In the wake of a controversy embroiling one of its founding members, the popular two-judge panel at the heart of complex Chapter 11 cases in Houston affirmed its future survival. The announcement puts to rest speculation about the panel’s longevity that has been rippling throughout the legal community.
A recent report reveals that Judge Christopher M. Lopez of the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas confirmed the panel’s continuity during a bankruptcy conference in Austin. “We’re going to see this through,” Lopez reportedly said.
The presence of the two-judge panel is particularly essential for Houston, as it manages convoluted Chapter 11 cases. Chapter 11 is a type of bankruptcy that involves the reorganization of a debtor’s business affairs and assets. It is typically used by corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies.
Uncertainty about the panel surfaced after Judge David R. Jones resigned. Jones was instrumental in the inception of the panel and his departure led to concerns about the future of the panel’s role in attracting major cases for the district. Despite these concerns and proposals from academics to disband the panel, the panel will continue its work for the foreseeable future.