*Please be advised that Judge Kaplan conducts many of his hearings via Zoom. Please see instructions and Zoom link below and contact Chambers before making an in-person appearance.*
| |
| --- |
| ## Zoom Link for Judge Kaplan's Remote Hearings<br>*generally, not to be used for hearings in larger Ch. 11 cases*<br>**Please note, the morning Chapter 13 Calendar is conducted via Court-Solutions (see below for more information regarding Court-Solutions)** |
Del Monte Foods Corporation II, Inc., et al. (25-16984) CASE INFORMATION
The hearing on the Motion to Stay pending Appeal ( ECF No. 1602) will be heard remotely onTuesday, June 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Parties who wish to present remote argument and who have not yet registered for panelist status may do so by emailing Chambers (chambers_of_mbk@njb.uscourts.gov) indicating the name of the person appearing, their email address, their affiliation, and whom they represent/interest in this case. If the request is approved, the participant will receive appropriate credentials and further instruction. Telephonic information for observation purposes can be found on Judge Kaplan's page on the Courts website:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
+1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose)
+1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)
+1 551 285 1373 US (New Jersey)
Webinar ID: 165 898 9999
Passcode: 976749
International numbers available: https://njb-uscourts.zoomgov.com/u/adtaYN3ztV
Or an H.323/SIP room system:
H.323: 166.108.98.42 (US West) or 166.108.66.42 (US East)
Meeting ID: 165 898 9999
Passcode: 976749
SIP: 1658989999@sip.zoomgov.com
Passcode: 976749
| |
| --- |
| United Site Services, Inc. (25-23630) Case Information and Protocols |
| New Rite Aid, LLC - Case Information and Protocols (Operative Case is Lakehurst and Broadway Corporation, 25-14831) |
| Powin, LLC (25-16137) Case Information and Protocols |
| ## BlockFi Inc. Case Information and Protocols |
| |
| --- |
| Rite Aid (23-18993) Case Information and Protocols |
United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of New Jersey
Staff Information
Wendy Quiles | Courtroom Deputy - 609-858-9397
Rebecca A. Earl | Career Law Clerk
Travis Graga | Law Clerk
Shefali Kotta | Law Clerk
Linda Brakel | Court Recorder
402 East State Street
Trenton, N.J. 08608
Courtroom #8
Chambers e-mail: chambers_of_mbk@njb.uscourts.gov
Chambers phone number: (609) 858-9360
Judge Tabs
Communication
Judge Kaplan's staff may be contacted by telephone, email, or regular mail. Communication by fax is not permitted except with consent of Judge Kaplan. For emergent applications, parties should notify Chambers by email or by telephone. Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 5071-1 regarding adjournment requests which are to be made no later than three business days prior to the hearing. All requests for adjournment should be submitted on local form "Adjournment Request" and directed to the Chambers email box, except adjournment requests in Chapter 13 cases which must be submitted to the Chapter 13 Trustee. Please consult the Chapter 13 Trustee’s website for information regarding adjournment requests of chapter 13 matters. Requests for extension of time should be directed to the Chambers email. Per D.N.J. LBR 9013-4, proposed forms of order along with proof of service are to be submitted to Judge Kaplan's Chambers e-mail address.
APPEARANCES:
Hearing Recording Prohibited: Any recording of a court proceeding held in-person, by video, teleconference or Zoom, including "screen-shots" or other audio or visual copying of a hearing, is prohibited. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court.
In-Person Appearances: Most of Judge Kaplan's hearings are conducted virtually via Zoom. Therefore, parties are directed to contact the Court prior to making an in-person appearance. In-person appearances may be required under certain circumstances - either upon request of the parties or at the direction of the Court. Please consult the District Court’s website for up-to-date information regarding Courthouse admission: https://www.njd.uscourts.gov/covid-19-orders-procedures-and-changes. In any event, parties are instructed to communicate with their adversary and the Court regarding whether they intend to appear in person or remotely. Ideally, the Court would like all interested parties to appear via the same method (i.e., everyone appears in person, or everyone participates remotely).
