Ethics Review Prompts Top US Bankruptcy Judge to Recuse from Major Cases

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones, who oversees numerous major Chapter 11 cases, has announced that he is facing an ethics review due to a previously undisclosed romantic relationship and will be stepping down from handling large cases. Jones revealed that he has been in a long-term relationship with bankruptcy attorney Elizabeth Freeman, who had previously worked as his law clerk. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is investigating the matter, and all of Jones' bankruptcy cases involving large companies will be assigned to other judges during the investigation. Chief 5th U.S. Circuit Judge Priscilla Richman has filed a misconduct complaint against Jones, alleging violations of codes of conduct. Legal ethics experts have criticized Jones for not disclosing the relationship or recusing himself from cases involving Freeman's law firm.