Court News

With sadness, the court announces the passing of Judge David E. Russell.  He was 90.  Judge Russell was appointed to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California, in October 1986 and was elevated to Chief Bankruptcy Judge in February 1994.  He retired in December 2000 and was subsequently recalled, sitting until December 2016.  For over 20 years prior to his appointment, Judge Russell was a partner in the law firm of Russell, Jarvis, Estabrook & Dashiell in Sacramento, specializing in business insolvency matters. While his practice was primarily debtor oriented, he also represented creditors and trustees. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley and receiving his law degree from Boalt Hall in 1960, Judge Russell became a Certified Public Accountant before starting the practice of law in 1965.  Judge Russell left an indelible mark on bankruptcy law and the Eastern District of California.  Judge Russell leaves behind his spouse, Sandra, and seven children.  Service arrangements are pending; the court will update this announcement when arrangements are announced.