminar is intended to impart enough understanding of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure so that attendees will never again make this mistake. The general risks of using improper bankruptcy procedure will also be discussed.

     Attendance at this seminar is limited to attorneys, trustees and other bankruptcy professionals. There is no charge for enrollment or materials. For reservations or further information email Cara_Porter@canb.uscourts.gov.

     This activity has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of 1 1/2 hours. The United States District Court Practice Program for the Northern District of California certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.



Attachment: PDF icon Seminar

Federal Holiday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, January 16th, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Federal Holiday - New Years Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, January 2nd, in observance of New Years Day.

Amendments to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, effective December 1, 2016

Amendments to Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure 1010, 1011, 1012, 2002, 3002.1, 7008, 7012, 7016, 9006, 9027 and, 9033.  Clean and redline versions of these Rule changes are available from the US Courts website.

Federal Holiday - Christmas Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, December 26th, in observance of Christmas Day.

Changes to Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule, effective December 1, 2016

Attachment: PDF icon Changes to the Fee Schedule Effective December 1, 2016.pdf

2016 Eureka Holiday Party

Link: 2016 Eureka Holiday Party

Change of United States Postal Service (USPS) Mailing Address for the San Francisco Location

Effective immediately, the court’s United States Postal Service (USPS) mailing address is:

United States Bankruptcy Court
450 Golden Gate Avenue
Mail Box 36099
San Francisco CA 94102

The court will keep its current mailing address (P.O. Box 7341) until November 1, 2016.  At which time, mail will be forwarded to the above address (450 Golden Gate Avenue).

Federal Holiday - Thanksgiving

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on November 24th and 25th, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Federal Holiday - Veterans Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Friday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day.

CM/ECF will be unavailable on Saturday, November 12, 2016 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm for system maintenance.

Procurement Solicitation

The US Bankruptcy Court, NDCA (The Court) is soliciting vendors to provide maintenance for our courtroom audio equipment.  The Court has divisional offices in San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Rosa, and San Jose.  Interested vendors must be able to service each location.

Vendors interested in receiving a solicitation packet detailing the Court’s requirements should send an email to:

suzanne_mcbride@canb.uscourts.gov

All requests for the solicitation packet must be received by COB Friday, August 26.

 

Thank you.

Federal Holiday - Columbus Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, October 10th, in observance of Columbus Day.

22nd (and last) Annual Conley S. Brown Memorial Golf Tournament

Link: Conley S. Brown Memorial Golf Tournament

Building Access at 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco Division

The Turk Street entrance (behind 450 Golden Gate) may be used by all persons having business with the United States District Court, United States Bankruptcy Court, Pretrial Services, Probation, Federal Public Defender and the U.S. Attorney's Office.  

Federal Holiday - Labor Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, September 5th, in observance of Labor Day.

Giants Game August 26, 2016

Link: Giants Game August 26, 2016

Federal Judicial Center (FJC) Survey for Judge William Lafferty

United States Bankruptcy Court
for the Northern District of California

survey for Bankruptcy Judge William J. Lafferty

 

Judge William J. Lafferty of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California asked the Federal Judicial Center (FJC) to survey members of the Bar to assess his level of performance. The judge’s decision to ask the FJC to conduct this survey is entirely voluntary and is part of Judge Lafferty's ongoing commitment to provide the highest level of public service possible. The FJC, which is the research and education organization for the federal courts, is located in Washington, D.C. The FJC has been conducting similar surveys for judges for several years.

During the week of June 13, the FJC will send an email to each attorney who has had a case or proceeding assigned to Judge Lafferty during approximately the past three years. The email will explain how to access and complete an online questionnaire.

Research staff at the FJC will compile and analyze completed questionnaires, and will provide Judge Lafferty a report, including a statistical summary and a compilation of the comments that are received.  FJC staff will not provide the judge with the identity of the people who responded, if that information becomes known to them. The results are exclusively for Judge Lafferty’s use in improving his performance during the remainder of his term; they will not be provided to anyone other than the judge and they will not be used in the reappointment process.

Judge Lafferty currently serves on the FJC Committee on Bankruptcy Judge Education.  FJC staff who work with the committee are in a different division of the FJC and are not involved in this survey. The results will not be shared with them and will not affect Judge Lafferty’s standing on the committee.

If you do not receive an email from the FJC and want to participate, please contact Beth Wiggins of the FJC by phone at 202-502-4076 or by email at bwiggins@fjc.gov.

If you have questions about the survey or encounter any technical difficulties, please also contact Ms. Wiggins. If you would prefer to complete a paper version of the questionnaire, she can provide you with a copy and instructions for returning it to the FJC.

Fourth Annual Fun Drive

Saturday, July 23, 2016 - Santa Rosa Division

Link: Fourth Annual Fun Drive

New Website Features!

The court is pleased to introduce some new features to our website

These features include:

  1. “Live Chat” which will allow you to interact with the Helpdesk via chat box.
     
  2. A definitions glossary that will be available throughout the website. You can access definitions by hovering over identified key words.
     
  3. Our “Calendars” page is now divided between court calendars and 341 calendars
     
  4. A new “Advanced Search” feature is available on some of the sections of the website.
     
  5. A new format for the Attorneys' ECF manual
     

 

Oakland and San Franciso Courthouse Closures, Friday, July 15, 2016

A Nationwide Day of Rage is scheduled for this afternoon, Friday, July 15, 2016 at Frank Ogawa Plaza/City Hall.  As a precautionary measure, the Oakland Division Clerk's Office and Courtrooms are CLOSED. In addition, there is a potential demonstration scheduled at the Civic Center Plaza therefore the San Francisco Division Clerk's Office and Courtooms at 450 Golden Gate are CLOSED.

