(What you need to know before you walk into court—and what actually matters once you’re there)
👩⚖️ Chief Judge Ashely M. Chan
📍 Philadelphia Division
🎓 Background & Career
Chief Judge Ashely M. Chan has served on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since 2014 and also sits by designation in the District of Delaware—one of the most complex bankruptcy venues in the country.
Before taking the bench, she was a shareholder at Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller, where she focused on:
- Commercial litigation
- Bankruptcy and restructuring
- Complex financial disputes
🧠 What That Means Practically
Judge Chan comes from a high-level private practice background, not just academic or government work. She has handled sophisticated matters—and expects the same level of professionalism in her courtroom.
⚖️ Courtroom Style & Priorities
“Procedure is substance.”
Judge Chan runs a courtroom that is:
- Structured
- Efficient
- Procedure-driven
She places strong emphasis on:
- Proper motion practice
- Professional conduct
- Efficiency and clarity
🔑 What She Cares About Most
- Filing things correctly the first time
- Attorneys conferring before bringing disputes
- Not wasting court time
- Clear, concise advocacy
💡 Practitioner Tips (Real World)
✔️ File It Properly—Always
No:
- No cell phones for conferences (land lines only)
- Informal emails
- Letters to chambers (unless invited)
👉 If it matters, it must be filed.
✔️ Confer Before Filing Anything Disputed
If you show up without having spoken to opposing counsel:
👉 That lands poorly.
✔️ Don’t Over-Argue
She appreciates:
- Direct answers
- Focused arguments
- Efficiency
✔️ Be Prepared—Even on Uncontested Matters
“Routine” does not mean: “No preparation required”
⚠️ What Will Hurt You
- Sloppy filings
- Procedural shortcuts
- Overly long arguments
- Lack of preparation
🧠 Insider Take
Judge Chan is extremely fair—but very disciplined. If you are organized and professional, her courtroom is predictable and efficient. If you’re not, it shows immediately.
Read: Judge Chan’s Procedures
👩⚖️ Judge Patricia M. Mayer
📍 Reading & Philadelphia Divisions
🎓 Background & Career
Judge Patricia M. Mayer was appointed in 2020 and brings extensive experience as a consumer bankruptcy practitioner.
Before the bench, she:
- Ran her own bankruptcy practice
- Represented both debtors and creditors
- Was actively involved in:
- Bankruptcy education
- Local rules development
- Professional organizations
She is also recognized for her strong background in trial advocacy.
🧠 What That Means Practically
Judge Mayer has done exactly what most attorneys appearing before her are doing.
She understands the realities of practice—and expects competence.
⚖️ Courtroom Style & Priorities
“Deadlines are real, and preparation matters.”
Her courtroom is:
- Structured
- Organized
- Deadline-driven
She focuses heavily on:
- Timeliness
- Proper procedure
- Efficient docket management
🔑 What She Cares About Most
- Meeting deadlines
- Being fully prepared when called
- Following instructions precisely
- Respecting court procedures
💡 Practitioner Tips (Real World)
✔️ Deadlines Are Non-Negotiable
Especially for:
- Remote appearance requests
- Continuances
- Scheduling
👉 If it says “by 3 PM,” it means it.
✔️ Know the Flow of the Calendar
Her docket moves efficiently.
👉 If you’re not ready when called, it shows.
⚠️ What Will Hurt You
- Missing deadlines
- Disorganization
- Poor preparation
- Last-minute scrambling
🧠 Insider Take
Judge Mayer is one of the most predictable judges in the district—in a good way. If you follow the rules and prepare, everything goes smoothly.
Read: Judge Mayer’s Procedures
👨⚖️ Judge Derek J. Baker
📍 Philadelphia Division
🎓 Background & Career
Judge Derek J. Baker was appointed in 2025 and brings over 25 years of high-level bankruptcy and restructuring experience.
Before the bench, he was a partner at Reed Smith LLP, where he focused on:
- Commercial bankruptcy litigation
- Restructuring and workouts
- Creditor-side enforcement
He has:
- Tried complex cases
- Handled contested hearings
- Led major financial disputes
He is also:
- A Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy
- A former leader of the Eastern District Bankruptcy Conference
🧠 What That Means Practically
Judge Baker is:
A career bankruptcy litigator who has done the job at a very high level
⚖️ Courtroom Style & Priorities
“If you’re here, you’re ready to prove your case.”
His courtroom is:
- Litigation-focused
- Evidence-driven
- Preparation-heavy
🔑 What He Cares About Most
- Evidence
- Proper litigation procedure
- Advance preparation
- Substantive arguments
💡 Practitioner Tips (Real World)
✔️ Treat Every Contested Matter Like a Trial
Even motions:
👉 Be ready with:
- Exhibits
- Witnesses
- Evidence
✔️ File Exhibits and Witness Lists On Time
Typically required before the hearing.
If you don’t:
👉 You’re already behind.
✔️ Don’t Just “Show Up to Argue”
This is not:
“Let me explain my position”
This is:
“Show me your proof”
✔️ Meet and Confer Before Discovery Issues
Skipping this step?
👉 It’s obvious—and not well received.
⚠️ What Will Hurt You
- No exhibits
- No witness preparation
- Weak factual support
- Treating hearings casually
🧠 Insider Take
Judge Baker is a litigator’s judge. If you’re prepared, he’s an excellent forum. If you’re not, it becomes clear very quickly.
Read More: Judge Baker’s Procedures
🧩 Quick Cheat Sheet
| Judge | Style | What Wins | What Fails |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chan | Procedural, efficient | Clean filings, professionalism | Sloppiness |
| Mayer | Structured, deadline-driven | Organization, timeliness | Missed deadlines |
| Baker | Litigation-focused | Evidence, preparation | Showing up unprepared |
🧠 Universal PAEB Rules (Across All Judges)
No matter who you’re in front of:
✔️ 1. Follow Procedure
If it’s not filed properly: 👉 It doesn’t exist
✔️ 2. Be Prepared
- Facts
- Law
- Evidence
✔️ 3. Confer Before Fighting
Judges expect: You tried to resolve it first
✔️ 4. Respect the Court’s Time
- Be ready
- Be concise
- Be efficient
🏁 Final Practitioner Take
The Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court is:
Professional, structured, and preparation-driven.
But each judge brings a different lens:
- Chan → precision and discipline
- Mayer → organization and deadlines
- Baker → litigation and proof
If you understand who you’re in front of, you understand how to succeed.
