U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts
12 judges profiled from their own signed orders: how each rules on motions, with the orders quoted. Court-wide standing orders ↓
Elizabeth D. Katz
Bankruptcy judge
Christopher J. Panos
Bankruptcy judge
Janet E. Bostwick
Bankruptcy judge
Paul W. GlennonRetired 1986
Bankruptcy judge
Robert SommaRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Henry J. BoroffRetired 2016
Bankruptcy judge
Joan N. FeeneyRetired 2019
Bankruptcy judge
Thomas W. LawlessRetired 1985
Bankruptcy judge
Melvin S. HoffmanNo longer serving
Bankruptcy judge
William C. HillmanRetired 2015
Bankruptcy judge
Joel B. RosenthalRetired
Bankruptcy judge
Frank J. BaileyNo longer serving
Bankruptcy judge
Standing orders for every case in this court
Orders the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts applies to all of its cases, whichever judge has them, as published on the court's website (checked October 10, 2026). Courts revise these, so confirm the current version before you file. The court's local rules ↗
- Standing Order 2025-01: Order Amending Local Rule 7016-1 Pretrial Procedure ↗
- Electronic Case Filing Administrative Procedures ↗
Filing
When a filing deadline specifies a date but no time, complete ECF entry before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
“entry of the Document into ECF must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern Standard (or Daylight Savings, if applicable) Time in order to be deemed timely filed.”
Filing
Pay applicable filing fees by midnight on the filing date; nonpayment may suspend ECF access.
“Failure to make a complete payment by midnight on the day of filing may result in suspension from ECF until the Registered User pays the filing fee in full.”
Filing
If an electronically filed sworn document uses an imaged or /s/ signature, obtain the paper form with a handwritten signature within 14 days or promptly move to withdraw it.
“The Registered User must promptly file a motion to withdraw any Document if the Registered User does not receive the paper form of the electronically filed Document with a ‘wet signature’ within 14 days of filing the Document.”
Filing
A certificate of service is required for every filing, even when service occurs through the electronic filing notice.
“Whether service of a Document is accomplished by the NEF, by other electronic means, or by mail, a certificate of service is still required for all filings.”
Other
Massachusetts bankruptcy judges may serve as settlement judges, mediators, or other neutrals in cases they are not presiding over.
“Bankruptcy judges for the District of Massachusetts may act as settlement judges, mediators, or other form of neutrals within and outside the District in cases where they are not the presiding judge.”