The Judges of the Court thank the South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association for its invitation to and hospitality during the 23rd Annual Seminar. The seminar is open to member and non-member alike and the Association has done much to promote collegiality and improve practice in our area of the law.

A highlight of the annual meeting, along with superb educational activities and the opportunity to socialize with a great practice group, is the presentation of awards. We briefly acknowledge the contributions of the award recipients and congratulate them on the recognition by their peers.

The William E.S. Robinson Public Service Award was given to G. William McCarthy, Jr. Those nominating Bill reflected on his firm’s dedication to pro bono representation and the fact that Bill and Billy were partners in the practice of law. The nomination also recited many other contributions by Bill and his firm to our practice area.

The J. Bratton Davis Award was presented to R. Geoffrey Levy. This award, in honor of the first bankruptcy judge in our district, is given in recognition of professionalism in the practice of bankruptcy law. The nomination of Geoff noted his involvement in most of the major cases in this district over the past three plus decades and highlighted Geoff’s civility in dealing with even the most contentious of cases.

Finally, Judges Burris and Duncan are pleased to report the special recognition given our fine colleague for his accomplishments during his term as Chief Judge. South Carolina Legal Services recognized Judge John E. Waites for his many contributions in the area of indigent services and the promotion of pro bono efforts by the bankruptcy bar. Our bench is grateful to John for his leadership and his commitment to equal access to justice.

Beginning May 14, 2013 at 12:00 p.m., nominations will be accepted by the NCBJ for up-and-coming bankruptcy attorneys to participate in the Next Generation Program at the 2013 NCBJ Annual Meeting in Atlanta, October 30 - November 2, 2013.  The program will offer events solely for program participants, including a private gathering with bankruptcy judges, a networking reception of peers and a reunion with the prior Next Generation classes. Law firms, government agencies and bankruptcy judges are invited to nominate as program participants attorneys under their supervision who deserve special recognition for their professional accomplishments to date, and who show the potential to distinguish themselves in future years as highly respected members of the bankruptcy bar.  For more information, including eligibility requirements and instructions on how to submit a nomination, please click here.

From Judge Waites:
In connection with the current renovation of the Courthouse, the Historic Columbia Foundation compiled a history of the building which I thought might be of interest to you. The judges and staff of this court are proud to be the present caretakers for such a grand building named in honor of a great man and jurist and hope it will be even better once the present work is completed.

Dear members of the bankruptcy bar, trustees, and staff of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court:

At the end of this month, my seven-year term as Chief Judge of this Court will end, and beginning March 1, 2013, Judge Duncan will assume the responsibilities of Chief Judge.

During the last seven years, the Court has faced many changes, including significant amendments to the Bankruptcy Code which required revisions to our local procedures, the addition of two new judges, and the establishment of new divisional offices in Spartanburg and Charleston, among other things. It has also faced, and will continue to face, unprecedented budget limitations. I believe these challenges have been met while continuing to preserve the collegiality of practice and dedication to public service that was established by my predecessors.

As we begin the transition, I would like to thank the members of the bankruptcy bar and the trustees in this district for their support and advice over the years. I have always found that I could rely on the fairness and professionalism of the bar and trustees in advising me on the best practices and policies for our Court. I would also like to thank the staff of the Bankruptcy Court for their continued hard work and service. Our Court is often complimented on the excellent knowledge and helpfulness of the clerk's staff.

During my tenure, I was especially blessed to work with two excellent Clerks of Court, Tammi Hellwig and Jeff Davis. Their tireless efforts, knowledge, and dedication to this Court and public service could not be surpassed. Thanks must also be given to my law clerks, including my present clerks, Sarah Kistler and Patrick Mohan, who have helped me with many administrative duties while I maintained a full caseload.

I have appreciated the opportunity to lead this Court and look forward to the future.

Sincerely,

John E. Waites