Judge Brad W. Odell

On October 23, 2025, Judge Odell updated his Judge-Specific Guidelines. Parties are encouraged to review them to assure compliance with same.

Staff Information

Shelby Wimberley, Courtroom Deputy

(806) 472-5006

Judge Tabs

Self Calendaring Procedures

Judge Odell will permit counsel to utilize a self-calendaring procedure for the scheduling of certain matters (see list below). This will allow counsel to self-select available dates and times on the calendar and serve notice without contacting the courtroom deputy for a setting. The court strongly encourages the use of this self-calendaring procedure when appropriate.

The courtroom deputy is available, by e-mail or telephone, to schedule non-self-calendared hearings as needed and to assist first time users. (See below).

If you anticipate that your matter will take more than two hours to hear, please advise the Courtroom Deputy to Judge Odell at bwo_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov or 806-472-5006 of such at least three business days prior to the docket call.

The self-calendaring procedure for cases before Judge Brad W. Odell is as follows:

Proceedings that may be set in accordance with the self-calendaring procedure:

Any motion or pleading with negative notice language that has drawn an objection*
Application for Compensation
Motion for Use of Cash Collateral
Motion for Default Judgment
Motion for Relief from Stay (all hearings are final hearings and all motions must include the notice required by the Attorney Desk Reference)
Motion for Summary Judgment
Motion for More Definite Statement
Motion for Change of Venue
Motion to Remand
Motion to Consolidate
Motion to Vacate Discharge
Motion to Appoint Trustee
Motion to Sell
Motion to Borrow/Incur Debt/Obtain Credit
Motion to Dismiss Chapter 13 Case by Creditor
Discovery Motions in adversary cases
Chapter 11 hearings on disclosure statement
( The notice and opportunity for a hearing procedure may be used for approval of a disclosure statement. 11 U.S.C. 102. The form and requirements are contained in LBR 9007-1. Twenty-five days notice is required. Bankruptcy Rule 2002(b). )

*See Local Bankruptcy Rule 9007-1

The self-calendaring procedure is not available for matters not included on the above list, including the following:
- Adversary trial docket call and trial dates
  The courtroom deputy will select the date and time of the trial docket call before issuing the summons and scheduling order.
- Chapter 11 hearings on confirmation of plan
- Any matter requiring an order shortening time or requesting an expedited hearing
  An application for an order shortening time is required before an expedited hearing will be set.
- Motions to Reconsider
  Motions to Reconsider will be set only after judicial review, if the court deems a hearing is necessary.

Procedure

In order to utilize the self-calendaring procedure, counsel should select and include in the pleading an available date and time as shown on the calendar of available hearing settings. The lists of available dates will be regularly updated and posted on the court's website at www.txnb.uscourts.gov. The date(s) selected must be no earlier than the notice time set by applicable federal and local rules, as this self-calendaring procedure does not alter notice requirements. To view matters already calendared for a specific day on the court's docket, click on the appropriate link.
After selecting an available date and time, counsel shall serve proper notice of the matter in accordance with applicable rules. The setting information must be served the same day it is obtained from the website.
NOTE: If a motion for relief from stay is set by a party in accordance with the self-calendaring procedure more than 30 days after the date the motion is filed, the court deems that the party has waived the 30-day limitation established by 11 U.S.C. Sec. 362(e).
No later than one day after service, counsel shall file all appropriate papers with the court with the hearing date and time on the face of the pleading.
Once a matter is set using the self-calendaring procedure and notice served on interested parties, continuances requested prior to the hearing date may only be granted by motion and court order.
Counsel need not request callbacks from the courtroom deputy to confirm that matters have been placed on the calendar. Counsel desiring this confirmation should review PACER to verify that the hearing information has been docketed. (To sign up for PACER, contact the PACER Service Center at www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov.)
Failure to comply with the foregoing procedures will result in the matter not being placed on the court's calendar.

NOTE: Occasionally there may be instances where self-calendared matters are rescheduled, possibly due to docket congestion or unforeseen schedule changes. In these instances, the courtroom deputy will contact counsel for the movant, as soon as possible, so that a notice of rescheduled hearing may be issued and served.

