A controversial romance between Texas bankruptcy judge David R. Jones and attorney Elizabeth Freeman resulted in significant fallout, including Jones's resignation and a DOJ lawsuit against Freeman's former firm for $23 million in fees from 33 cases. Mediation efforts between Jackson Walker and the US Trustee’s office failed, heading towards trial. The mediation lasted a month, facilitated by retired judge Joan N. Feeney, and followed a strained May hearing that prompted negotiation. Ongoing revelations have characterized the scandal since it emerged in 2023, complicating potential resolutions.
Jones, the (now former) federal bankruptcy judge, somehow didn't recuse himself from cases involving Freeman, the (now former) partner at Jackson Walker. As a result, Jones resigned and the Department of Justice sued Freeman's former firm to try to disgorge up to $23 million in fees it collected in the 33 cases overseen by Jones while he was involved with Freeman.
Jackson Walker insists it acted properly upon learning of the relationship. Now it looks like that case is headed to trial.
Retired Boston bankruptcy judge Joan N. Feeney oversaw the mediation, which began on June 16. The firm and the US Trustee agreed to enter talks after a tense hearing in May in which Moses said she'd lost patience with last-minute court filings.
Since the scandal broke in 2023, it's been nothing but messy allegations and revelations. It would be too simple if the biggest fallout from the scandal settled quietly.
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