Staff Information
Chambers - (856) 361-2320
Heather Renye | Courtroom Deputy 856-361-2353
Anthony Sodono | Electronic Recorder 856-361-2325
Julia DeFabio | Electronic Recorder 856-361-2318
Suzanne Sweeney | Career Law Clerk
Brendan Aldrich | Law Clerk
Mitchell H. Cohen U.S. Courthouse
400 Cooper Street, 4th Floor
Camden, N.J. 08101
Courtroom 4B
Chambers e-mail: chambers_of_aba@njb.uscourts.gov
Judge Tabs
Communication
EFFECTIVE 1/17/2023, IF A PARTY FAILS TO APPEAR TO BE HEARD ON A_CONTESTED_ MATTER, THE MOTIONS/RELIEF SOUGHT WILL BE DENIED AND/OR THE OBJECTION/RESPONSE THERETO WILL BE OVERRULED FOR LACK OF PROSECUTION.
Communication:
Heather Renye, Courtroom Deputy, may be contacted by telephone, e-mail Heather_Renye@njb.uscourts.gov or regular mail. Communication by fax is not permitted except with the consent of Judge Altenburg. For emergency applications, such as applications and orders shortening time, parties should e-file the documents and notify Chambers by message to Judge Altenburg’s Chambers e-mail address ( chambers_of_aba@njb.uscourts.gov). Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 5071-1 regarding adjournment requests. Proposed “Orders to be Submitted” or “OTBS” are to be submitted in accordance with D.N.J. LBR 9027-2 to the Chambers e-mail address.
Judge Altenburg only permits limited communications with his law clerks. Unless directed otherwise by the court, litigants should never contact law clerks for advice on substantive or procedural matters other than of a rudimentary nature. Questions about the outcome of hearings may be answered by reviewing the minutes concerning the hearing placed on the court’s docket. All communications with the court about scheduling matters should be directed to Heather Renye, Courtroom Deputy.
Telephonic Appearances:
Beginning April 1, 2025, Judge Altenburg will conduct his hearings via Zoom. Connection information for Judge Altenburg's Zoom proceeding can be found below.
No prior registration is needed to appear via Zoom. PLEASE REVIEW THE ZOOM APPEARANCE GUIDELINES BELOW. Failure to adhere to these guidelines and an appropriate standard of conduct may result in denial of participation in the Zoom proceeding.
Zoom is a free video conferencing platform that a party may download and become familiar with prior to the hearing. Information for Zoom may be found at https://zoom.us/ and https://zoomgov.com/. Please ensure that your computer/device settings allow for video and microphone access so that Judge Altenburg may hear and see you. To appear via Zoom parties may click on the Zoom link below or use a telephone to dial-in using the dial-in information. Once connected to Zoom the party will enter the virtual Zoom Courtroom. Please connect to Zoom at least 15 minutes prior to your hearing.
ZOOM APPEARANCE GUIDELINES
Courtroom behavior. Although held remotely, a Zoom hearing or trial is a judicial proceeding and therefore the formalities of a courtroom must be observed. Parties are expected to conduct themselves in the same way that they would if they were in person in the courtroom. This includes appropriate formality and attire.
“Public Proceedings.” Please be reminded that the Zoom proceeding is a “public proceeding” and the Zoom connection information is publicly available on the Court’s website. Thus, any party interested may “listen in” to the Zoom proceeding. Parties who “listen in” must have their cameras off and their microphones muted at all times. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in removal from the Zoom proceeding.
Video/audio. All video and audio will be off upon entry into the Zoom courtroom. The Court requests that each party remain muted with camera off until such time as their matter is called or until the Court directs otherwise. The Court prefers that parties appear with their video on; however, video is not mandatory. If necessary, parties may appear without video and/or may appear telephonically by dialing into the Zoom using the dial-in information. Links to the Zoom meeting and dial-in information can be found below.
Speaking and Questions. Each time you speak, identify yourself by stating your full name for the record. Remember to speak slowly and distinctly. Do not interrupt others. As stated above, please remain muted until your case is called or directed otherwise by the Court. Should you have a question during the Zoom proceeding you may direct that question in the “Chat” or “raise your hand” by clicking the hand raise button.
