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Honorable Theodor C. Albert, Chief Judge

REVISED INTERIM PROCEDURES RE: COVID-19
UPDATED OCTOBER 21, 2021

Judge Albert’s hearings continue to be conducted using ZoomGov audio and video but hearing participants have the option of appearing in person. If a hearing participant wishes to appear in person advance notice will be required. Instructions for a moving party to provide advance notice can be found under the Self-Calendaring section of this page. If a responding party wishes to appear in person, the language “[R]esponding party intends to appear in person” must appear prominently below the hearing information in the caption on the first document filed in response to the motion. If you have a matter pending that is scheduled for hearing and wish to appear in person, you must give notice by calling the Courtroom Deputy at  714-338-5304 no later than one week prior to the hearing. The courtroom will remain locked unless the court receives notice that a participant intends to appear in person. Masks and social distancing will be expected.

Hearing participants and members of the public may view and listen to hearings before Judge Albert using ZoomGov free of charge.  Video and audio connection information for each hearing will be provided on Judge Albert's publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=TA.  For more details on appearing via ZoomGov, please see the “Notice of Video and Telephonic Appearance Procedures” in the Telephonic Instructions section of this page.

THE REQUIREMENT OF LBR 5005-2(d) TO PROVIDE JUDGES COPIES IS SUSPENDED AT THIS TIME. If a pleading is long or heavily dependent on exhibits the court reserves the right to order a Judge’s Copy. Judge’s Copies will be required for trials and evidentiary hearings. The court’s “Trial Procedures Supplemental to Local Rules” can be found in the Instructions/Procedures section of this page. 

Judge Tabs

Address/Contact

United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse
411 West Fourth Street, Suite 5085 / Courtroom 5B
Santa Ana, CA 92701-4593

Chambers
(714) 338-5430

Courtroom Deputy
(714) 338-5304

Court Recorder Contact
(714) 338-5306

Emergency Motion Contacts
(714) 338-5432
(714) 338-5430

 

Self-Calendaring
Self-Calendaring
Instructions/Procedures

Early Meeting of Counsel, Joint Status Conference Instructions for Judge Theodor C. Albert
Emergency Motions Procedures for Judge Theodor C. Albert  
Mandatory Use of L.O.U. For Section 362 Orders   
Notice to Practitioners Re: LBR 7016-1(a)(2)   
Suggestions for Filing Objections to Multiple Claims in Chambers of Judge Theodor C. Albert
Tentative Ruling Procedures for Judge Theodor C. Albert   
Trial Procedures Supplemental to Local Rules

Phone/Video Appearances

NOTICE OF VIDEO AND TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE PROCEDURES FOR
JUDGE THEODOR C. ALBERT’S CASES

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Judge Albert has modified his prior telephonic hearing procedures. Until further notice, all of Judge Albert’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 Albert using ZoomGov free of charge.  Video and audio connection information for each hearing will be provided on Judge Albert's publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/default.aspx?jid=TA and selecting “Judge Albert” 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.
  • ZoomGov 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 February 11, 2021

Printable version of Judge Theodor Albert's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

Tentative Rulings
Tentative Rulings
About the Judge

Appointment(s):

Education:

  • Stanford University, 1971-75, B.A.
  • University of California, Los Angeles School of Law 1975-78, J.D.

Career Record:

  • 1983-1995, Law office of Buchalter, Nemer, Fields & Younger, Newport Beach, California
  • 1995, co-founded law practice Albert, Weiland & Golden, Costa Mesa, California
  • 1978, admitted to California Bar

 Professional Memberships:

  • Orange County Bankruptcy Forum
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • State Bar of California

 Awards:

  • 2000, Peter M. Elliott Award for highest standard of ethics and scholarship
Judge Location: 
Santa Ana