Brian Kenney at a glance
- Current role
- U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
- Court
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · Federal
- Judicial service
- April 12, 2011–present
Brian Kenney
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge · U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Available research
Biography
Judicial service
- Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Virginia, 2011-present
- Brian Kenney | Class Notes Brian Kenney Brian Kenney (Law ’83) Brian Kenney (Law ’83) has been appointed a judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Judge Brian F. Kenney serves as the Chief Judge of the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, a role he assumed on December 24, 2024, succeeding Judge Frank J. Santoro. He was originally appointed to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on September 1, 2011.
- As a bankruptcy judge, Kenney presides over a wide range of cases, including Chapter 13 matters, motions for relief from stay, and adversary proceedings. He has issued notable rulings, such as denying Enviva’s application to retain Vinson & Elkins as debtors’ counsel due to conflicts of interest involving the firm’s representation of a major shareholder. His decisions reflect careful attention to ethical standards and impartiality in bankruptcy proceedings.
- Judge Kenney’s court maintains a structured schedule for hearings, including preliminary hearings, Chapter 13 matters, and adversary motions, ensuring compliance with proper noticing requirements and districtwide uniformity. This organization supports efficient case management and accessibility for litigants and attorneys.
- Brian F. Kenney is a highly experienced legal professional and judge, recognized for his leadership as Chief Judge and his commitment to ethical and procedural rigor in bankruptcy law. His career spans decades of legal practice and judicial service, making him a prominent figure in the Eastern District of Virginia’s bankruptcy court system.
Courtroom rules and guidance
Motion Form
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.
A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set forth the relief or order requested.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Motion Notice Timing
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.
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 ↗
Contested Matter Notice
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.
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 ↗
Disputed Fact Testimony
Present witness testimony on a disputed material factual issue in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.
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 ↗
Evidentiary Hearing Notice
Use the court's procedure to determine, reasonably before a scheduled hearing, whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.
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 ↗
Evidence Rules
Prepare evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 43, 44, and 44.1, which apply in bankruptcy cases.
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 ↗
Oath Or Affirmation
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.
If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Sources
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia current judicial profile
Identity source · HTML · checked August 2, 2026
https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8986/brian-kenney/Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 30, 2026
https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf