Steven A. Felsenthal
Shareholder
A former U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Steven brings a unique perspective to his legal practice, one informed by decades in both private practice and 18 years on the bench. He also dedicated a decade to federal and state judiciaries, serving in roles focused on judicial administration and dispute resolution.
His practice encompasses financial reorganization, commercial transactions, and complex litigation. He also provides neutral representation as a trustee, examiner, and special master, alongside alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation.
Representative Matters
As U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Texas, 1987-2005, cases presided over included: First RepublicBank Corp.; Zale Jewelry Corp.; National Gypsum Company, Inc.; Asbestos Claims Management Corp.; Southmark Corp.; General Wireless, Inc.; Jayhawk Acceptance Corp.; LJM2 Co-Investment, L.P.; Vartec Telecom, Inc.; Excel Communications, Inc.; Avado Brands, Inc. (Don Pablos Restaurants); Neostar, Inc. (Babbages).
Mediation cases (appointed as mediator by order of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit): Mcorp, Inc.; Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.
-
Dallas Bar Association
-
University of Wisconsin- Madison School of Law, J.D., 1974, Editor, Wisconsin Law Review
Tulane University, B.A., with honors in political science, 1971, Phi Beta Kappa
-
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Texas, 1987-2005; Chief Judge, 2002-2005
Court Compensation Study Committee of the Judicial Resources Committee, 2005
Judicial Resources Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States, 1991-1997
Wisconsin Judicial Council, Reporter, Appellate Rules Committee
With the Judges and Clerk of Court, drafted and implemented initial internal operating procedures, Wisconsin Court of Appeals, 1978
Director, Staff Attorneys Office, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 1984-1987
Chief Staff Attorney, Court of Appeals of Wisconsin, Madison, 1978-1984
Commissioner, Supreme Court of Wisconsin, 1977-1978
Private practice of law, Madison, Wisconsin, 1974-1978