LUBBOCK DIVISION:

All self-calendared matters for Lubbock are set on the court's regularly scheduled dockets. After Judge Odell calls the docket, he will assign the order of hearings for all matters requiring a hearing. For the court's Chapter 13 dockets, hearings are usually held immediately following the docket call. For all other dockets (matters in Chapter 7, 11, and 12 cases and adversary proceedings), the court reserves the day of the docket call and the following two days for hearings.

TIMES FOR LUBBOCK DOCKETS:

Motions in Chapter 13 cases shall be set @ 11:00 A.M. on the scheduled date.
Motions in Chapter 7, 11 and 12 cases, as well as Adversary Proceedings, shall be set @ 1:30 P.M. on the scheduled date.

DATES FOR LUBBOCK DOCKETS:

July 31, 2025

August 20, 2025

September 24, 2025

October 29, 2025

November 19, 2025

December 17, 2025

January 28, 2026

February 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

April 22, 2026

May 27, 2026

June 24, 2026

July 22, 2026

NOTE: Hearings for the Lubbock Division should be noticed for Room 314, 1205 Texas Avenue, Lubbock, TX. Please refer to the Memorandum dated 09/27/23 regarding guidelines for Video and WebEx hearings. Documents are to be filed in the Lubbock Clerk's office or mailed to U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Room 306, 1205 Texas Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79401.

ABILENE, AMARILLO AND SAN ANGELO DIVISIONS:

All self-calendared matters in the Abilene, Amarillo and San Angelo Divisions shall be set on the court's regularly scheduled video dockets. After the docket, Judge Odell will assign the date and time of hearings for all matters requiring a live hearing before the judge. The court generally reserves the following Monday and Tuesday at the division for the live hearings. To view the actual dates that have been set aside for live hearings, refer to Judge Odell's Gazettes (https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-brad-w-odell).

If a matter requires a live hearing, witnesses are not expected to appear at the video docket. Attorneys must appear and provide an estimate of time needed for hearing. Judge Odell will allow certain matters (15 minutes or less) to be heard by video; such matters will be heard immediately following the docket.

TIMES FOR ALL VIDEO DOCKETS:

Motions in Chapter 13 cases shall be set @ 11:00 A.M. on the scheduled date.
Motions in Chapter 7, 11 and 12 cases, as well as Adversary Proceedings, shall be set @ 1:30 P.M. on the scheduled date.

ABILENE VIDEO DATES:

August 6, 2025

September 3, 2025

October 1, 2025

November 5, 2025

December 3, 2025

January 7, 2026

February 4, 2026

March 3, 2026

April 1, 2026

April 29, 2026

June 3, 2026

July 1, 2026

NOTE: Hearings for the Abilene Division will be held via WebEx; please specify that WebEx attendance information for the docket will be posted on the Court's website (www.txnb.uscourts.gov) under Judge Odell's "Hearing Dates and Calendar" tab prior to the hearing. Documents are to be filed in the Lubbock Clerk's office or mailed to U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Room 306, 1205 Texas Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79401.

AMARILLO VIDEO DATES:

August 13, 2025

September 16, 2025

October 15, 2025

November 12, 2025

December 10, 2025

January 14, 2026

February 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

April 8, 2026

May 13, 2026

June 10, 2026

July 8, 2026

NOTE: Hearings for the Amarillo Division will be held via WebEx; please specify that WebEx attendance information for the docket will be posted on the Court's website (www.txnb.uscourts.gov) under Judge Odell's "Hearing Dates and Calendar" tab prior to the hearing. Documents are to be filed in the Lubbock Clerk's office or mailed to U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Room 306, 1205 Texas Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79401.

SAN ANGELO DATES:

August 7, 2025

September 4, 2025

October 2, 2025

November 6, 2025

December 4, 2025

January 8, 2026

February 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

April 2, 2026

April 30, 2026

June 4, 2026

July 2, 2026

NOTE: All bankruptcy court hearings in the San Angelo Division will be held at the following address: Room 216, 33 East Twohig, San Angelo, Texas. Please refer to the Memorandum dated 09/27/23 regarding guidelines for Video and WebEx hearings. Documents are to be filed in the Lubbock Clerk's office or mailed to U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Room 306, 1205 Texas Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79401.