Telephonic appearances:Please be advised that Judge Kaplan's regular Thursday motion calendar (addressing Chapter 7 & 11 matters) is conducted via Zoom via the link above. Court-Solutions is not utilized for these matters. Parties wishing to participate telephonically only (i.e. without video) can dial in using the Zoom dial in information (see below).
The Court’s general calendar for chapter 13 matters (held at 9:00am and 10:00am) will continue to be conducted telephonically via Court-Solutions (see below). ( PLEASE NOTE that afternoon holdover matters (generally held at 2:00pm), will be conducted remotely via Zoom. See further instructions and Zoom link below). Prior consent is not necessary but parties are directed to contact their adversary to coordinate the type of participation (i.e. telephonic or in-person). All requests for telephonic appearances before Chief Judge Kaplan shall be arranged through CourtSolutions, http://www.Court-Solutions.com, no later than 3:00 p.m. the court day prior to the hearing. To appear telephonically, parties must create a CourtSolutions account. Once an account is established, requests to appear telephonically can be submitted to Chambers via the CourtSolutions website. This request will either be approved or denied by Chief Judge Kaplan’s Chambers. After a request is approved by Chambers, parties can log into their CourtSolutions account prior to the hearing time, and access the large orange button entitled “Open Hearing Dashboard” for dial-in instructions. The dial-in information will be the same for every reservation made. For complete information about CourtSolutions, please visit http://help.court-solutions.com. For dial-in problems, sign-in problems, or other issues with CourtSolutions, please contact CourtSolutions directly at (917) 746-7476 or email help@Court-Solutions.com.
Consistent with the Court's General Order Regarding Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by Coronavirus (COVID-19) (as amended), the Court will conduct all chapter 13 general calendar matters remotely until further notice. Please register for telephonic appearances via CourtSolutions using the above instructions. Telephonic appearance via CourtSolutions for chapter 13 matters applies to the Court’s general chapter 13 calendar (held at 9:00am and 10:00am). PLEASE NOTE that afternoon holdover matters (generally held at 2:00pm), are conducted remotely via Zoom (see below). Counsel and Parties are further advised to consult the chapter 13 trustee's website ( www.russotrustee.com/cdl) regarding disposition of their case and the need for an appearance.
To ensure the quality of the record, all calls must be made from quiet locations except in the most extreme circumstances. Parties are asked to mute their lines – and not use the hold feature – until their case is called.
Zoom Appearances: Beginning February 2, 2023, Judge Kaplan will conduct his regular, Thursday motion calendar (addressing Chapter 7 & 11 matters) via Zoom. To appear, parties should utilize the "Zoom Link for Judge Kaplan's Remote Hearings" at the top of this page, and/or should consult the Zoom connection information at the bottom of this page.
Judge Kaplan will continue to hear contested chapter 13 matters via Zoom during the 2:00pm afternoon calendar. To appear, parties should utilize the "Zoom Link for Judge Kaplan's Remote Hearings" which can be found at the top of this page, and/or should consult the Zoom connection information at the bottom of this page.
No prior registration is needed to appear via Zoom. PLEASE REVIEW THE ZOOM APPEARANCE GUIDELINES BELOW. Failure to adhere to these guidelines and an appropriate standard of conduct may result in denial of participation in the Zoom proceeding.
Zoom is a free video conferencing platform that a party may download and become familiar with prior to the hearing. Information for Zoom may be found at https://zoom.us/ and https://zoomgov.com/. Please ensure that your computer/device settings allow for video and microphone access so that Judge Kaplan may hear and see you. To appear via Zoom parties may click on the Zoom link below or use a telephone to dial-in using the dial-in information. Once connected to Zoom the party will enter the virtual Zoom Courtroom. Please connect to Zoom at least 15 minutes prior to your hearing.
ZOOM APPEARANCE GUIDELINES
Courtroom behavior. Although held remotely, a Zoom hearing or trial is a judicial proceeding and therefore the formalities of a courtroom must be observed. Parties are expected to conduct themselves in the same way that they would if they were in person in the courtroom. This includes appropriate formality and attire.
“Public Proceedings.” Please be reminded that the Zoom proceeding is a “public proceeding” and the Zoom connection information is publicly available on the Court’s website. Thus, any party interested may “listen in” to the Zoom proceeding. Parties who “listen in” must have their cameras off and their microphones muted at all times. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in removal from the Zoom proceeding.
