--- title: "Wendy A. Kinsella | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wendy-a-kinsella" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Wendy A. Kinsella U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York · U.S. Bankruptcy Judge ## Profile - Court: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York - State: New York - Role: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-29 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - The Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of New York, appointed in 2021 and serving as Chief Judge since March 6, 2023 - Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, N.D. New York, 2021-present ### Education - magna cum laude — Ithaca College - cum laude — Syracuse University ### Additional information - Appointed March 6, 2023, pursuant to 28 U.S.C.. 154(b) (Chief Judge). - In an interview, Judge Kinsella emphasized professionalism, competence, and civility as essential for attorneys before her. - Before joining the judiciary, Judge Kinsella was a partner and leader of the Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy, and Creditors’ Rights practice group at Harris Beach PLLC. ## 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.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) - [Official roster](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) - [U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York current judicial profile](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14474/wendy-a-kinsella/) - [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/14474/wendy-a-kinsella/) - [Official United States court source; CourtListener / Free Law Project judicial profile or roster](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wendy-a-kinsella", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wendy-a-kinsella", "name": "Wendy A. Kinsella | KnowJudges", "description": "Wendy A. Kinsella, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York. Source-linked judicial identity, courtroom procedures, and presentation guidance.", "dateModified": "2026-10-07", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/#website" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wendy-a-kinsella#judge" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wendy-a-kinsella#judge", "name": "Wendy A. Kinsella", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wendy-a-kinsella", "jobTitle": "U.S. Bankruptcy Judge", "worksFor": { "@type": "GovernmentOrganization", "name": "U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella", "https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14474/wendy-a-kinsella/" ], "alumniOf": [ { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Ithaca College" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Syracuse University" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "KnowJudges", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "New York", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/state/new-york" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Wendy A. Kinsella", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wendy-a-kinsella" } ] } ] } ``` ## Published courtroom rules ### Judge and named-part rules #### Conferences and appearances NYNBCRDWAK@nynb.uscourts.gov Judge Tabs Appearances Appearances before Chief Judge Kinsella in all cases and adversary proceedings Trials and Evidentiary Hearings will be conducted in-person. Chief Judge Kinsella - Syracuse Division Hearings will be held at James M. Hanley U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, New York, and advise recipients that appearances may be made in-person at the courthouse OR by video via Teams, for which pre-registration is required by 3:00 PM one business day before the hearing. Go to https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/Remote-Hearing-Appearances to register. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances Chief Judge Kinsella - Utica Division (St. Lawrence, Franklin, Lewis, Madison, Chenango, Broome, Delaware, Otsego, Fulton, and Montgomery counties only) Hearings will be held at Alexander Pirnie U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 10 Broad Street, Utica, New York, and advise recipients that appearances may be made in-person at the courthouse OR by video via Teams, for which pre-registration is required by 3:00 PM one business day before the hearing. Go to https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/Remote-Hearing-Appearances to register. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances The courtroom is open to the public including media, who may attend any hearing in person. The Judicial Conference of the United States has approved a change to its broadcast policy that expands the public's access to bankruptcy proceedings. The revised policy permits judges presiding over bankruptcy cases to provide the public, including members of the media, with remote audio-only access to proceedings that do not involve witness testimony. More information on the Judicial Conference's revised policy can be found on the US Courts website . See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances Unless otherwise ordered, any member of the public, including members of the media, wishing to obtain audio-only remote access to proceedings that do not involve witness testimony must register by 3:00 PM one business day before the hearing. To register from the Interactive Public Calendar (link is external) see written and video instructions below. A link to join the hearing will be sent to registered public attendees. Each attendee should register separately. Registered public attendees are not permitted to share the link they receive. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances Procedures for Appearances/Hearings before Judge Kinsella Instructions for Video and Audio Only (Media and Public) Appearances/Hearings via Teams Video Tutorial - Registering for a Video Appearance via Teams Joining a Video Appearance via Teams See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Courtroom conduct and technology All persons are strictly prohibited from making any recording of court proceedings, whether by video, audio, "screenshot," or otherwise. Violation of this prohibition may result in the imposition of monetary and non-monetary sanctions. The Clerk of the Court maintains an audio recording of all proceedings, which constitutes the official record. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Adjournments NYNBCRDWAK@nynb.uscourts.gov Adjournments An adjournment request shall be made by electronically filing not later than 2:00 p.m. the day prior to the hearing one of the following forms: Adjournment Request / Withdrawal / Settlement Notification for Motion Related Matters form Adjournment Request / Withdrawal / Settlement Notification for Confirmation Hearings form Please be advised that after a third request for an adjournment, you may receive a request from Chambers for additional information, along with a disposition of your request. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Communications with chambers Chambers Copies A paper chambers copy is required and must be clearly marked as “ECF CASE – CHAMBERS COPY” for the following items. Notice of motion, motion, application and certificate of service; Chapter 7 final meeting notice; See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Motion practice Motions Motions for summary judgment require the filer to contact the Courtroom Deputy (315-295-1653) to ensure the date returnable is correct. Hearing Dates See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Motion practice October 2026 through March 2027 November 2026 through March 2027 ( Utica Division - St. Lawrence, Franklin, Lewis, Madison, Chenango, Broome, Delaware, Otsego, Fulton, and Montgomery counties only ) Parties may appear in-person at the perspective Courthouse or by video for motion and confirmation hearings in all chapters. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances the hearing will be held at James M. Hanley U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, New York, and advise recipients that appearances may be made in-person at the courthouse OR: by video via Teams, for which pre-registration is required by 3:00 PM one business day before the hearing. Go to https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/Remote-Hearing-Appearances to register. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances Parties may appear in-person at the Alexander Pirnie U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 10 Broad Street, Utica, New York OR: by video via Teams, for which pre-registration is required by 3:00 PM one business day before the hearing. Go to https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/Remote-Hearing-Appearances to register. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/judge/chief-judge-wendy-kinsella) · Source page web_or_saved_capture · Collected 2026-10-27 ### Shared court rules - [Northern District of New York — Local Bankruptcy Rules](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/ny-shared-set-117bb1a3a7ffcb6ffaba) — NDNY Bankruptcy Court proceedings only; chapter-specific limits remain applicable. [Official source](https://www.nynb.uscourts.gov/sites/nynb/files/LBR_GenOrders/Local%20Bankruptcy%20Rules_Effective%2012-01-2024%20Final.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27. - [Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, December 1, 2025](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-52c9ad7e083212c057b747c7) — Bankruptcy proceedings only; chapter-specific limits apply. 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.