---
title: "David R. Jones | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-r-jones-8974"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# David R. Jones

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas · U.S. Bankruptcy Judge

## Profile

- Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas
- State: Texas
- Role: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
- Service status: former
- 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, S.D. Texas, 2015-present
- He resigned in October 2023 after an ethics scandal involving a long-term romantic relationship with Elizabeth Freeman, a partner at Houston bankruptcy firm Jackson Walker
- Appointed to the court on September 30, 2011, and became the court's chief judge in 2015

### Education

- Duke University in — LL.M. (2018)

### Additional information

- Sanctions and Ethics Training: In August 2024, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Eduardo V. Rodriguez sanctioned Jones for attempting to avoid a deposition by giving an unauthorized “off-the-record” interview with Jackson Walker.
- He resigned from office on November 15, 2023.
- Freeman, who had been a partner at Jackson Walker, regularly appeared before Jones in cases he oversaw.
- The disclosure triggered scrutiny over conflicts of interest, “judge-shopping” practices, and the propriety of cases handled by Jones while Freeman was at Jackson Walker
- Prior to his appointment, Jones was a partner with Porter Hedges, where he worked in the creditors’ rights, bankruptcy and restructuring group.
- High-profile U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Texas, known for presiding over major Chapter 11 cases such as JCPenney, Neiman Marcus, Party City, and Chesapeake Energy.
- The record notes that dOJ Disgorgement Case: The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Jackson Walker to recover up to $23 million in fees from cases overseen by Jones while Freeman was at the firm.

## 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/8974/david-r-jones/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8974/david-r-jones/)
- [U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8974/david-r-jones/)
- [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/8974/david-r-jones/)
- [Judge David S. Jones | Southern District of New York](https://www.nysb.uscourts.gov/content/judge-david-s-jones)
- [David R. Jones (Federal judge) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/David_R._Jones_(Federal_judge))

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