The Evolving Bankruptcy Bench: How are the "Units" Faring?

Abstract

Life on the bankruptcy bench has evolved in recent years. This Article examines these changes from the perspective of bankruptcy judges themselves. Randomly selected bankruptcy judges were surveyed on a variety of topics including law clerks, job satisfaction, case management, bankruptcy appellate panel service, prior career, and publication of opinions. This Article compiles and analyzes the results of those surveys, and concludes that, overall, bankruptcy judges are satisfied and appear resilient to the changes and frustrations facing the bench.