Gazette

Judge-Specific Guidelines

Attorney/Litigant Conduct, Courtroom Decorum, and Remote Attendance Expectations

Docket Calls and Hearings

Trial Docket Call/Adversaries

Witnesses and Exhibits

Electronic Courtroom Facility/Presentation of Evidence

Young Lawyers in Court Initiative

Oral Rulings

Order Submission

Employment of Professionals

Fee Applications

Scheduling Settings

Local Counsel Requirements

Emergency/Expedited Requests

Resets/Removals from the Docket

Trustee's Final Report

Motions for Default Judgment

Motions for Relief from the Automatic Stay

Removals/Announcements (with regard to lift stay motions)

Transcript Duplication

Motions to Reinstate the Case

Motions to Extend Time to File Schedules, etc.

Motions to Impose or Extend the Automatic Stay

Motions to Modify Mortgage Loan

Chapter 11 Plan and Disclosure Statement

Motions to Reopen to Allow Entry of Certificate of Completion of Financial Management Course

Courtroom Technology

Attorney/Litigant Conduct, Courtroom Decorum, and Remote Attendance Expectations

All counsel and parties, including self-represented (pro se) parties, must read and comply with the following applicable rules and authorities, and, by litigating before Judge Odell, attorneys and pro se parties represent that they have read, and will abide by, such authorities:

Dondi Properties Corp. v. Commerce Savings & Loan Assoc., 121 F.R.D. 284 (N.D. Tex. 1988)
The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
The Local Bankruptcy Rules for the Northern District of Texas
Applicable Rules of Professional Conduct
All General Orders applicable to the proceeding
Judge Odell’s Judge-Specific Guidelines (posted on the court’s website)

Additionally, when appearing in court, counsel are expected to abide by the following guidelines, unless excused by the presiding judge:

Stand when addressing the court
Stand at the lectern when examining witnesses
Stand at the lectern when presenting opening statements and closing arguments
Address evidentiary arguments to the court, not to opposing counsel or to the opposing party
Only one attorney for each party may examine or cross-examine each witness
Request court permission before approaching a witness or the bench
When making evidentiary objections, simply state the legal basis for the objection and withhold further commentary unless elaboration is requested or the court permits further elaboration. “Speaking objections” are frowned upon by the court.
Counsel are expected to show due respect for the formality of the institution of the federal court system by refraining from appearing in casual attire, and counsel are expected to encourage their clients and witnesses similarly.

For hearings/trials that are attended by remote means, counsel are expected to abide by the guidelines set out in paragraphs 4–5 and 7–8 above.

Docket Calls and Hearings

1. Conduct of Hearings.

As set forth below, hearings in the Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, and San Angelo divisions will be conducted either (a) remotely (by video and telephone via the court’s WebEx platform), (b) in-person (before the court in the courtroom), or (c) in a hybrid mode (enabling participants to appear in-person or remotely). The following procedures shall apply in all cases and proceedings, subject to the discretion of Judge Odell or another presiding judge.

The WebEx meeting/dial-in-information for docket calls and hearings will be posted on the court’s website, www.txnb.uscourts.gov, under Judge Odell’s Hearing Dates and Calendar tab prior to each docket call or hearing.

2. Format for Docket Calls in the Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, and San Angelo Divisions.

(a) Lubbock Division: The regularly scheduled dockets for cases in the Lubbock Division will be conducted in person. Attorneys not located in Lubbock may, with the court’s permission, appear remotely by WebEx. NOTE: any hearing coming off of the Lubbock docket call typically commences after the docket has been called. As set forth in paragraph 4, remote attendance is generally not permitted for hearings in contested matters where witness testimony is required.

(b) Amarillo and Abilene Divisions: The regularly scheduled dockets for cases in the Amarillo and Abilene Divisions will be conducted remotely—by WebEx. The WebEx meeting/dial-in-information for docket calls and hearings will be posted on the court’s website, www.txnb.uscourts.gov, under Judge Odell’s Hearing Dates and Calendar tab prior to each docket call or hearing. Hearings coming off of the Amarillo or Abilene dockets will be conducted in person on the dates set aside by the court for in-person hearings in these divisions. The court generally reserves the following Monday and/or Tuesday for in-person hearings. To view the dates set aside for live hearings, refer to Judge Odell’s Gazettes (https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-brad-w-odell).

