Author Archives: Matthew Carpenter

San Antonio Division Attorney Pro Bono Requirements

In accordance with Part IV of the Standing Order Establishing A+, A, and B Panels for Civil Appointments in the San Antonio Division and Supplementing Amended Plan for Reimbursement of Counsel (W.D. Tex. Apr. 1, 2021), all attorneys in private practice admitted in the San Antonio Division will be placed on one of three panels for pro bono appointment in civil cases. As indicated by the Order, placement depends on each attorney’s experience, expertise, and interest in handling pro bono matters. This page allows you Continue reading →

In Memoriam – Judge Philip R. Martinez

In Memoriam Judge Philip R. Martinez July 13, 1957 – February 26, 2021 The Western District of Texas is mourning the loss of our esteemed colleague District Judge Phil R. Martinez who passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021.  Judge Martinez was a native El Pasoan and received his education at the University of Texas at El Paso and Harvard Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate.  He served as a judge on the El Paso County Court at Law #1 from 1991- 1994, Continue reading →

NOTICE OF VACANCY UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY JUDGE – SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a 14-year appointment as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Texas at San Antonio.  The position will require regular overnight travel to other divisions within the Western District of Texas. The selection process will be confidential and competitive.  The current annual salary is $201,112.  Only those persons with a law degree whose character, experience, ability, and impartiality qualify them to serve in the Judicial Continue reading →

Modified Filing Procedures for Highly Sensitive Documents

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has provided notice of an apparent compromise of the confidentiality of the CM/ECF system and called upon courts to implement new security procedures to protect highly sensitive documents (HSDs).  We have no confirmation of direct impact to the Western District of Texas specifically at this time.  The Court has implemented procedures for submitting HSD’s the court: Order Regarding Procedures for the Filing, Service and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents – Filed on 1/13/21.

Change in Attorney Access to Presentence Reports

Affecting San Antonio, Midland, Pecos, and Alpine This announcement is for all attorneys practicing criminal law in The Western District of Texas, specifically the San Antonio, Midland, and Pecos Divisions. Beginning January 18, 2021, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of Texas will modify the method used to disclose Pre-Sentence Reports, Addendums, and Violation Reports. You will no longer receive a notification (NEF) from CM/ECF but will instead receive an email directly from the U.S. Probation Services Office for the Western District of Continue reading →

Order Confirming and Extending Merit Selection Panel – Austin Division

The court has entered an Order confirming and extending a Merit Selection Panel in the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas. The Merit Selection Panel will assist the judges of the court in the selection and appointment of a new U.S. Magistrate Judge to replace U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew W. Austin upon his retirement. Order Confirming and Extending Merit Selection Panel

Special Order Concerning Admission of Attorneys

Chief Judge Orlando L. Garcia has signed the Special Order Concerning Admission of Attorneys which extends the period of time for which the 2021 Federal Court Practice course may be used when applicants are applying to the bar of this court. The entire course must be completed no later than May 28, 2023 in order to fulfill the educational requirements for admission set forth in W.D. Tex. L.R. AT-1(b)(2). Please review the order for additional details.