Bankruptcy

In re the Cross Dressing Bankruptcy Judge

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As we previously mentioned, Bankruptcy Judge Robert Somma announced his plan to resign from the bench, after he was arrested for DUI (while wearing women’s clothing). We questioned Judge Somma’s decision to step down:

Is this really that big a deal? When you strip away the women’s clothing, colorful but irrelevant details, you’re left with a DWI arrest — which, while not exactly commendable conduct, is something other judges have survived.

And we’re not alone. This message is making the rounds of the bankruptcy bar:

As I am sure most will agree, the news of Judge Somma’s resignation was disheartening. We are hopeful that Judge Somma will reconsider his decision with the support and encouragement of a significant portion of the bankruptcy bar.

Attached is a letter which several of us intend to submit to Chief Judge Boudin of the First Circuit Court of Appeals, with a copy to Judge Somma. If you would like to join us, please advise us at your very earliest convenience, and we will add your name as a “signatory”.

We intend to submit the letter to Chief Judge Boudin by the close of business tomorrow, Thursday, February 28, 2008. In the event that you cannot respond by then, but nonetheless are supportive, please so advise either of us by return email at your earliest convenience, and we will endeavor to supplement the list of supporters as may be appropriate. Otherwise, as no amount of support can be too great, if you wish to send your own personal letter of support, we also encourage you to do so as well.

Please feel free to circulate this email to those who may not be included in our list of email addresses and thank you for your assistance.

You’re welcome!
Alas, it appears the submission deadline has passed (close of business yesterday). But if you’d like to submit your own letter of support, you can use the previously sent letter as a model. Check it out, after the jump.


LETTER TO GARY WENTE RE: RESIGNATION OF JUDGE ROBERT SOMMA
February , 2008
Gary H. Wente
Circuit Executive
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way, Suite 3700
Boston, MA 02210
Re: Resignation of Judge Somma
Dear Mr. Wente:
As members of the bankruptcy bar, we are profoundly dismayed by the announcement of the resignation of Judge Robert Somma. The absence of such a valuable and respected presence on the bench would constitute a substantial loss to the legal community and to the bankruptcy practice in general.
Throughout an exceptional career as a practitioner, Judge Somma demonstrated extraordinary breadth of knowledge of the law, complemented by an unparalleled intellect guiding its application. The foregoing qualities are exceeded only by the courtesy and consideration extended by Judge Somma to all who have appeared in his courtroom. His depth of knowledge and exceptional judicial demeanor are invaluable assets to the bench and bar, and, most importantly, to those seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
As bankruptcy practitioners, we strive to render the highest quality of legal services to the public. Our ability to render such services to the public is enormously enhanced by Judge Somma’s presence on the bench. Judge Somma’s docket is well-administered, his sessions well-managed, and his rulings and decisions well-reasoned. Simply stated, Judge Somma epitomizes the attributes sought and desired in a judge. Recent events do not in any manner diminish Judge Somma’s ability to fulfill his duties and to remain as a highly respected member of the bench with the overwhelming support of the community of bankruptcy practitioners. The Court exercised exceptional judgment in appointing Judge Somma to the Bankruptcy Court, and we hope that the Court will continue in that good judgment by declining the acceptance of Judge Somma’s resignation should Judge Somma be willing to reconsider his decision. Continuing to serve both the public and the legal community in a role uniquely befitting his talents on the bench is not only warranted, but wholly and unquestionably supported by those who care about the quality of our profession.
We sincerely hope that the Court will decline to accept Judge Somma’s resignation and that Judge Somma can quickly return to the bench where his services are needed and appreciated. We are confident that an overwhelming majority of our colleagues will join us in this request, and we are inviting them to do so. In the interests of time, however, we thought it essential that we communicate our views expeditiously. We anticipate supplementing this correspondence in the near future to demonstrate the depth of support for Judge Somma throughout the bankruptcy community.
By copy of this letter, we also request that Judge Somma reconsider his resignation for all of the above-stated reasons.
Very truly yours,
cc: The Honorable Robert Somma
Earlier: A Cross-Dressing Judge Hangs Up His Heels
Male Judge + DWI + Little Black Dress + Fishnets = Judge of the Day

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