United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York is one of the most prominent and active bankruptcy courts in the country, handling a disproportionately large share of major corporate reorganizations and complex Chapter 11 cases. The district covers Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, and Sullivan counties. The court sits within the Second Circuit and operates under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Because of New York's status as a global financial center, the court regularly presides over some of the largest and most complex bankruptcy proceedings in the world, including cases involving major financial institutions, media companies, and multinational corporations. The court has a dedicated courthouse in lower Manhattan, with an additional location in White Plains serving the northern counties of the district.
The court is governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as well as its own local rules, and it has developed a well-documented body of case law that influences bankruptcy practice nationally. Practitioners appearing before this court are expected to be familiar with both the local rules and the court's standing orders.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Southern District of New York. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Divisions
Manhattan (New York City), White Plains
Caseload
The Southern District of New York Bankruptcy Court handles a significant volume of large corporate Chapter 11 reorganizations, including many of the most high-profile cases in the nation, as well as a substantial number of individual consumer bankruptcy filings. It is widely regarded as a preferred venue for complex, assets-intensive restructurings.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to appear in the bankruptcy court. Pro hac vice admission is available for attorneys not admitted in the district under the court's local rules.
Clerk's Office
One Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004
(212) 668-2870
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.