 

Federal Holiday - Independence Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

Judge Blumenstiel's Updated Practices and Procedures

Link: Judge Blumenstiel's Updated Practices and Procedures

Bench-Bar Liaison Committee Recruitment

Attachment: PDF icon Bench Bar Application Letter

Order Temporarily Appointing the Honorable Alan Jaroslovsky as Chief Judge

Attachment: PDF icon Order Temporarily Appointing Jaroslovsky Chief Judge

Federal Holiday - Memorial Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, May 30th, in observance of Memorial Day.

Changes to Bankruptcy Local Rules

Effective March 15, 2016.

Changes to Bankruptcy Local Rules 3003-1, 3007-1, 4001-1, 4001-2, 4001-3, 8001-1, 8001-2, 8007-1, 8010-1, 8010-2, 8012-1 and 9033-1



Link: Bankruptcy Local Rules

San Francisco Division and Clerk of Court Relocated to 450 Golden Gate Avenue

In December 2015, the Clerk of Court and the San Francisco Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California relocated to the Phillip Burton Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, California, 94102.

Courtrooms for Judges Blumenstiel and Montali are located on the 16th Floor. Judge Blumenstiel will preside in Courtroom 19; Judge Montali will preside in Courtroom 17. The San Francisco Division’s intake counter is located on the 18th Floor. All telephone and facsimile numbers associated with the San Francisco Division remained the same, as is the post office box.

The Clerk of Court and his administrative staff conducts business on the 5th floor. All telephone and facsimile numbers associated with the office of the Clerk of Court remained the same.

Resolution Advocate Recruitment for the Bankruptcy Dispute Resolution Program

Attachment: PDF icon Information BDRP Resolution Advocate Recruitment.pdf, PDF icon BDRP Resolution Advocate Application Form 2016.pdf

Federal Holiday - Presidents' Day

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed on Monday, February 15th, in observance of Presidents' Day.

Notice of Relocation of San Francisco Division and Clerk of Court

Attachment: PDF icon CANB SF Division and Clerks Office - Notice of Relocation

Training for San Jose Division Implementation of Northern District Chapter 13 Plan

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 and Monday, January 25, 2016

The program will cover the Northern District form plan currently in use in the Oakland and San Francisco Divisions, common fact patterns, strategies for success, and will leave time for questions.



Attachment: File Chapter 13 Plan Training

San Francisco Division Open House -- January 21, 2016, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Please join Judges Hannah L. Blumenstiel and Dennis Montali for an open house on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Judges Blumenstiel and Montali would like to welcome their colleagues on the Bankruptcy and District Court bench, as well as members of the bankruptcy bar, to their new courtrooms and chambers. Beverages and light snacks will be served.

PLEASE NOTE: Given space limitations, we can accept only the first 30 RSVP's. To RSVP, please email Wendy Kan at wendy_kan@canb.uscourts.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2016.

Federal Holiday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 18, 2016

All divisions of the Bankruptcy Court will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

ECF unavailable Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

In accordance with our monthly system maintenance schedule, CM/ECF will be unavailable on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Notice to Bar Regarding Availability of Judge Blumenstiel's Courtroom in December 2015

Attachment: PDF icon HLB Notice December 22 2015

Changes to the Official Bankruptcy Forms

effective December 1, 2015

For information about these national form changes, visit US Courts website.

Video overview of the Changes to the Official Bankruptcy Forms, effective December 1, 2015

Click here for Video

New Year's Eve (December 31) Court Closure at 12 Noon, except the Santa Rosa Division

With the exception of the Santa Rosa Division, Chief Judge Efremsky has authorized the court to close at 12 Noon on December 31, 2015. The Santa Rosa Division will remain open until 4:30 PM to receive filings.

New District Wide Procedures For Electronically Filing Sealed and Redacted Documents

Link: Procedures For Electronically Filing Sealed and Redacted Documents

Federal Holiday - Christmas Day and Half Day Christmas Eve

The Bankruptcy Court will be closed for business on Christmas Day, December 25. In addition, by executive order of President Obama declaring the half day closure on Christmas Eve, and with authorization of Chief Judge Efremsky, the court will be closed at 12 (Noon) on December 24, as well. Happy Holidays.

Changes to Judge Blumenstiel's "Salinas Only" relief from stay calendar

Please take notice that, beginning December 2, 2015,

Judge Blumenstiel will move the time of her "Salinas Only" relief from stay calendar from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 a.m. Also beginning December 2, 2015, Judge Blumenstiel will convene case management conferences or law & motion hearings in Salinas cases at 11:00 a.m. on the dates set forth in Part D of her Open Calendar Dates, which are available here:



Link: Open Calendar Procedure for San Francisco

Northern District Bankruptcy Court Judges' Program

Annual meeting and installation of Officers

Monday, November 30, 2015
Registration, The Omni Hotel: 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Program: 5:00 – 7:00 pm



Attachment: PDF icon BABF seminar with judges

Oakland's Revised Rights and Responsibilities of Chapter 13 Debtors and their Attorneys

Link: Effective for Cases Filed on or after August 1, 2013

CM/ECF will be unavailable on Monday, November 30, 2015

6:00 pm to midnight

CM/ECF will be unavailable on Monday, November 30, 2015 from 6:00 pm to midnight for the installation of system upgrades necessary to accept filings of the revised Official Bankruptcy Forms beginning on December 1, 2015.

A Further Seminar in Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure

“Less than Snidely Whiplash, More than a Wuss; Representing Creditors in Chapter 11”

Link: A Further Seminar in Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure

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