Honorable Stephen L. Johnson, Chief Judge • Edward Emmons, Clerk of Court
News and Announcements
Effective January 1, 2023, the Northern District of California |
The Honorable Charles Novack, Chief Judge Emeritus, to Retire on May 15, 2026
The Bankruptcy Judges of the Northern District of California announce the pending retirement of Chief Judge Emeritus Charles Novack. He will leave the court on May 15, 2026. The court expresses its sincere gratitude to Judge Novack for sixteen years of faithful service, including his significant contributions to the education of the bankruptcy bar of this district.
Effective April 15, 2026, Judge Novack will cease receiving new case assignments. Cases filed on or after April 15, 2026, in the Oakland, Santa Rosa and San Francisco Divisions will be assigned to Judges Dennis Montali, William J. Lafferty, and Hannah L. Blumenstiel.
Effective May 15, 2026, the Court will issue an order reassigning cases pending before Judge Novack to other judges of the district.
Three Bankruptcy Judgeship Opportunities
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invites applications from highly qualified candidates for three (3) Bankruptcy Judgeships for the Northern District of California. The official duty stations for these positions are one in San Francisco, California, and two in San Jose, California. Please visit the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals website for more information.
New San Francisco and Santa Rosa Calendar Procedures and Sample Order re Confirmation Hearing
Revised Subchapter V Chapter 11 Form Plan
The District's Subchapter V Chapter 11 Plan has been revised and is now available on the District's SBRA Procedure page. Use of the revised Form Plan is strongly encouraged. Previous versions are obsolete.
