Heller Bankruptcy Judge Offers Grammar Tips, Suggests Legal Fees Slowdown

A federal judge overseeing the Heller Ehrman bankruptcy case offers not only legal and technical suggestions but grammar and typo tips in a seven-page letter to lawyers (PDF) about a draft joint liquidation plan that will be discussed in a November hearing.

Judge Dennis Montali also asks for a schedule of expected legal fees and indicates that the current $5 million per year may not be sustainable, according to the Recorder. The case is being heard in the Northern District of California.

Offering such details in advance of a hearing, so lawyers can come into court with a plan, is "one of the great things" that the judge does, bankruptcy partner Ron Oliner of Duane Morris tells the legal publication. He is not involved in the case.