(c) San Angelo Division: The regularly scheduled dockets for cases in the San Angelo division will be conducted by video with attorneys located in San Angelo and other participants appearing in person in the San Angelo courtroom. Attorneys not located in San Angelo may, with the court’s permission, appear remotely for the San Angelo docket. Hearings coming off of the San Angelo dockets will be conducted in person on the dates set aside by the court for in-person hearings in the division. The court generally reserves the following Tuesday for in-person hearings. To view the dates set aside for live hearings, refer to Judge Odell’s Gazettes (https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-brad-w-odell).

(d) Amarillo, Abilene, and San Angelo Divisions: Twice a year in each division, the court will conduct the monthly docket calls for the Amarillo, Abilene, and San Angelo divisions in person. The dates for these in-person dockets can be found by reviewing Judge

Odell’s Gazettes (https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-brad-w-odell). For these in-person docket calls, local attorneys and other participants are expected to appear in person in the courtroom. Non-local attorneys may, with the court’s permission, appear remotely for the corresponding docket. Note that any hearing coming off of these in-person docket calls will commence after the entire docket has been called. As set forth in paragraph 4, remote attendance is generally not permitted for hearings in contested matters where witness testimony is required.

3. Chapter 13 Trustee Dockets

In the Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, and San Angelo divisions, the Chapter 13 Trustee’s office prepares the Chapter 13 docket and submits a copy to the court prior to the docket call. General dockets are always scheduled through the Chapter 13 Trustee’s office or by self-calendaring. The courtroom deputy only sets matters on this docket when instructed by the judge.

Counsel for the debtor and/or the movant is required to attend the Chapter 13 Trustee Docket, unless the matter will be passed by agreement to the next docket call or an order is entered on the docket resolving the matter prior to the docket call. Counsel that primarily practices in the Lubbock area must appear in person. The court reserves the right to reset any matter called if debtor’s/movant’s counsel fails to appear.

4. Adversary Proceedings and Contested Matters.

Remote attendance is generally not permitted for hearings or trials in adversary proceedings and contested matters (raised by motion in the bankruptcy case) where witness testimony is required. The court may, upon a finding of good cause and compelling circumstances, authorize remote testimony by a witness. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 43. Witnesses authorized to appear remotely must have appropriate technology to assure they can be both seen and heard.

5. Designated Complex Chapter 11 or Chapter 15 Cases.

Under General Order 2023-05, the court concluded there exists good cause and compelling circumstances to justify permitting remote-only hearings in all “First-Day” hearings in Complex Chapter 11 or Chapter 15 cases.

6. Hybrid Hearings.

All other types of hearings not identified above may be conducted in a hybrid mode, where participants will be authorized to participate either in person or remotely; provided that the court may, in its discretion, direct that any hearing be conducted in person.

The court does not guarantee that computer connectivity or telephonic service will not be interrupted during the course of any hearing. If the hearing is being conducted in a hybrid mode, those who elect to participate remotely do so at their own risk, understanding that except in extremely rare circumstances the court will not entertain a request for continuance of the hearing based upon technological failure or any disadvantage experienced on account of an election to attend remotely instead of in person.

7. Protocols for Attendance at Remote Docket Calls or Hearings

(a) Requests to Appear Remotely

Counsel may request to appear remotely by email to the courtroom deputy at the following email address: bwo_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov. The request must be received at least 24 hours in advance of the docket call or hearing. Upon court approval, the courtroom deputy will provide the party with the remote attendance information. Parties may not be added to a hearing once the hearing has commenced.

As set forth above in paragraph 4, the court may authorize remote testimony by a witness pursuant to Rule 43 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

All participants must be in place and connected to the remote hearing at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled hearing time. Parties must remember to state their name and who they represent for the record before speaking.

