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Judges' Corner Archive

Tue, 2/19/2013 - 4:00 am

The Judges and Clerk are presently undertaking a review of the rules and procedures of this Court. Included in that discussion is consideration of an increase in the Chapter 13 no look fee and procedures associated therewith.


Comments regarding the Chapter 13 fee and procedures may be directed to the Chapter 13 Committee (formerly known as the Interest Rate Committee) or the Local Rules Advisory Committee. Other suggestions regarding rules or general procedures can always be made to the Local Rules Advisory Committee.


The membership is listed below.


Advisory Committee on Rules and Practice:Lex A. Rogerson, Jr.
Daniel J. Reynolds, Jr.
Marilyn Elaine Ligon Gartley
William Harold Short
Janet Broome Haigler
Elisabetta G. Gasparini


Chapter 13 Committee:
Daniel A. Stone
Jane Harris Downey
Colleen O'Herlihy Brunson
Brandon Keith Poston
Lydia Ann Eloff

Mon, 2/04/2013 - 4:00 am

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

Thu, 1/31/2013 - 4:00 am

The Judges, Clerk and staff of the United States Bankruptcy Court wish to recognize and congratulate Clarkson McDow, the United States Trustee for Region Four upon his retirement today for his outstanding service and contribution to the bankruptcy system in the District of South Carolina and the Fourth Circuit.


Clarkson, who was first appointed in June 1994, has been one of the nation's longest serving and most respected United States Trustees. His thoughtful demeanor and reasonable approach to bankruptcy issues is appreciated throughout the bankruptcy community. We in South Carolina are especially proud of Clarkson and his service.


We wish Clarkson the very best in his retirement.

Fri, 1/11/2013 - 4:00 am

Judge Duncan's fax line has been restored and documents faxed to his chambers should be faxed to 803-253-3996.

Fri, 1/04/2013 - 4:00 am

The United States District Court is in the process of confirming that all attorneys listed as members of the District of South Carolina Bar are both active with the South Carolina Bar and registered as Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”) Filing Users with the District Court. Practice before the Bankruptcy Court, other than with pro hac vice admission, is restricted to members of the District Court Bar. Bankruptcy Court practitioners should ensure compliance with District Court attorney admission requirements by meeting the requirements of the December 14, 2012 order concerning Removing From District Bar or Transferring to Inactive Status Certain Attorneys. A copy of the order can be viewed by clicking here.

Wed, 1/02/2013 - 4:00 am

Until further notice, documents faxed to Judge Duncan's Chambers should be faxed to 803-253-3710.

Wed, 12/19/2012 - 4:00 am

The Judges, Clerk and staff of the United States Bankruptcy Court wish to recognize and congratulate Assistant United States Trustee Joe Buzhardt for his outstanding service and contribution to the bankruptcy system in the District of South Carolina. We wish him the best in his retirement.

Mon, 12/03/2012 - 4:00 am

Chief Judge Waites invites the members of the Charleston Bankruptcy Bar to meet with him and his law clerks on Thursday, December 13, 2012 to discuss practice and procedure in his cases. Suggestions for discussion may be submitted to the judge on or before 5:00 p.m. on December 11, 2012 by e-mail to Sarah_Kistler@scb.uscourts.gov. The bar meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Charleston courtroom.


In addition, paralegals and other support staff for the Charleston Bar are invited to meet with the Acting Clerk of Court, Judge Waites' law clerks, and the Clerk's courtroom services and case administration staff who work on Judge Waites' cases to discuss best practices and other topics of interest. Please submit any suggestions for topics to Sarah Kistler at the above address by the same deadline. The paralegal meeting will be held Thursday, December 13, 2012, at 2:00 p.m in the Charleston courtroom.


The Court's staff looks forward to meeting many of you in person and having an opportunity to receive input from you and offer guidance for your practice.

Mon, 11/26/2012 - 4:00 am

In consultation with the Local Rules Committee, the Judges post for comment technical and clarifying amendments to Exhibit A of SC LBR 3015-1 and Exhibits A, B, C, and D of SC LBR 4003-2. Comments regarding the proposed changes should be made to Jeff_Davis@scb.uscourts.gov on or before December 10, 2012.

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 4:00 am

In addition to the legal holidays of Thursday, November 22, 2012; Tuesday, December 25, 2012; and Tuesday, January 1, 2013; the Court will follow the same schedule being observed by the District Court and will be closed on Friday, November 23, 2012; Monday, December 24, 2012; Wednesday, December 26, 2012 and Monday, December 31, 2012.

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