Video/audio. All video and audio will be off upon entry into the Zoom courtroom. The Court requests that each party remain muted with camera off until such time as their matter is called or until the Court directs otherwise. The Court prefers that parties appear with their video on; however, video is not mandatory. If necessary, parties may appear without video and/or may appear telephonically by dialing into the Zoom using the dial-in information. Links to the Zoom meeting and dial-in information can be found below.
Speaking and Questions. Each time you speak, identify yourself by stating your full name for the record. Remember to speak slowly and distinctly. Do not interrupt others. As stated above, please remain muted until your case is called or directed otherwise by the Court. Should you have a question during the Zoom proceeding you may direct that question in the “Chat” or “raise your hand” by clicking the hand raise button. Questions may also be submitted via email to Chief Judge Kaplan’s Chambers at chambers_of_mbk@njb.uscourts.gov. If you are participating telephonically, please wait for a pause in conversation before identifying yourself to ask a question.
Participate from a quiet place with reliable reception. Do not use a speaker phone or call/log in from a public place. Disruptions or background noise may cause the Judge to mute you or terminate your participation.
Technical Problems. If you are having trouble with the video or audio or other technical difficulties, please let the Court know as soon as possible. Though glitches are expected, they do not always occur on the Court’s end, so the Court will not necessarily know if you are experiencing problems until you so advise the Court. To report these problems you may use the “chat” feature, the “raise hand” feature, email Chambers at chambers_of_mbk@njb.uscourts.gov, or call Chambers at (609) 858-9360.
| |
| --- |
| ## Zoom Link for Judge Kaplan's Remote Hearings<br>Meeting ID: 160 546 2580 <br>Passcode: 962296<br>Telephone Dial-In Information<br>(dial by location)<br>• +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)<br>• +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)<br>• +1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)<br>• +1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose)<br>• +1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)<br>+1 551 285 1373 US |
Copies of Papers
E-filing documents is mandatory. Courtesy copies of papers are not required unless specifically requested by Chambers.
Motions
Motions:
Chapter 13 Motions: Parties are reminded to consult the chapter 13 trustee's website ( www.russotrustee.com/cdl) regarding disposition of their chapter 13 motion and the need for an appearance. As a reminder, the Court's general chapter 13 calendar (9:00 and 10:00am matters) are conducted via Court-Solutions. Contested and holdover matters are conducted via Zoom during the Court's afternoon calendar (2:00pm). Please see appearance instructions for Chapter 13 Motions under Judge Kaplan's "Communications" tab for further instruction regarding appearances via Court-Solutions or Zoom.
Stay Relief and other Motions: Per D.N.J. LBR 9013-3, all motions will be decided upon the papers unless opposition is filed. Only the movant or parties that have filed opposition may offer oral argument. Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 9013-1, including its provision for responsive papers and cross-motions. All motions to vacate the automatic stay in Chapter 7 cases which are scheduled for hearing prior to the original date of the 341(a) first meeting of creditors will be automatically continued to the next available hearing date after the scheduled 341(a) first meeting date, as per the notice provided on Judge Kaplan's calendar posted to the Court's website: www.njb.uscourts.gov.
First Day Motions in Complex Chapter 11 Cases: The parties should notify Chambers by email or by telephone regarding the filing and scheduling of all first day matters.
Summary Judgment Motions: If opposition to a summary judgment motion is filed, oral argument is required unless instructed otherwise by the Court. Please consult the docket and Judge Kaplan’s calendar, as posted on the Court’s website, regarding hearing dates and scheduling.
Emergent Matters: Parties are referred to D.N.J. LBR 9013-2(c) and use of requisite local forms.
Pro Hac Vice Admissions: Judge Kaplan handles all written and oral requests for admission pro hac vice in accordance with D.N.J. LBR 9010-1(b). Oral motions may be made upon the Court at the time of hearing or trial.
Documents Under Seal: Requests for documents to be sealed are to be made in accordance with D.N.J. LBR 9018-1.