(b) Recommendations on Technology

Speakerphones may not be used. Parties should speak using a normal telephone handset or headset with a microphone. Please be aware that noise from parties participating by phone or web camera is magnified by the sound system in the courtroom. Paper-shuffling, coughing, and any other noise is very distracting to all parties. If you have a mute feature on your phone or computer, please use it.

(c) Duty of Counsel to Prepare Witnesses Appearing Remotely

It is counsel’s duty to instruct their clients and witnesses on the use of WebEx for any remote hearing. This includes instructing clients on how to mute and unmute their microphones, and turn on and off their cameras. Further, it is counsel’s duty to assure that witnesses have access to all exhibits which may be introduced into evidence during a hearing. This includes both the party’s exhibits and the opposing party’s exhibits.

It is also counsel’s duty to instruct witnesses to show due respect for the formality of the institution of the federal court system by refraining from appearing in casual attire or appearing in locations with significant background noise or distractions.

8. Notice to Members of the Public.

While the Judicial Conference of the United States relaxed its broadcasting policies during the COVID-19 Pandemic due to restrictions placed on in-person attendance at hearings and trials, these policies expired on September 21, 2023, and are no longer in effect. As a result, remote video access to court hearings shall only be available for case participants (parties-in-interest and their professionals) and non-case participants are not permitted to attend any hearing by remote video means. In certain circumstances, non-case participants may be permitted to attend proceedings by remote audio means, but only if no witness testimony is to be provided. The presiding judge may take any action deemed necessary or appropriate to address any unauthorized remote attendance at a hearing or trial. For the avoidance of doubt, members of the public will continue to generally be permitted to attend proceedings in person, in the courtroom.

Trial Docket Call/Adversaries

A list of trial docket call dates is available on the court’s website at https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-brad-w-odell. The judge will schedule trial date(s) at the docket call or by signed court order.

The courtroom deputy schedules the trial docket call, trial week, and issues the Standing Scheduling Order when a complaint is filed. The plaintiff’s attorney shall serve the Standing Scheduling Order on all parties with the summons and complaint. No later than seven calendar days prior to the docket call, the parties must schedule a pre-trial conference to discuss compromise, settlement, and stipulations. Documents are also to be exchanged and marked before the docket call.

Pursuant to the Standing Scheduling Order issued in adversary proceedings:

(i) A proposed pretrial order shall be served and filed seven calendar days prior to docket call;

(ii) Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law shall be filed seven days prior to docket call; and

(iii) A list of witnesses and exhibits, except for those being used for rebuttal or impeachment purposes, shall be filed with the court.

Trial docket calls and trial settings are only reset by a motion to continue or oral motion in court. They will be removed from the court’s docket by the filing of a properly served compromise and/or settlement agreement.

Witnesses and Exhibits

Exhibits, other than rebuttal or impeachment exhibits, for trials and contested matters must be marked and exchanged three calendar days in advance of the hearing. Per L.B.R. 9014-1(c)(2), lists of witnesses and exhibits must be filed and exchanged three calendar days in advance. Except in unusual circumstances, exhibits not exchanged in this manner will not be admitted, nor will testimony be allowed from witnesses who are not on the witness list. It is presumed, however, that the debtor(s) will testify.

Any party intending to introduce exhibits at an evidentiary hearing must file an exhibit list in the case with a true and correct copy of each designated exhibit filed as a separate, individual attachment thereto so that the court and all participants have ready access to all designated exhibits. For any witness who is to be called to testify remotely, the party calling the witness is responsible for supplying the witness with all designated exhibits for the hearing (both the party’s exhibits and opposing party’s exhibits).

Demonstrative aids and Power Points should also be filed prior to the hearing, if possible. If not, parties may share these documents via the courtroom technology or WebEx with everyone in the hearing. If these documents are admitted as exhibits, they must be filed on the docket after the hearing. All rebuttal or impeachment exhibits admitted into evidence that were not previously filed on the docket must be filed on the docket after the hearing or trial.

NOTE: Paper copies of exhibits for the court are not encouraged; however, paper copies may be provided to the witness(es) and opposing counsel at an in-person hearing, if preferred.

