This is a calendar of events of interest to Los Angeles bankruptcy professionals. All start times are Pacific Time. If you would like an event to be posted on "the dog," please send your announcement to J. Scott Bovitz. Include the link to the registration page on your group's web site. Thank you.
Hon. Robin L. Riblet, RIP
** Bankruptcy dog is sad to pass along this obituary for the Hon. Robin L. Riblet
Hon. Robin L. Riblet, retired United States Bankruptcy Judge and cherished member of the Santa Barbara community, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with angiosarcoma. She spent her final two weeks in hospice care, surrounded by compassion, dignity, and the quiet presence of those who loved her.
Robin’s life was defined by intellectual rigor, curiosity, generosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. A devoted scholar, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Florida in 1971, earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1975, and completed an LL.M. in Corporate Law at New York University School of Law in 1979.
Her distinguished legal career began at Stutman Triester & Glatt PC, where she practiced from 1979 to 1988. In 1988, she was appointed a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Central District of California, serving the Santa Barbara Division with fairness, clarity, and unwavering integrity for more than 25 years. She retired from the bench in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful jurisprudence and deep respect from colleagues, attorneys, and litigants alike.
Robin was an active contributor to the legal community, serving with the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, the California Bankruptcy Journal, the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum, the Financial Lawyers Conference, and multiple bar associations. She was admired not only for her legal acumen but for her generosity as a mentor and her genuine interest in the people she worked with.
In 1997, Robin married John Brennand, the beloved “Godfather” of recreational and competitive running in Santa Barbara. Together they built a joyful, adventurous life filled with travel, friendship, and shared curiosity. They hiked throughout Italy year after year—sometimes with friends, sometimes with family, and often just the two of them—guided by their trusted Italian hiking guide, Peter, whose knowledge and companionship enriched their journeys. These European hiking tours became some of their most treasured shared experiences.
In 2001, they purchased a mountain retreat in Canmore, Alberta, which became a cherished haven for hiking, skiing, and gathering with loved ones. Robin remained a devoted and loving partner to John throughout their 25 years of marriage.
After John’s passing in 2022, Robin continued to embrace life with courage and openness. She traveled frequently, especially to Europe with her close friends. Conversant in French and Italian, she delighted in immersing herself in European culture, language, and food.
Robin was also an avid knitter, finding joy and companionship in the craft. She often knitted with her friends. Many friends and family members cherish the beautiful pieces she created with care and quiet artistry.
A lifelong reader, Robin especially loved novels and mysteries, and she could often be found with a book in hand. She was a devoted supporter of the arts, attending local concerts, theatrical performances, and
the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which she looked forward to each year. Her appreciation for culture, storytelling, and creativity enriched her life and the lives of those around her.
Robin was also a generous philanthropist, contributing quietly and consistently to charities and nonprofit organizations that reflected her values and compassion.
Those who knew Robin remember her warmth, gentle humor, and thoughtful presence. She had a gift for listening deeply, offering wise counsel, and bringing calm to difficult moments. Her friendships were marked by loyalty and genuine care, and her home was a place of welcome, conversation, and comfort.
Robin is survived by John’s three children and their spouses: Bob (Sally), Karen (Kent), Scott (Betty) and 6 grandchildren, as well as her sister-in-law Edwina Riblet, nieces and nephews Andrew (Cynthia), Christian (Anne) and Abigail (Alan), 6 great nieces/nephews, her North Carolina cousins, dear friends, colleagues and a wide circle of people whose lives were brightened by her kindness, intellect, and grace.
A private gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Robin’s life and honor the legacy she leaves behind.
May her memory be a blessing.
January 13, 2026, hybrid
Financial Lawyers Conference. 2026 Real Estate Panel - Non-performing loan acquisitions and dispositions and related asset resolution transaction. Jefferson, Zidell. Los Angeles and Zoom.
January 18, concert
Singers in Law. Hon. Bluebond, more. Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill & Jazz.
January 21, mixer
TMA Southern California. Young professionals' mixer. Santa Monica.
January 24, Zoom
cdcbaa. 20th Annual Review of 9th Circuit Decisions on Bankruptcy. Hon. Spraker, Hon. Yun, Pres. Hayes.
January 29, 4:00 p.m.
Passing of the Gavel. Hon. Maureen Tighe (on behalf of and in memory of Hon. Theodor C. Albert) to Hon. Julia W. Brand. U.S. Court of Appeals, Pasadena. The bar is invited. RSVP.
January 29-30
California Receivers Forum. Loyola XI seminar. Long Beach (Hyatt).
February 2
Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum. Distinguished Speaker Program. Lawyer, Jailer, Ally, Foe: Complicity and Conscience in America's World War II Concentration Camps. Prof. Eric Muller.
February 6, application deadline, Northern District
"The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invites applications from highly qualified candidates for two Bankruptcy Judgeships for the Northern District of California."
February 12, application deadline, Central District
Opening for a Los Angeles bankruptcy judge.
February 13, hybrid
Financial Lawyers Conference. Issues in Entertainment Chapter 11 Cases. Bernbrock, Ahdoot. Los Angeles and Zoom.
February 16, deadline for comments
"The Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure (Standing Committee) has proposed amendments to their respective rules and form and requested that the proposals be circulated to the bench, bar, and public for comment. The public comment period ends February 16, 2026. To view the proposed revisions, reports explaining the proposed changes, as well as information about submitting written comments or testimony at public hearings, please visit the Rules and Policies webpage on the U.S. Courts website at http://go.usa.gov/ypeJ."
KATHLEEN J. CAMPBELL
CLERK OF COURT
March 13-15, conference
Financial Lawyers Conference. 2026 Annual Seminar. Professor Vincent Buccola, University of Chicago. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.
March 20-21, induction and more
American College of Bankruptcy. Class 37 Induction Ceremony and Conference. San Antonio. (ACB Fellows.)
April 23-25, spring meeting
American Bankruptcy Institute. Spring meeting. Washington, D.C.
May 14-17, CBF
California Bankruptcy Forum. 38th Annual Insolvency Conference. Santa Rosa.
