Court Connection:

e-Edition

The Court is proud to share the e-edition of the Court Connection.

For readers who prefer to read the newsletter on paper, it can be viewed and printed in its entirety by downloading a full-text PDF version.

Click here for the PDF version.

Local Bar Association Reports and Upcoming Events Click here for more details.

Investiture of Bankruptcy Judge Denise Barnett

By:  Chief Judge Caryl E. Delano

On July 14, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee, Sixth Circuit Judge Bernice Donald (ret.) formally administered the oath of office to United States Bankruptcy Judge Denise Barnett. 

Click here to read more.

Judge McEwen Administers Oath of Admission to The Florida Bar to Recent Law School Graduates

With The Florida Bar exam results release in September came the joyful task of administering the Oath of Admission to new attorneys.

Click here to read more.

Editors:

Bradley M. Saxton, Lauren M. Reynolds, and

Kathleen L. DiSanto

Click here to read.

Fond Farewells

By:  Kathryn Sullivan, Human Resources Administrator

Over the past few months, we have bid fond farewells to some long-time Court family members.

Click here to read more.

Bankruptcy Filings Rise 13 Percent

Total bankruptcy filings rose 13 percent, and business bankruptcies rose nearly 30 percent, in the twelve-month period ending September 30, 2023. This continues a moderate rebound after more than a decade of sharply dropping totals.

Click here to read the full article and for more statistics and information from www.uscourts.gov.

New Law Clerks Join the Court

Click here to learn more about the newest members of our Court family.

The Court Connection is published quarterly.  Please submit items for the next edition by January 12, 2024, to:

newsletter@flmb.uscourts.gov.

Chief Judge's Column

Local Rule 1001-2 Requires

Attorneys to Obtain Original Signatures

Prior to Filing Signed Papers

By:  Chief Judge Caryl E. Delano

Middle District Local Rule 1001-2(g)(2) provides that attorneys may file papers signed by their clients via CM/ECF by including a scanned paper with the client’s signature or by including the client’s name on a signature block (e.g., “/s/ Client’s Name”). Does this mean that attorneys must obtain their clients’ original signatures BEFORE the attorney files signed papers with the Court? YES! May attorneys use digital software (such as DocuSign) in lieu of their clients’ original signatures? NO! And must attorneys retain original signatures for two years after the closing of the case? YES!

Click here to read more.

United States Trustee's Corner

U.S. Trustee Program to Implement Virtual Section 341 Meetings of Creditors Nationwide

By:  Jill Kelso, Orlando Office

Pursuant to its authority under 11 U.S.C. §§ 341(a) and 343, Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 2003, and other authorities, the U.S. Trustee Program (“USTP”) will implement virtual section 341 meetings of creditors (“341 meetings”) via Zoom for all chapter 7, 12, and 13 cases in all USTP jurisdictions.

Click here to read more.

What's New? * Proposed revisions to Chapter 13 Administrative Order, Model Plan, and Order Confirming Plan * Court terminates COVID-related temporary suspension of attorney's obligation to obtain original client signatures. * Amended Order Establishing Presumptively Reasonable Debtor's Attorney's Fees in Tampa and Fort Myers Chapter 13 Cases * Revisions to Local Rules * Revisions to Negative Notice List Click here for all the updates!

Judge McEwen’s

Make Me Smile Column

It’s great to see debtor’s counsel getting fully engaged in the reaffirmation/redemption analysis and negotiation.

Click here to read more.

Tech Tip

Check your Zoom video preview before you join a hearing by Zoom. Otherwise, the participants might see something like this: