FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                   UST
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994                                      (202) 514-2007
                                                         TDD (202) 514-1888

                       SIMMONS NAMED AS U.S. TRUSTEE
     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Richard W. Simmons, a partner in a 
Houston, Texas, law firm, has been appointed U.S. Trustee by
Attorney General Janet Reno, the Department of Justice announced
today.
     Simmons, who will serve as U.S. Trustee for Region 7 in
Houston, assumed his duties August 8.    
     Simmons earned his law degree from the University of Houston
in 1977.  He has been in private practice for the last 12 years
with Nathan, Wood & Sommers.  Simmons specialized in bankruptcy
matters, representing both debtors and creditors and handling
cases filed under chapters 7, 11 and 13 of the bankruptcy code.
     Simmons, who is active in community affairs, is on the board
of such diverse organizations as the University of Houston Black
Law Alumni Association and Alley Theater.
     The U.S. Trustees oversee the administration of cases filed
under the United States bankruptcy code.
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