Keith L. Phillips 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
- August 26, 2013–present
Keith L. Phillips
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge · U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Available research
Biography
Professional career
- Before his judicial appointment, Phillips was a principal at the law firm Phillips & Fleckenstein, P.C. in Richmond, representing debtors, creditors, committees, and trustees across all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code. He served on the Richmond panel of Chapter 7 trustees for over 27 years and also acted as a Chapter 11 trustee, liquidation trustee, and state court receiver. Additionally, he held a position as a mediator in bankruptcy-related disputes.
- Phillips began his career as a law clerk for Judge Walter Hoffman. Before joining the court, he was a principal with the firm Phillips & Fleckenstein, PC. He was also a mediator and Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 trustee.
Judicial service
- Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Virginia, 2013-present
- He was appointed to the court on August 26, 2013, and his term will expire on August 25, 2027.
- Judge Keith L. Phillips was sworn in on August 26, 2013, as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, with his term set to expire on August 25, 2027. He is based in Richmond, Virginia, and presides over bankruptcy cases including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 matters.
- Judge Phillips has been active in professional organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Bankruptcy Sections of the Virginia Bar Association and the Richmond Bar Association. He is a permanent member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference since 1985 and participates in multiple committees of the National Association of Bankruptcy Judges. He has also been a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy matters for various bar organizations.
- For attorneys and parties appearing before him, Judge Phillips maintains specific procedures for hearings, including Chapter 13 confirmation hearings and motions day schedules. Electronic device requests and other procedural matters must comply with the court’s local rules and standing orders. The Richmond Division also conducts hybrid hearings (in-person and remote video) in accordance with General Order 22-2, except for evidentiary hearings which require in-person attendance. Judge Keith L. Phillips is recognized for his extensive experience in bankruptcy law, his long-standing service as a trustee, and his active role in professional legal organizations, making him a prominent figure in the Eastern District of Virginia’s bankruptcy judiciary.
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/8988/keith-l-phillips/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