Electronic Courtroom Facility/Presentation of Evidence

Evidence may be presented in electronic format in the Lubbock courtroom. There are laptop inputs (via courtroom connection plates) that allow you to display your laptop screen to all monitors in the courtroom. Inputs can be found at the attorney tables and podium. Alternatively, counsel may display evidence via WebEx. Please contact the courtroom deputy for more information.

Young Lawyers in Court Initiative

The Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for junior lawyers to gain experience and training in courtroom skills. Accordingly, it is the policy of this court that, where junior lawyers are familiar with the matter before the court, but are not experienced in arguing in court, they should be encouraged to attend and participate. In such circumstances, where it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue, this court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for a party.

Other opportunities for junior lawyers include attending and participating in first day matters in chapter 11 cases and presenting some of the motions before the court, going over the agenda with the court for cases in which more than one hearing is scheduled, and attending to other uncontested matters. On the latter point, this court does not consider it a waste of judicial time for a junior lawyer to handle, in an efficient manner, an uncontested matter.

In addition to providing opportunities for junior lawyers to gain courtroom experience, Judge Odell recognizes the value of providing law students with the opportunity to observe live court hearings. For this reason, in-person court hearings held in Lubbock may take place at Texas Tech University School of Law. Notice of such venue will be provided to counsel prior to the hearing.

Oral Rulings

The court may issue oral rulings either immediately following a hearing or trial, or on matters under advisement. When issuing an oral ruling, the court reserves the right, without changing its final ruling, to correct the transcript, not only for inaccuracies in transcription, but also to content. To ensure that the oral ruling fully and clearly states the court's rationale for its decision, the court may: (1) add, alter or delete any language in the transcript of the oral ruling; (2) correct grammar or punctuation; and/or (3) add or delete any citations to authority. If the court's edits to the transcript of the oral ruling go beyond the correction of transcription errors, then the document filed by the court will no longer be the transcript at that point. Instead, the Court will docket it as a corrected and modified bench ruling, although the court's holdings on the issues before it will not change.

Order Submission

Orders submitted for the court’s consideration should be uploaded in ECF via E-Orders and must be in compliance with the Proposed Order Specifications included in the ECF Manual. Emergency orders requiring immediate attention should be uploaded and counsel should notify the courtroom deputy by email or telephone at bwo_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov or (806) 472-5006. It is not necessary to notify the courtroom deputy when submitting routine orders that are not time sensitive.

Disagreements over the form of orders should be submitted in writing by email directed to the courtroom deputy with a copy to opposing counsel. Proposed versions of the order in pdf and Microsoft Word should be attached to the email.

Orders concerning motions that can be considered without a hearing or notice of opportunity for hearing (such as motions to extend time to file schedules and statements, motions to extend deadline to object to discharge, and motions to dismiss case by debtor in Chapter 13 cases) should be uploaded in ECF when the motion is filed.

Orders concerning motions that include negative notice language should be uploaded after the objection period expires, provided no objections have been filed. Take care to observe Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9006(f) by adding three additional days if service was by mail. Do not include findings of fact in the default order; recite only the service of the motion, the fact that no response was filed, and that the allegations are deemed admitted.

Orders concerning motions that require a hearing should be uploaded after the court has conducted the hearing and issued a ruling.

Please allow 7–10 business days for the entry of routine orders. Inquiries regarding the status of an order should be directed to the courtroom deputy.

Employment of Professionals

Applications to employ a bankruptcy estate professional must comply with all applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and Rules. An application to employ bankruptcy estate professionals does not require negative notice language. If the application is filed prior to the expiration of 21 days after the petition date, applicants should upload a proposed order granting the application after the time required by Bankruptcy Rule 6003 passes. If the application is filed at least 21 days after the petition date, applicants may include a proposed order granting the application at the time of filing.

Fee Applications

General Order 2023-04 shall govern hearings on fee applications in Chapter 13 cases.

Hearings on fee applications in Chapter 7, 11, or 12 cases may be self-calendared.

Fee applications in Chapter 7 cases may be submitted with the trustee’s final report, but the applicant must inform the court in the title of the pleading. If a fee application is submitted with the trustee’s final report, a hearing will be set if an objection is filed or the court orders otherwise.

A fee application hearing is required: (1) if the application does not include negative-notice language, or (2) when an objection is filed.

