Under Bankruptcy Court Local Rule 2090-1(B), an attorney must be a member of the district court’s trial bar to participate either as lead counsel or alone in an adversary proceeding where witnesses will testify.  General bar membership is insufficient.  Beginning January 1, 2024, the bankruptcy court will strictly enforce this requirement.

Requirements for trial bar membership appear in District Court Local Rule 83.11.  The district court’s Local Rules are available on the district court’s web site,  www.ilnd.uscourts.gov, in the drop-down under the heading, “Rules.”  Trial bar FAQs are also available on the site in the drop-down under the heading, “Attorney.”

Attorneys are reminded that they can gain the experience necessary for trial bar membership through the bankruptcy court’s volunteer panel.  Information on the volunteer panel and how to join can be found here: www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/us-bankruptcy-court-volunteer-attorney-panel