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Honorable Victoria S. Kaufman

Judge Tabs

Address/Contact

United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
21041 Burbank Boulevard, Suite 354 / Courtroom 301
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Chambers
(818) 587-2823

Courtroom Deputy
(818) 587-2850

Court Recorder Contact
(818) 587-2850

Emergency Motion Contacts
(818) 587-2826
(818) 587-2823

 

Self-Calendaring
Self-Calendaring
Instructions/Procedures

Assistance with Finding a Lawyer

Electronic Devices in the Courtroom
Judicial Variance Statement
Procedures for Auction Sales 
Serving Judge’s Copies of Documents for Cases Assigned to Judge Victoria S. Kaufman
Status Conference Instructions        
Tentative Ruling Procedures for Judge Victoria S. Kaufman     

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Calendar

Chapter 13 hearings -  The following procedures will be in effect beginning January 7, 2022. All parties and attorneys may appear via ZoomGov for the Chapter 13 confirmation calendar by using the instructions on the judge’s court webpage. The chapter 13 trustee and her counsel will not be in the courtroom with the judge.  No in-person check-in will be required because it is expected that parties will communicate by email before the hearing. 

All efforts will be made to reduce the need for any appearance via ZoomGov, but counsel and clients will need to provide the usual requirements electronically well in advance of the hearing date to make this happen. Before the hearing, the debtor must email the chapter 13 trustee proof of any plan payments that are due by the time of the hearing, file all mortgage declarations and provide required documents to the trustee. All these items should be sent when due but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled hearing. If the case is ready for confirmation and all objections resolved, the chapter 13 trustee may inform the judge that the plan is confirmed on consent. Any plans not being confirmed may be continued without appearance if the chapter 13 trustee consents and creditors who have filed objections inform the chapter 13 trustee of their consent. 

Any party may choose to keep a matter on calendar if there is no agreement for the chapter 13 trustee to represent the status of the case. The chapter 13 trustee may also keep any matter on calendar and seek a dismissal rather than a continuance if the debtor has not provided required payments or documents, but counsel may also argue the matter via ZoomGov. The miscellaneous calendar will also be conducted via ZoomGov for all parties. 

With prior Court authorization, individuals also may appear in person.  Tentative rulings, orders setting trial or other scheduling orders will indicate whether an in-person appearance is mandatory, e.g., for an evidentiary hearing.  To obtain authorization to appear in person, individuals must contact chambers, at least 48 hours prior to the hearing, at (818) 587-2823.

Anyone appearing in court must wear a mask or a clear face shield and practice social distancing.  Any individual appearing in court is responsible for bringing their own face mask

Phone/Video Appearances

NOTICE RE AUDIO AND VIDEO APPEARANCE PROCEDURES
FOR JUDGE VICTORIA S. KAUFMAN’S CASES

 

Effective October 2, 2023, Judge Kaufman will resume in-person hearings.  However, parties in interest (and their counsel) may continue to participate in most hearings remotely using ZoomGov audio and video.  

ZoomGov connection information for each hearing is provided on Judge Kaufman’s publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at:  http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=VK

Unless otherwise ordered by Judge Kaufman, no party or witness may appear remotely for any trial or evidentiary hearing.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS MAY ONLY CONNECT TO THE ZOOM AUDIO FEED, AND ONLY BY TELEPHONE.  ACCESS TO THE VIDEO FEED BY THESE INDIVIDUALS IS PROHIBITED.  IN THE CASE OF A TRIAL OR EVIDENTIARY HEARING, NO AUDIO ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED.  HOWEVER, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS MAY OBSERVE SUCH PROCEEDINGS IN PERSON.

A ZoomGov account is not necessary for remote access, and no pre-registration is required.  Remote access through ZoomGov is free of charge. The audio portion of each hearing will be recorded electronically by the Court and constitute its official record.  

ALL PERSONS (OTHER THAN AUTHORIZED COURT STAFF) ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM MAKING ANY AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, BY ANY MEANS.  VIOLATION OF THIS PROHIBITION MAY RESULT IN THE IMPOSITION OF MONETARY AND NON-MONETARY SANCTIONS.

Remote access is a privilege.  Judge Kaufman reserves the right to suspend or discontinue any party's remote access privileges in her discretion.  Further, although Judge Kaufman is pleased to make this accommodation available, any party or counsel that elects to appear remotely bears the risk of malfunction or disconnection from the hearing.

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).  
    1. 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.
  2. If you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.
  3. If you are connecting to the hearing using a wireless device, you should situate yourself in a location with a strong wireless signal.
  4. Unless and until it is your turn to speak, please mute your audio to minimize background noise.  
    1. If connected to ZoomGov audio by telephone, you can mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on your phone.

  5. 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.  

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

    1. 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.

  8. If available, a headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking.

  9. 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.

    1.  If video is enabled, please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.

    2. 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.

  10. ZoomGov video participants are permitted to specify a display name. If using video, please specify your complete name to assist the Court in creating a record of the proceedings.

Revised: September 2023

Printable version of Judge Kaufman's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

Tentative Rulings
Tentative Rulings
Chambers Employment
JUDGE VICTORIA S. KAUFMAN
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY DIVISION
 
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN CHAMBERS
 
TERM LAW CLERK
  • Next Term of Employment: Starting September 3, 2024 (two-year term)
  • Applications Now Being Accepted
EXTERNS
  • Currently accepting applications for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. 

EXTERNS

Qualifications: Applicants should have an excellent academic record, demonstrate exceptional research and writing skills, and have a strong work ethic. Priority will be given to students who have a demonstrated interest in bankruptcy practice - such as registration in, or completion of, a bankruptcy, restructuring or debtor/creditor class in law school; experience in the bankruptcy field; or in a practice area related to the bankruptcy field.  
 
General Job Description: Primary responsibilities for externs include legal research and writing on a broad range of issues. Externs will be provided with the opportunity to observe hearings and trials. In addition to working on core bankruptcy concepts, externs may assist with matters dealing with secured transactions, real property law, family law, evidence and federal practice and procedure. Knowledge of bankruptcy and commercial law are helpful, but there are no prerequisites. Externships will be part-time (at least 20 hours) during the school year and full­ time, four days per week, during the summer.
 
Applications: Please send a letter of interest with resume, law school transcript, writing sample and reference letters to: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Attn: Lindsay Kyser, Law Clerk to the Honorable Victoria S. Kaufman, 21041 Burbank Boulevard, Suite 354/Courtroom 301, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.
 
TERM LAW CLERK
 
Qualifications: The applicant must be a law school graduate. Substantial research and writing experience is required. Applicants preferably are in the top 25% of their class if the school ranks. Law journal experience is a plus. Candidate's coursework should reflect a foundation for practicing bankruptcy and corporate restructuring.
 
General Job Description: Law clerk duties include the following: conducting legal research, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, editing and proofreading the judge's orders and opinions, verifying citations, consulting with the Judge and members of staff on legal matters affecting the administration of bankruptcy laws, overseeing externs, administrative duties (including, but not limited to, answering phone calls made to chambers, setting up the Judge's bench, organizing events and calendaring) and other duties as prescribed by the Judge.
 

Information for Applicants: Employees of the United States Bankruptcy Court serve on an “AT WILL” basis and are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct.

  • Preference will be given to applicants who have externed in the Bankruptcy Court of the Central District of California and who have a demonstrated interest in bankruptcy law.
  • Due to the volume of applications received, communication will only be with those individuals who will be invited to interview for the position.
  • Interviewees are subject to a full National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check and FBI fingerprint analysis 
  • The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement without prior notice.
  • The United States Bankruptcy Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • Applicant must be either a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen eligible for employment by the federal judiciary.
Applications: Please include a cover letter, résumé, law school transcript and writing sample(s).  Candidates may apply for this position by U.S. mail or email at the following addresses:
 
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Attn: Angela Jones, Law Clerk to the Honorable Victoria S. Kaufman
21041 Burbank Boulevard, Suite 354/Courtroom 301
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
About the Judge

Appointment(s):

Education:

  • Bryn Mawr College, B.A., 1986, magna cum laude
  • Harvard Law School, J.D., 1989

Career Record:

  • 2004-2006: Of Counsel, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
  • 1996-1997; 1999-2004: Of Counsel, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro LLP
  • 1994-1996: Counsel, McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen LLP
  • 1991-1994: Associate, Levene & Eisenberg P.C.
  • 1989-1991: Associate, Latham & Watkins LLP
  • Admitted to the California Bar, 1989

Professional Memberships:

  • State Bar of California
  • National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges
Judge Location: 
San Fernando Valley