Evidentiary Hearing Begins Over Jackson Walker Bankruptcy Settlements

On the 867th day since the U.S. Trustee moved to vacate fees awarded to Jackson Walker in bankruptcy proceedings in 34 cases involving former Houston bankruptcy judge David Jones and a former firm partner, the parties met in federal court in downtown Houston for the start of a three-day hearing.

The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the court will recommend approval of nine settlements the law firm struck with former bankruptcy clients after the U.S. Trustee got involved in the case. The bankruptcy watchdog jumped into the litigation after a once-private romantic relationship between Jones and Elizabeth Freeman was publicly reported, leading to Jones’ resignation from the bench.