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Honorable Robert N. Kwan

Honorable Robert N. Kwan
REVISED INTERIM PROCEDURES RE: COVID-19
EFFECTIVE JUNE 27, 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, and until further notice by the Court, or as otherwise ordered by the Court, appearances for matters heard by Judge Kwan in Courtroom 1675 may be made in-person, by video through Zoom for Government (ZoomGov), or by telephone through ZoomGov. If appearing through ZoomGov, hearing participants and other parties in interest may connect to the video and audio feeds, free of charge, using the connection information provided in the court’s posted calendar. Judge Kwan's publicly posted hearing calendar, may be viewed online at: https://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=RK.

As a hearing participant, you are free to choose any of these options, except that evidentiary hearings/trials must be in person in the courtroom (unless otherwise ordered). You do not need to call Chambers for advance approval or notice.

If you choose to appear in person, you must comply with all applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding the wearing of face coverings and physical distancing inside and outside of the courtroom. Pursuant to the Court’s General Order 21-05, where an in-person matter is held in a courtroom, all participants are to observe all safety protocols posted and announced in the courtroom, and Judge Kwan as the presiding judge will determine the protocols in effect in his assigned courtroom consistent with guidance from the CDC. By order of Judge Kwan, all persons that choose to appear in person must wear a face covering or mask covering their nose and mouth, and must observe physical distancing inside and outside of the courtroom. However, with permission of Judge Kwan, a witness testifying on the witness stand may remove his or her face covering while testifying in order for the court and the parties to observe the witness’s demeanor. You should not enter the courthouse when feeling unwell, if you have tested positive for COVID-19, or if you fall within the quarantine recommendations after having come into close contract with someone who has COVID-19. 

Judge Tabs

Address/Contact

United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Courthouse
255 E. Temple Street, Suite 1682 / Courtroom 1675
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chambers
(213) 894-2775

Courtroom Deputy
(213) 894-3385

Court Recorder Contact
(213) 894-7189

Emergency Motion Contacts
(213) 894-2578
(213) 894-2775

 

Self-Calendaring
Self-Calendaring
Forms

Order on Motion for Protective Order Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 107(c) and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9037 to Restrict Access to Filed Documents Containing Personal Data Identifiers

Instructions/Procedures

Judicial Variance Statement
Tentative Ruling Procedures   
Trial Procedures

Phone/Video Appearances

NOTICE OF VIDEO AND TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE PROCEDURES FOR
JUDGE ROBERT N. KWAN’S CASES 

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Judge Kwan has modified his prior telephonic hearing procedures. Until further notice, all of Judge Kwan’s hearings will be conducted using ZoomGov audio and video.

Hearing participants and members of the public may view and listen to hearings before Judge Kwan using ZoomGov free of charge. Video and audio connection information for each hearing will be provided on Judge Kwan's publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=RK and selecting “Judge Kwan” from the tab on the left side of the page.

Individuals may appear by ZoomGov video and audio using a personal computer (equipped with camera, microphone and speaker), or a handheld mobile device (such as an iPhone). Individuals may participate by ZoomGov audio only using a telephone (standard telephone charges may apply). Neither a Zoom nor a ZoomGov account are necessary to participate and no pre-registration is required.  The audio portion of each hearing will be recorded electronically by the Court and constitute its official record.

Tips for a Successful ZoomGov Court Experience

  1. Test the video and audio capabilities of your computer or mobile device in advance of the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance).
  • You can do this by clicking on the ZoomGov meeting link posting for the hearing and/or check your video and audio using the ZoomGov app.
  1. If you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.
  2. If you are connecting to the hearing using a wireless device, you should situate yourself in a location with a strong wireless signal.
  3. Dial in or connect early so that you have time to check in and make adjustments to your screen name, etc. before the hearing begins. This becomes very difficult if everyone waits until the last minute to dial in.
  4. Unless and until it is your turn to speak, please mute your audio to minimize background noise. Consider keeping your video off until your matter is called.
  • If connected to ZoomGov audio by telephone, you can mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on your phone.
  1. When you first speak—and each time you speak after someone else has spoken—please say your name. This may seem awkward but is essential to making a good court record. The only part of the hearing being recorded is the audio. If a transcript is requested, it is sometimes difficult for the transcriber to know who is speaking. 
  2. If you are participating by video, try to avoid having a window or bright background behind you. (You may, as a result, appear on video as a shadow.) If you cannot avoid the bright background, try using a desk lamp or other light source to brighten your face. 
  3. If you are participating by video using a personal computer, you may separately connect to the audio feed by telephone (for improved audio) using the call-in information provided for the hearing.
  • If you do this, please connect to the video feed first. In the ZoomGov app, you will be assigned a Participant Code. Use this code to associate your video and audio feeds.
  1. If available, a headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking.
  2. Participants and members of the public should at all times remember that although conducted remotely, these hearings are official court proceedings, and individuals should act accordingly.
  • If video is enabled, please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.
  • oomGov permits the use of virtual backgrounds to safeguard your privacy. If you choose to use a virtual background, please avoid backgrounds that are offensive or distracting.
  1. ZoomGov video participants are permitted to specify a display name. If using video, please specify your calendar number, first initial and last name, and client name (ex. 5, R. Smith, ABC Corp.) to assist the Court in creating a record of the proceedings.

Revised 02/24/2021

Printable version of Judge Kwan's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

Tentative Rulings
Tentative Rulings
About the Judge

Appointment(s):

 Education:

  • Yale College, B.A., 1975
  • Hastings College of the Law, University of California, J.D., 1979
  • Georgetown University Law Center, LL.M (Taxation), 1985

 Career Record:

  • 1989-2007: Assistant United States Attorney, Deputy Chief, Tax Division, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California
  • 1987-1989: Associate, Law Offices of Wellington Y. Kwan
  • 1983-1987: Trial Attorney, Tax Division, U.S. Department of Justice
  • 1979-1983, Trial Attorney, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice
  • Admitted to the California Bar, 1979, and District of Columbia Bar, 1981

    
Professional Memberships:

  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Financial Lawyers Conference
  • Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum
  • Orange County Bankruptcy Forum
  • National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges
Judge Location: 
Los Angeles