United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Louisiana
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana operates as a unit of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana within the Fifth Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases filed in the western portion of Louisiana, including cases arising under Titles 11 of the United States Code.
The Western District of Louisiana covers a broad geographic area spanning the western and central portions of the state, including cities such as Shreveport, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Lake Charles. The district serves a diverse population encompassing urban, suburban, and rural communities across numerous parishes.
The court handles the full range of bankruptcy matters, including Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 11 reorganizations, Chapter 12 family farmer and fisherman cases, and Chapter 13 individual repayment plans. Cases are administered across multiple divisions corresponding to the district's geographic divisions.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Western District of Louisiana. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Divisions
Shreveport Division (Shreveport), Alexandria Division (Alexandria), Lafayette Division (Lafayette), Lake Charles Division (Lake Charles)
Caseload
The court processes a substantial volume of consumer bankruptcy filings, particularly Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, reflecting the economic conditions across the Western District. The district also handles commercial Chapter 11 reorganizations tied to industries prominent in the region, including oil and gas.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in order to appear before the bankruptcy court. Admission requires membership in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association.
Clerk's Office
300 Fannin Street, Suite 2201, Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 676-4267
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.
General Rules 34
Attorney Rules 1
| Rule | Title |
|---|---|
| 2090-1 | ATTORNEYS- ADMISSION TO PRACTICE |