--- title: "Christopher M. Alston | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christopher-m-alston-8997" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Christopher M. Alston U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington · Judge ## Profile - Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington - State: Washington - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-06-30 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Washington, 2015-present - Judge Alston’s career reflects a combination of academic excellence, extensive legal practice, and judicial leadership in bankruptcy law, making him a prominent figure in the Western District of Washington’s federal judiciary ### Education - A.B. from Princeton University in 1985, specifically from the School of Public and International Affairs, and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1989. ### Additional information - United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington, having been appointed on July 1, 2015 and sworn in on June 30, 2015. - Parties without access to video technology can coordinate with his courtroom deputy for accommodations. - Before joining the bench, Judge Alston practiced law for 26 years at Foster Pepper PLLC in Seattle, where he chaired the firm’s Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy group. - His practice focused on Chapter 11 reorganizations, bankruptcy litigation, and commercial litigation, giving him deep expertise in complex financial and corporate matters. - He currently holds chambers in Seattle, Washington and conducts hearings both in person and via ZoomGov, depending on the case and location, including blended calendars for Port Orchard and Everett matters. - He oversees cases under Chapters 7, 12, and 13, as well as adversary proceedings, and sets the format for evidentiary hearings and trials on a case-by-case basis. - Judge Alston’s court maintains specific procedural rules: all pleadings must be filed in Seattle, and hearings may be conducted in person or via ZoomGov depending on the calendar and case type. - Recognized for his insights into bankruptcy law, including discussions on historic lows in bankruptcy filings, Subchapter V of Chapter 11, mass tort bankruptcy cases, and efforts to diversify the bankruptcy bench. - His academic background provided a foundation for his extensive legal career in bankruptcy and commercial law. - He has contributed to continuing legal education and professional discourse on current issues in bankruptcy law. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### motion form Scope: courtwide Request an order by written motion unless the rules authorize an application or the request is made during a hearing. State the grounds with particularity and specify the requested relief or order. Evidence excerpt: A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set forth the relief or order requested. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### motion notice timing Scope: courtwide Unless a motion may be heard ex parte or another period applies, serve the written motion and hearing notice at least seven days before the hearing. Serve supporting affidavits with the motion. Evidence excerpt: A written motion (other than one that may be heard ex parte) and notice of any hearing must be served at least 7 days before the hearing date, unless the court or these rules set a different period. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### contested matter notice Scope: courtwide In a contested matter not otherwise governed by the bankruptcy rules, request relief by motion and give the opposing party reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. A response is required only if the court orders one. Evidence excerpt: Reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard must be given to the party against whom relief is sought. No response is required unless the court orders otherwise. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### disputed fact testimony Scope: courtwide Present witness testimony on a disputed material factual issue in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding. Evidence excerpt: A witness's testimony on a disputed material factual issue must be taken in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### evidentiary hearing notice Scope: courtwide Use the court's procedure to determine, reasonably before a scheduled hearing, whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify. Evidence excerpt: The court must provide procedures that allow parties-at a reasonable time before a scheduled hearing-to determine whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### evidence rules Scope: courtwide Prepare evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 43, 44, and 44.1, which apply in bankruptcy cases. Evidence excerpt: The Federal Rules of Evidence and Fed. R. Civ. P. 43, 44, and 44.1 apply in a bankruptcy case. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ### oath or affirmation Scope: courtwide A solemn affirmation may substitute when an oath is required. The national rule identifies the bankruptcy judge, clerk, deputy clerk, U.S. trustee, and other authorized officers as persons who may administer it. Evidence excerpt: If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices. [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-30 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8997/christopher-m-alston/) - [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8997/christopher-m-alston/) - [U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8997/christopher-m-alston/) - [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8997/christopher-m-alston/) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christopher-m-alston-8997", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christopher-m-alston-8997", "name": "Christopher M. 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Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule. [Official source](https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.