The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said Attorney General Todd Blanche selected New Jersey attorney Stephen V. Falanga to lead the U.S. Trustee Program, whose mission includes promoting integrity and efficiency in the federal bankruptcy system.
The program serves debtors, creditors and the public. Its national network includes 82 field offices across 21 regions, as well as an executive office in Washington, D.C.
Falanga is a partner at the New Jersey firm Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP. His work there spans banking and financial services, bankruptcy, corporate reorganization and creditors’ rights. The DOJ said his clients have included financial institutions and corporations, as well as insurers, real estate developers, landlords and individuals. His career includes more than 30 years representing clients in financial-services matters, with significant work in insolvency law.
His bankruptcy work has included advising debtors and creditors and overseeing debtors’ affairs as a Chapter 11 trustee in several corporate reorganizations.
Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. described the program as a congressional safeguard against fraud and abuse in the federal bankruptcy system. He said Falanga should keep the office within its statutory remit and focus its work on people who exploit federal programs for personal gain. Falanga’s appointment takes effect Nov. 2.
