DISTINGUISHED BANKRUPTCY JUDGE TO RETIRE FROM SOUTHERN DISTRICT BENCH
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York announces that Judge Cecelia G. Morris has declared her intention to retire on January 31, 2024.
Judge Morris presided over numerous high-profile cases, including Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, Fairfield Sentry, Johns Manville, Barneys, Desigual, Dynegy, FKF 3, Saint Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers, Saint Francis Health Care Foundation, New York Military Academy, Salander-O’Reilly Galleries, and Anthracite. She also mediated significant issues in Adelphia, Delphi, SunEdison, Lyondell, Avaya, and Lehr Construction.
Judge Morris's pioneering spirit revolutionized the federal court system when she introduced technology that enabled parties to file court documents over the internet electronically. She was pivotal in drafting, developing, and implementing a comprehensive electronic case management and filing system, including electronic notice provisions addressing service issues and ethical implications. Furthermore, she testified before Congress, and in addition, served on the Judicial Conference of the United States Committee on Information Technology, appointed by Chief Justice Roberts, for six years.
Judge Morris became Chief Judge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, where she revitalized the Local Rules, established a free legal clinic for pro se litigants, and crafted a comprehensible form Chapter 13 plan. Under her leadership, the court seamlessly transitioned to remote services during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuity of judicial hearings without interruption.
Until her retirement date, Judge Morris will continue to preside over the cases. Click here for the complete announcement of Judge Morris’ retirement.