Venue/Jurisdiction

Is a Notice of Removal Filed in Bankruptcy Court Ok? Courts Are Split

Judge in Mississippi remands a suit to state court because the notice of removal was filed with the bankruptcy clerk, not the district court clerk.

Sovereign Immunity Doesn’t Insulate States from Lien Stripping

For three independent reasons, Judge Taddonio rules that states are not immune from stripping down or stripping off tax liens.

Final Orders Allowed in Preference Suits Against Defendants Who Didn’t File Claims

Following dicta in Bellingham, Judge Collins finds no power to enter a final order in a fraudulent transfer suit against a defendant who did not consent.

Courts Divided on Venue for Small-Dollar Avoidance Actions

Judges Pappas and Teel permit avoidance actions for small amounts to be prosecuted in the debtors’ bankruptcy courts.

Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

Benchnotes May 2019

May 2019

Reading Stern Narrowly, Delaware Judge to Issue Final Order in Fraudulent Transfer Suit

Judge Sontchi declines to rule that 28 U.S.C. § 157 is unconstitutional by denominating fraudulent transfer suits as ‘core’ proceedings.

Adversary Proceeding to Enjoin FERC Remains in Bankruptcy Court

District judge won’t withdraw the reference when PG&E rejects power purchase agreements.

Chapter 15 Primer: Learning the Global Chess Game

April 2019

Constitutional Authority of Bankruptcy Judges: The Effects of Stern v. Marshall as Applied by the Courts of Appeals