[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TO COMMEND THE HONORABLE JAMES R. GRUBE FOR HIS WORK AT THE UNITED 
     STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT IN THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and 
commend the Honorable James R. Grube upon his retirement from an almost 
18-year career on the bench serving the United States Bankruptcy Court 
in the Northern District of California.
  Judge Grube was appointed to the bench on August 12, 1988 after 
practice as an attorney specializing in bankruptcy and general 
insolvency matters. Prior to his practice of law, Judge Grube served in 
the United States Army as a Captain with the 11th Light Infantry 
Brigade in Vietnam. In 1987, shortly before his appointment to the 
bench, Jim was elected to the 500 Best Lawyers in America in 
recognition of the quality of his legal work in the field of 
bankruptcy.
  During Judge Grube's tenure he has led the court in a number of areas 
to improve cost and delay reduction in the courts. In the mid 1990's, 
Judge Grube led the implementation of a telephonic hearing system that 
reduced the cost of litigation in the San Jose, California Court by 
approximately $300,000 per month. This system allows attorneys to make 
court appearances from their offices by telephone on all routine 
matters as well as other matters of their choosing. The system has 
become widely used by the bar and saved thousands of dollars in 
billable hours for clients.
  Judge Grube is the author of numerous procedural and substantive 
guidelines adopted throughout the District and nationwide that provides 
guidance to counsel and reduce unnecessary legal expense. He is also 
recognized as an outstanding and frequent lecturer. In 2000 he spoke 
nationwide about the technology bankruptcies that are typical in 
Silicon Valley and because of the unique caseload of bankruptcy courts 
in Silicon Valley, he has authored many ground-breaking opinions in the 
intellectual property field.
  As a strong advocate of education, Jim served on the Ninth Circuit 
Bankruptcy Education Committee. He has imparted his experience and 
wisdom by being a mentor to his law clerks and has stood as an example 
to other lawyers in methods to approach legal problems.
  Judge Grube participated in establishing the Don Edwards Inn of Court 
and has promoted civility and professionalism in the community through 
his leadership. Judge Grube has also participated in both the San Jose 
Rotary Club and the Hollister Rotary Club.
  I know I join many others in Santa Clara County in thanking Judge 
Grube for his contributions and wish him well upon his retirement from 
the bench.

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