Judge Dale L. Somers will step down as Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas on June 15, according to a Mar. 27 announcement. He will continue his service as a Bankruptcy Judge, presiding over cases in Topeka, Kansas City, and Wichita.
Somers has served as Chief Judge since June 1, 2018, after being appointed as a Bankruptcy Judge on September 19, 2003. During his tenure, the court navigated significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its shift to remote hearings, fiscal constraints, a government shutdown, and new bankruptcy laws including Subchapter V.
The announcement highlights Somers’ vision regarding “the essential roles of the Judiciary and the Bankruptcy Courts in the fabric of American government,” which was described as important to fulfilling the mission of the Kansas Bankruptcy Court.
Bankruptcy Judge Mitchell L. Herren is set to assume responsibilities as Chief Judge starting June 15.
