---
title: "John T. Dorsey | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-dorsey"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# John T. Dorsey

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware · U.S. Bankruptcy Judge

## Profile

- Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware
- State: Delaware
- Role: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-07-29

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Delaware, 2019-present
- John T. Dorsey held the role of a United States Bankruptcy Judge in the District of Delaware, joining the court in 2019 and serving as Chief Judge from 2024 to 2025
- ICBM Launch Officer, U.S. Air Force
- He also served in the U.S. Army and Air Force and served as Delaware state director for then-Senator Joe Biden

### Education


### Additional information

- John T. Dorsey: Delaware Bankruptcy Judge (2019–2025), Chief Judge (2024–2025), passed away in 2026, former private practice leader, military service, public service with Senator Biden
- Practitioner, Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, 2003–2019
- State Director, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., 2000–2003
- J.D. — Wake Forest Univ. — 1991
- B.A. — State Univ. of New York at Binghamton — 1985
- Military Police Investigator, U.S. Army
- Practitioner, Richards Layton & Finger
- Before his judicial appointment, he had a distinguished career in private practice, including as a partner and General Counsel at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, where he led the restructuring and bankruptcy litigation practice.

## 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](http://www.deb.uscourts.gov/judge-john-t-dorsey)
- [Official roster](http://www.deb.uscourts.gov/judge-john-t-dorsey)
- [U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware current judicial profile](http://www.deb.uscourts.gov/judge-john-t-dorsey)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8735/john-dorsey/)
- [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/8735/john-dorsey/)
- [Official United States court source; CourtListener / Free Law Project judicial profile or roster](http://www.deb.uscourts.gov/judge-john-t-dorsey)
- [BR/MAG Judge Database: John T. Dorsey](https://legaldatalab.law.virginia.edu/brmag-judges/brmag-judges.json)
- [www.deb.uscourts.gov](https://www.deb.uscourts.gov/news/passing-judge-john-t-dorsey)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8735/john-dorsey/)
- [Official United States court source; CourtListener / Free Law Project judicial profile or roster](http://www.deb.uscourts.gov/judge-john-t-dorsey)
- [BR/MAG Judge Database: John T. Dorsey](https://legaldatalab.law.virginia.edu/brmag-judges/brmag-judges.json)

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