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 printed in its entirety by downloading a full-text PDF version.

Click here for the PDF version.

News from around the District Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association News Orlando Family Court Day Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals Association News Judge McEwen Swears-In New Attorneys

What's New? Click here for the latest news.   -  District Court Enters General Order Regarding Bankruptcy Appeals -  Amendments to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Forms Effective December 1, 2024

Local Bar Association Upcoming Events   Click here for details.

Edited by:  Bradley M. Saxton, Lauren M. Reynolds, and Kathleen L. DiSanto

Click here to get all the updates.

Bankruptcy Filings in the Middle District Increased Over 28% in 2024. Click here for the latest.

from Judge McEwen

Click here to read about someone who went the extra mile.

Please submit items for inclusion in the next edition to newsletter@flmb.uscourts.gov.

Court Bids Farewell to Clerk Sheryl Loesch... ...And Welcomes New Clerk José Rodriguez By:  Hon. Caryl E. Delano, Chief Judge

The Middle District’s Clerk of Court, Sheryl Loesch, retired on December 31, 2024, after serving in the clerk’s offices of the United States Courts for over 35 years. On January 1, 2025, I had the honor of administering the oath of office to the Middle District’s new Clerk of Court, José A. Rodriquez.

Click here for photos and to read more about Sheryl and José.

Help Me Help You A Few Practice Pointers from One of Your Friendly Orlando Bankruptcy Judges By:  Hon. Grace E. Robson Click here to read practice pointers from Judge Robson.

Haiku from the Zoom Waiting Room

By:  Hon. Catherine Peek McEwen

Our bankruptcy court adopted “new” remote-hearing Zoom scheduling procedures in January 2024, more than a year ago. Not so new anymore, right? Why is it, then, that lawyers still do not follow the procedures?

Click here to read more about what you need to know about procedures for remote hearings.

Volunteers Needed for Virtual Pro Se Clinic

The Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Pro Se Clinic provides pro se litigants with the opportunity to schedule an appointment for a free thirty-minute virtual consultation. During 2024, the Clinic hosted 671 virtual consultations, consisting of 317 in Orlando, 207 in Tampa, 127 in Jacksonville, and 37 in Fort Myers. The Clinic hopes to help many more people in 2025.

Click here to read more and find out how you can help!

And click here for a list of District's 2024 pro bono accomplishments, click here.

History Corner     Jacksonville Interns Present Biographies of Middle District Judges' Oral Histories   The History of the Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of Florida Part I

Our Court serves the public by processing and deciding bankruptcy cases with fairness, impartiality, and excellence, while treating everyone with dignity, integrity, and respect.