Judge D Sims Crawford Takes the Bench in Birmingham

On September 1, 2016; Chapter 13 Standing Chapter Trustee D. Sims Crawford became United States Bankruptcy Judge D. Sims Crawford. Having earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama and his law degree at Cumberland School of Law, Judge Crawford has been a member of the Alabama Bar since 1995 and brings a wealth of experience to the bench. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Crawford served for twelve (12) years as the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division and for seven (7) years prior to that as the former trustee's staff attorney. He distinguished himself as a Chapter 13 Trustee having recently been elected by his peers from across the country as President of the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (NACTT).

Judge Crawford will serve as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division. This is the same district and division in which he served as Standing Chapter 13 Trustee and is very good news for members of the local bankruptcy bar who know and respect him. He will bring familiarity and continuity to a bench and bar that that has long been known for its amicability and professionalism. I am very confident that this will continue under Judge Crawford's leadership. He also, importantly, comes to the bench from a consumer bankruptcy background. Those of us who represent consumers know that he is familiar with and understands the unique problems which our clients face.

On a personal note, I have known Judge Crawford for over twenty (20) years and could not be happier for or prouder of him. He has worked extremely hard to get where he is while preserving a reputation for being honorable, diligent and reliable. Judge Crawford is well deserving of the judgeship to which he has been appointed and the attorneys at Bond & Botes look forward to practicing before him for many years to come.