Scheduling Settings

Most settings are scheduled with at least 21 days’ notice. Disclosure statements and chapter 11 plans are set with not less than 28 days’ notice. Claim objections and trustee’s final account hearings are set with 30 days’ notice. If service is made by mail, see also Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9006(f).

Most settings may be self-calendared. The court strongly encourages self-calendaring for motions. A notice of hearing must be filed and served for a setting to appear on the court’s calendar. Please review Judge Odell's self-calendaring procedures and obtain available hearing dates, times, and locations online at: https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-brad-w-odell.

Settings that do not comply with self-calendaring guidelines may be obtained by emailing the courtroom deputy at: bwo_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov.

Local Counsel Requirements

Attorneys engaged as local counsel must comply with the requirements of N.D. Tex. L.B.R 2090-4. Local counsel is not required to, but may, appear for a hearing at which lead counsel will appear and present their client’s position.

Emergency/Expedited Requests

Please notify the courtroom deputy at bwo_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov when filing an emergency motion or motion for expedited hearing.

Resets/Removals from the Docket

After hearings have been noticed, continuances may only be granted by court order upon motion. A party shall either file a written motion or, with the opposing side present or in agreement, present an oral motion. The motion shall establish cause for the continuance. The movant shall confer with the opposing party and advise the court if the motion is contested. A written motion shall not exceed two pages in length. The court may decide the motion by minute entry or by separate written order. The court appreciates a courtesy call or email to the courtroom deputy regarding the desired continuances, but the continuances themselves must be by court order.

For settlements and agreements, matters will not be removed from the docket unless an agreed order has been uploaded and signed by the court. Otherwise, the parties shall appear at the scheduled docket call to place the agreement on the record.

A notice or motion of withdrawal will not remove a matter from the court’s docket unless it includes consent by opposing counsel or no response in opposition is filed. Otherwise, movant’s counsel shall appear at the docket call to announce the withdrawal.

Trustee’s Final Report

No hearing is required for the trustee’s final report unless an objection is filed or the court orders a hearing. Notice is served by the clerk’s office. After the objection period runs, if there are no objections, proposed orders should be uploaded for judicial review. If an objection is filed, it will be set for hearing.

Motions for Default Judgment

Motions for default judgment always require a hearing and will be set prior to the trial docket call if possible.

Motions for Relief from the Automatic Stay

1. If the parties reach an agreement prior to the filing of a motion for relief from stay, an agreed motion may be filed and an agreed proposed order may be uploaded in ECF. Do not include negative notice language, objection deadlines, or set a hearing on agreed motions. The filing fee is waived on agreed motions.

(i) In Chapter 7, 12, 11 (Subchapter V), and 13 cases, the motion and order must be approved by the debtor’s attorney, the movant’s attorney, and the case trustee (the trustee or attorney may authorize another attorney to sign the motion and order on their behalf).

(ii) In Chapter 11 cases, the motion and order must be approved by the debtor’s attorney, the movant’s attorney, and the U. S. Trustee. The movant’s attorney must notice the settlement pursuant to Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4001(d).

2. The procedures and time limits for relief from the automatic stay are contained in L.B.R. 4001-1. Take care to send notice to the parties specified in subpart (a) of that rule.

3. If proper notice is contained in the motion and no timely answer is filed, a default may be entered without a hearing. If a timely answer is filed, a final hearing will be held on the date, time, and at the place specified in the motion or on the date, time, and place of the next regularly scheduled docket call. Judge Odell does not conduct preliminary hearings on motions for relief from stay.

4. Prior to filing a motion for relief from the automatic stay, the movant’s attorney should obtain a hearing date, time, and location in the division where the case is pending. This is available on the court’s website under the “Judges” tab or at https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-brad-w-odell

5. The movant’s attorney shall file and serve the motion and a separate notice of hearing the same day the hearing date is obtained from the website. The hearing will not be calendared until the notice of hearing is filed. This will be a final hearing; there will be no preliminary hearings unless requested by a party. Because of the court’s schedule, it may not be possible to hold a hearing within 30 days of the filing of the motion. Attorneys who need a preliminary hearing within that 30-day time should ask the courtroom deputy for such a hearing.

