DOJABA Member Spotlight: Denise E. Barnett

Since 2002, DOJABA Member Denise E. Barnett has practiced bankruptcy law with the United States Trustee Program (USTP), a DOJ component.  The USTP oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases and “promotes the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders–debtors, creditors, and the public.”  As a trial attorney in the Tampa Field Office, she represents the U.S. Trustee for her Region in bankruptcy cases and provides regulatory oversight on behalf of the U.S. Trustee.

 Over the years, Denise has been very active in the legal community.  She is a frequent speaker at the National Bankruptcy Training Institute and other bar-sponsored CLE events on substantive bankruptcy law, litigation, and professional development topics.  Serving and supporting the broader legal community, she previously served on the Middle District of Florida’s District-wide Steering Committee, served as a director for the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association, and has been a member of several national and local bar associations, including the American Bankruptcy Institute.  Additionally, Denise served as an adjunct professor, teaching Legal Research and Writing at various periods during her career. 

 Before joining the Department, Denise worked as a judicial law clerk for the chief bankruptcy judge in Jacksonville, then as an associate in private practice representing a variety of clients, including consumers, businesses, and trustees.  She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies from the City University of New York at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

 Not only is Denise a distinguished member of the bankruptcy and broader legal community, she is also a tireless encourager and a devoted and enthusiastic mentor to others.  It is therefore no surprise that the Sixth Circuit recently selected her as Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Tennessee: https://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/news/sixth-circuit-selects-denise-e-barnett-bankruptcy-judge-western-district-tennessee.

 This week, a dedicated DOJABA member and an incredible attorney completes her approximately 19-year tenure at DOJ.  DOJABA is extremely proud of our friend and colleague and we wish her well as she takes the bench.  DOJABA celebrates your excellence, Denise!  

Please join us as we congratulate the soon-to-be newest Bankruptcy Judge in the Western District of Tennessee, Denise E. Barnett!