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Private Trustees

The USTP appoints and supervises private trustees who administer bankruptcy estates under chapters 7 and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Under the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019, the USTP also maintains pools of private trustees who are appointed on a case-by-case basis as chapter 11 subchapter V trustees, charged with facilitating the development of a consensual plan of reorganization by qualifying small business debtors and, in cases where the debtor is removed as the debtor-in-possession, with operating the debtor’s business and performing case administration duties.

Private trustees are not government employees; however, they do work in concert with the USTP to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the bankruptcy system. As such, appointments are made consistent with federal Equal Opportunity policies, which prohibit discrimination in employment. A successful applicant will be required to undergo a background check and must qualify to be bonded.

Chapter 7 Panel Trustee

The United States Trustee accepts resumes from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to the panel of trustees who administer cases filed under chapter 7 of title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The appointment is for cases filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the locations noted in the vacancy listing. Chapter 7 trustees receive compensation and reimbursement for expenses, in each case in which they serve, pursuant to court order under 11 U.S.C. § 326 and § 330. The minimum qualifications for appointment as a panel trustee are set forth in 28 C.F.R. § 58.3. Applicants must possess strong administrative, financial, and interpersonal skills. Fiduciary and bankruptcy experience is desirable but not mandatory.

Vacancies

There are currently no vacancies open.

Chapter 13 Standing Trustee

The United States Trustee accepts resumes from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as a standing trustee to administer cases filed under chapter 13 of title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The appointment is for cases filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the district(s) noted in the vacancy listing. Standing trustees receive compensation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 586(e)(1)(A). The minimum qualifications for appointment as a standing trustee are set forth in 28 C.F.R. § 58.4. Applicants must possess strong administrative, financial, and interpersonal skills. Management, fiduciary, and bankruptcy experience is desirable but not mandatory.

Vacancies

Chapter 11 Subchapter V Trustee

The United States Trustee accepts resumes from persons wishing to be considered for inclusion in a pool of trustees who may be appointed on an individual basis to administer bankruptcy cases filed under the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (Subchapter V), which amended chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Subchapter V trustees receive compensation and reimbursement for expenses in each case in which they serve pursuant to court order under section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code.

To be eligible for inclusion in the Subchapter V trustee pool, an applicant must possess strong administrative, financial, and interpersonal skills. Fiduciary and bankruptcy experience is desirable but not mandatory. Those with business, managerial, consulting, mediation, and operational experience are encouraged to apply.   

Vacancies

  • Region 17, Bakersfield, Fresno and Sacramento
    Due Date: April 25, 2025
    Location: Eastern District of California, Bakersfield, Fresno and Sacramento Divisions
    Forward resumes to: USTP.Region17TrusteeApplicants@usdoj.gov
Updated April 24, 2025