Hon. James T. Bentley ’02 Joins the Federal Bench as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for EDNY

Hon. James T. Bentley ’02 was appointed earlier this summer to serve as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) in Brooklyn, bringing to the federal bench more than two decades of private practice experience representing clients in complex bankruptcy and restructuring matters across a wide range of industries, including retail, automotive, energy, healthcare, hospitality, media, and real estate.  

Bentley’s appointment was announced on July 9 by Chief Judge Raymond J. Lohier, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York, and he officially assumed his duties after a private induction ceremony on August 11.  

"We are delighted to welcome Mr. Bentley to the Eastern District bankruptcy bench," Lohier said in a statement. "Mr. Bentley will bring a strong work ethic, extensive bankruptcy experience, and a commitment to public service to the job, and we are excited to work with him for many years to come."  

Previously, Bentley had been a partner for several years at Winston Taylor (formerly Winston & Strawn) in New York City, most recently serving as of counsel at the firm. Prior to joining Winston Taylor, he held special counsel and associate roles at Schulte Roth & Zabel and served as an associate at Otterbourg. Throughout his career, Bentley counseled international and domestic clients on insolvency-related issues associated with securitizations, and structured financings.  

Bentley’s commitment to pro bono work has earned him numerous accolades, including  the City Bar Justice Center’s 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award for complex litigation and the New York City Bankruptcy Assistance Project’s Leadership Award. He was also recognized as a New York State Bar Association Empire State Counsel Honoree. 

Carly Goldstein ’26 and Thomas Block ’26 will be serving as Judge Bentley’s clerks this term and Jack Widor ’27 will join the chambers team after graduating next spring. Cody Hazboun ’27 also earned a spot in the judge’s chambers this semester as an intern.