6. The motion must contain information that a default may be entered if a timely answer is not filed and give the date, time, and place of the hearing if a timely answer is filed using the following language:

No hearing will be conducted hereon unless a written response is electronically filed or submitted to the Clerk of the United States Bankruptcy Court at 1205 Texas Avenue, Suite 306, Lubbock, Texas 79401 before the close of business fourteen days from the service of this motion. If service is by mail, three additional days are allowed pursuant to Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9006(f).

Any response must be in writing, electronically filed or submitted to the clerk, and a copy served upon counsel for the moving party within the time described above. If no response is timely filed, the relief requested shall be deemed unopposed and the court may enter an order granting the relief sought.

If a response is filed, a final hearing on the motion will be held on [insert the date and time for the hearing] in [insert the room number, street address, city and state of the place of the hearing]. The response must contain the information required by N.D. Tex. L.B.R. 4001-1(b)

7. The certificate of service to the motion must show compliance with L.B.R. 2002-1(g) and L.B.R. 4001-1(a). Identify the name, address, and relationship to the case of each party served.

Removals/Announcements (with regard to lift stay motions)

Judge Odell does not permit announcements via CM/ECF.

Transcript Duplication

To request a transcript or audio of a proceeding/hearing, parties may submit the transcript and audio request form (BTXN191) via ECF. A completed request form must be docketed in ECF using the Request for transcript and Request for audio file events in ECF. A copy of the order form will be automatically forwarded to the appropriate office’s transcript email address.

Motions to Reinstate the Case

Typically, Judge Odell permits these motions to be filed with negative notice language within the required timeframe.

Motions to Extend Time to File Schedules, etc.

Please make sure that the proposed order contains a date certain for the extension.

Motions to Impose or Extend the Automatic Stay

See N.D. Tex. L.B.R. 4001-1(f), 9007-1(h). If the required hearing date does not fall within a regularly scheduled docket date, please contact the courtroom deputy at bwo_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov or 806-472-5006 for assistance.

Motions to Modify Mortgage Loan

See Clerk’s Notice 14-05 at the following address: https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/content/14-05-amended-notice-regarding-procedures-obtaining-approval-mortgage-loan-modifications

Chapter 11 Plan and Disclosure Statement

See L.B.R. 3016-1 through L.B.R. 3022-1 at the following address: http://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/court-info/local-rules-and-orders/local-rules

If an amended plan or amended disclosure statement is filed, please also file a redline version that identifies all changes to the originally filed plan and/or disclosure statement.

Motions to Reopen to Allow Entry of Certificate of Completion of Financial Management Course

When submitting a proposed order on this motion, please use form BTXN196. For chapter 7 cases, the form is located here: Chapter 7 Form. For chapter 13 cases, the form is located here: Chapter 13 Form.

Courtroom Technology

Hearing impaired headsets are available in each courtroom. These headsets are tied into the courtroom’s audio system.

United States Bankruptcy Court

Northern District of Texas

Stacey G. C. Jernigan, Chief Judge | Stephen J. Manz, Clerk of Court

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Judge Brad W. Odell

Staff Information

Judge Tabs

Attorney/Litigant Conduct, Courtroom Decorum, and Remote Attendance Expectations

Docket Calls and Hearings

Trial Docket Call/Adversaries

Witnesses and Exhibits

Electronic Courtroom Facility/Presentation of Evidence

Young Lawyers in Court Initiative

Oral Rulings

Order Submission

Employment of Professionals

Fee Applications

Scheduling Settings

Local Counsel Requirements

Emergency/Expedited Requests

Resets/Removals from the Docket

Trustee’s Final Report

Motions for Default Judgment

Motions for Relief from the Automatic Stay

Removals/Announcements (with regard to lift stay motions)

Transcript Duplication

Motions to Reinstate the Case

Motions to Extend Time to File Schedules, etc.

Motions to Impose or Extend the Automatic Stay

Motions to Modify Mortgage Loan

Chapter 11 Plan and Disclosure Statement

Motions to Reopen to Allow Entry of Certificate of Completion of Financial Management Course

Courtroom Technology