For additional calendar information, see www.njb.uscourts.gov
Trial
Trial:
Pre-Trial Procedures: Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 7001-1. Upon the filing of a joint scheduling order, Judge Kaplan will generally not require appearances at the pre-trial conference. It is important to note that Judge Kaplan requires the use of a designated form of joint scheduling order, click here for form. Appearance at the scheduled pre-trial conference will also not be required where counsel has notified the Courtroom Deputy of an intention to settle the matter, dismiss the matter, or to file default papers.
Discovery Disputes: Counsel should contact Courtroom Deputy, Wendy Quiles, regarding discovery disputes and any request to have them resolved by telephonic hearing or otherwise prior to filing a motion.
Requests to Enter Default and Default Judgment: Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 7055-1. Judge Kaplan reviews the adversary complaint with respect to which default judgment is requested and will schedule a proof hearing . Appearances at proof hearings by Plaintiff's counsel are not required, unless directed by the Court.
Other:
- Judge Kaplan has opted against scheduling Mandatory Settlement Conferences. However, Judge Kaplan welcomes requests, upon consent, to schedule a settlement conference.
- Per Judge Kaplan's Joint Scheduling Order, 14 days prior to the trial date, counsel is to pre-mark and exchange exhibits while providing one bound copy of exhibits to Chambers, along with a list of witnesses. Absent the filing and exchange of prepared exhibits and witness lists, the Court may exercise discretion to exclude unexchanged documents and unidentified witnesses. At hearing or trial, parties are to have available sufficient copies of all exhibits for Judge Kaplan, adversaries and the Courtroom Deputy. Within 14 days from the conclusion of the trial, or at such time as directed by the Court, counsel is to file and serve numbered proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, with supporting citations.
- Consistent with the Court’s General Order Regarding Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by Coronavirus (COVID-19) (as amended), trials scheduled prior to the reopening of the Court will be automatically adjourned. Upon consent, the Court will entertain parties’ requests to conduct trials virtually. Please contact Chambers for additional information regarding trials via a virtual platform.
Electronic Exhibits: Any party who wishes to electronically display exhibits must contact Judge Kaplan's Courtroom Deputy at least seven (7) days before the hearing or trial to coordinate with the Court's IT Department to allow for electronic display.
Zoom Registration Form
Zoom Proceeding Guidelines
Fee Applications
Fee Applications:
Counsel should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 2016-1. Fee applications are generally considered on the papers unless opposition is filed. Where opposition is filed, hearings are scheduled. Parties should be guided by Judge Kaplan's calendar as posted on the Court's Website. Note: When e-filing, do not select a hearing date for Final Fee Applications.
Reaffirmation Agreements
Reaffirmation Agreement:
The website will be updated soon with Judge Kaplan's policy and procedure on Reaffirmation Agreements.
Transcripts
Transcripts:
How to Request a Written Transcript of a Court Hearing:
Contact the appropriate transcription service per below.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Judge | Transcription Service | Phone | Email |
| Judge Kaplan | J&J Court Transcribers | 609-586-2311 | jjcourt@jjcourt.com |
Click here for the Court’s transcription fees.
How to Request an Audio Reproduction of a Proceeding on Compact Disc:
To request audio of a hearing on compact disc, the requesting party should send an email request to the Court at copywork@njb.uscourts.gov. The email should include the case number, case name, and hearing date. In the subject line, use the title "REQUEST FOR AUDIO CD" and include both the case number and the judge's name.
Payment for the reproduction of proceedings fee must be made at the time of the request via the Court's Online Fee Payments portal. If an alternate payment method is necessary, please contact the Court.
Please note that the compact discs are data discs and can only be played after downloading the required audio player from our website. Click here to download the Court Recordings Audio Player.
How to Request Audio on the Docket:
To have audio of a hearing put on the docket (known as a tagged hearing), send an email or call the Court Recorder per below. To expedite the process and ensure the Court is able to complete the request, a request for audio tagging should be made prior to the hearing date. See D.N.J. LBR 5007-1.
Listening to recordings on the docket requires a PACER account. There is no fee for audio on the docket.
Click here for instructions on how to listen to a tagged hearing.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Judge | Court Recorder | Phone | Email |
| Judge Kaplan | Linda Brakel | 609-858-9385 | Linda_Brakel@njb.uscourts.gov |
