There’s Reciprocal Fee-Shifting in California When a Contract Has Unilateral Fee-Shifting
In California, bringing litigation with a marginal possibility of success could be a bad bet whenever a contract permits one side to recover attorneys’ fees.
Judge Christopher Klein Writes ‘Cliffs Notes’ on Transferring Venue of Related Cases
In transferring venue of a related case under Rule 1014(b), the bankruptcy court can move sua sponte and need not await a venue motion by a creditor or party in interest.
Owning a Marijuana Business Doesn’t Disqualify the Owner from Being in Chapter 7
Bankruptcy Judge Montali didn’t toss an individual out of chapter 7 just because he owned two LLCs that sold marijuana at retail.
Cursing the Debtor by Itself Isn’t a Violation of the Automatic Stay
A vulgarity directed at the debtor wasn’t a stay violation absent an act designed to collect a debt.
A Dischargeability Complaint Filed Without Investigation Resulted in Sanctions
We focus on ethics two days in a row, given the recent disturbing events in Houston.
Bankruptcy Courts Have Statutory Power to Remove Voided Liens
Bankruptcy Rule 7070, incorporating Federal Rule 70 along with 28 U.S.C. § 1655, gives bankruptcy courts power to remove liens of record when the lenders don’t do so voluntarily.
Bartenwerfer Isn’t at Odds with Husky, According to Bankruptcy Judge Margaret Mann
A transferor’s fraudulent intent isn’t imputed to the transferee to make the transferee’s debt nondischargeable for ‘actual fraud.’
Judge Klein Charts the Path for Discharging Student Loans and Not Being Reversed
Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein provides authority for student loan debtors who win in bankruptcy court but face an appeal aimed at the trial court’s fact-findings.
A Former Marijuana Business Isn’t Grounds for Dismissal, Los Angeles Judge Says
Judge Neil Bason allows a chapter 11 debtor to distribute the proceeds from the sale of a cannabis business.
Like Willful Violations, Technical Stay Violations Are Void, Not Just Voidable
California bankruptcy judge doubts the Ninth Circuit will adopt the BAP’s dicta by holding that technical stay violations are only voidable, not void.