Edward K. Bernatavicius

Professional career

• Bankruptcy Judge, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, 2026-present
• Acted as a Ninth Circuit lawyer representative for the District of Arizona since 2024 United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• held the role of a trial attorney since 2006 in the Office of the U.S. Trustee, Department of Justice in Phoenix
• U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Central District of California, appointed for a 14‐year term on July 6, 2026, and maintains chambers
• His term began July 6, 2026, when Chief Bankruptcy Judge Julia W. Brand administered the oath of office United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• Judge Bernatavicius received an appointment by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California

Education

Additional information

• Received the 2018 Honorable Daniel P. Collins Mentorship Award United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
• Was on the Arizona Bankruptcy American Inn of Court steering committee, founding the inn in 2011 and serving as president from 2014–2016 United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
• representing the U.S. Trustee for the District of Arizona in consumer, commercial, and ethical bankruptcy matters.
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California 3420 Twelfth Street, Suite 385 / Courtroom 304 Riverside, CA 92501-3819 Chambers: (951) 774‐1031
• Hearings are held in person or via ZoomGov; remote video appearances are generally permitted without prior approval, and telephonic appearances require advance registration United States Bankruptcy Court.
• He will continue to serve from Riverside, California, and is recognized for his strong knowledge of bankruptcy law and dedication to public service United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.