Participate from a quiet place with reliable reception. Do not use a speaker phone or call/log in from a public place. Disruptions or background noise may cause the Judge to mute you or terminate your participation.
NOTE (EFFECTIVE APRIL 26, 2022):
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UNCONTESTED MATTERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE HEARD ON THE PAPERS.
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HOWEVER, ALL CONTESTED HEARINGS, INCLUDING TRIALS AND EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS, WILL BE PRESUMPTIVELY IN-PERSON (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CHAPTER 13 CONFIRMATION HEARINGS AND FRIDAY DISMISSAL HEARINGS).
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PARTIES MAY CONTINUE TO REQUEST TO APPEAR BY TELEPHONE IN THE NORMAL COURSE. FOR GUIDANCE ON INDIVIDUAL CASES, PARTIES ARE DIRECTED TO CONTACT CHAMBERS.
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| ## Zoom Link for Judge Altenburg's Remote Hearings<br>Topic: ABA Zoom hearings<br>Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime<br>Join ZoomGov Meeting<br>https://njb-uscourts.zoomgov.com/j/1614664309?pwd=U5lYWWCa5KZLyS91YaFH1a5J5kQiRZ.1<br>Meeting ID: 161 466 4309<br>Passcode: 588015<br>---<br>One tap mobile<br>+16692545252,,1614664309# US (San Jose)<br>+16469641167,,1614664309# US (US Spanish Line)<br>---<br>Dial by your location<br>• +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)<br>• +1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)<br>• +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)<br>• +1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose)<br>• +1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)<br>• +1 551 285 1373 US (New Jersey)<br>Meeting ID: 161 466 4309<br>Find your local number: https://njb-uscourts.zoomgov.com/u/apnpPg4mO<br>---<br>Join by SIP<br>• 1614664309@sip.zoomgov.com<br>---<br>Join by H.323<br>• 161.199.138.10 (US West)<br>• 161.199.136.10 (US East)<br>Meeting ID: 161 466 4309<br>Passcode: 588015 |
Copies of Papers
In addition to mandatory e-filing, 2 sets of courtesy copies of papers to Chambers are preferred only when there are voluminous documents or exhibits or upon request of the Court.
Additionally, for trials/plenary hearings, Judge Altenburg requires two copies of exhibits, one for himself and one for his law clerk.
Motions
Motions:
EFFECTIVE 1/17/2023, IF A PARTY FAILS TO APPEAR TO BE HEARD ON A_CONTESTED_ MATTER, THE MOTIONS/RELIEF SOUGHT WILL BE DENIED AND/OR THE OBJECTION/RESPONSE THERETO WILL BE OVERRULED FOR LACK OF PROSECUTION.
SEE “COMMUNICATIONS” TAB FOR TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Service: Judge Altenburg requires strict compliance with D.N.J. LBR 9013-3, Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9014, Fed. R. Bankr. P. 7004(b) and (h) when applicable, Fed. R. Bankr. P. 3007 when applicable, and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 7005 when applicable. D.N.J. LBR 7005(b) does not relieve parties of their obligations for service under Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9014 for an initiating motion in a contested matter. Service on corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations or an insured depository institution must be made in accordance with Fed. R. Bankr. P. 7004. Failing to comply with service rules will result in a denial or adjournment of a motion, or the grant of a motion seeking relief from a judgment or order due to improper service.
Stay Relief and other Motions: Assuming service is valid, u ncontested motions will be determined on the papers. Motions will be deemed uncontested if responses are untimely filed. Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 9013-1, including its provision for responsive papers and cross-motions. IF A MATTER IS CONTESTED, APPEARANCES ARE REQUIRED. Failure to appear will result in denial/overruling of motion/opposition.
Questions about the outcome of hearings may be answered by reviewing the minutes concerning the hearing placed on the court’s docket.
First Day Motions in Complex Chapter 11 Cases : Judge Altenburg directs the parties to notify the Courtroom Deputy, Heather Renye, by Chambers e-mail or by telephone of the need for scheduling of all first day matters.
Summary Judgment Motions and Motions to Dismiss Adversary Proceedings : Judge Altenburg requires oral argument for summary judgment motions and motions to dismiss adversary proceedings if opposition is filed. Appearances for requests to enter default judgments may be required even if unopposed. Counsel should contact Chambers to ascertain if a plenary hearing will be required. Hearings are scheduled for Motion Days at 2:00 p.m. as listed on Judge Altenburg ‘s calendar posted to the court’s website: www.njb.uscourts.gov.
14 Day Waiver of Stay of Order Requests: Any request to waive the stay of an order for 14 days under Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4001(a)(3), R. 6004(h), and 6006(d) must comply with D.N.J. L.B.R. 9013-1(m). Most importantly, any movant requesting waiver of the 14 day stay of the order shall bear the burden of establishing cause for the waiver of the 14 day stay provisions and shall detail the cause in its moving papers. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the 14-day waiver of the stay language being stricken from the movant’s proposed form of order.
Trial
Trial:
SEE “COMMUNICATIONS” TAB FOR TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Pre-Trial Procedures: Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 7001-1. Upon the filing of a proposed joint scheduling order, Judge Altenburg will generally not require appearances at the pre-trial conference. Appearance at the scheduled pre-trial conference will also not be required where counsel has notified the Courtroom Deputy of an intention to settle the matter, dismiss the matter, or to file default papers.
Discovery Disputes : Judge Altenburg does not have any special procedures for resolution of discovery disputes however, parties should be guided by Fed. R. Bankr. P. 7037(a)(1).
Requests to Enter Default and Default Judgment: Parties should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 7055-1. Judge Altenburg reviews the adversary complaint with respect to which default judgment is requested and will schedule a proof hearing where necessary.
Other: Witness lists and exhibits are due seven (7) days prior to trial. Additionally, Judge Altenburg requires two copies of exhibits, one for himself and one for his law clerk.
Use of Courtroom’s Electronic Exhibit Display : Attorneys are advised that Judge Altenburg’s courtroom is equipped with technology for displaying exhibits electronically, either by reflection or from a party’s laptop or USB drive. Arrangements to use the system must be made at least three (3) days in advance. Please contact Heather Renye, Courtroom Deputy, to arrange use.
Use of Zoom:
Zoom Registration Form
Zoom Proceeding Guidelines
Fee Applications
Fee Applications:
Counsel should be guided by D.N.J. LBR 2016-1. Fee applications are generally considered on the papers unless opposition is filed.
Reaffirmation Agreements
Reaffirmation Agreement:
Parties should be guided by 11 U.S.C. § 524 and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4008.
Transcripts
Transcripts:
How to Request a Written Transcript of a Court Hearing:
Contact the appropriate transcription service per below.
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| Judge | Transcription Service | Phone | Email |
| Judge Altenburg | Diana Doman Transcribing LLC | 856 435-7172 | Alex_doman@comcast.net |
Click here for the Court’s transcription fees.
How to Request an Audio Reproduction of a Proceeding on Compact Disc:
To request audio of a hearing on compact disc, the requesting party should send an email request to the Court at copywork@njb.uscourts.gov. The email should include the case number, case name, and hearing date. In the subject line, use the title "REQUEST FOR AUDIO CD" and include both the case number and the judge's name.
Payment for the reproduction of proceedings fee must be made at the time of the request via the Court's Online Fee Payments portal. If an alternate payment method is necessary, please contact the Court.
Please note that the compact discs are data discs and can only be played after downloading the required audio player from our website. Click here to download the Court Recordings Audio Player.
How to Request Audio on the Docket:
To have audio of a hearing put on the docket (known as a tagged hearing), send an email or call the Court Recorder per below. To expedite the process and ensure the Court is able to complete the request, a request for audio tagging should be made prior to the hearing date. See D.N.J. LBR 5007-1.
Listening to recordings on the docket requires a PACER account. There is no fee for audio on the docket.
Click here for instructions on how to listen to a tagged hearing.
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| Judge | Court Recorder | Phone | Email |
| Judge Altenburg | Anthony Sodono | 856-361-2325 | Anthony_Sodono@njb.uscourts.gov |
