Northern District of New York Trustee Directory: Insights from Prof. Hernandez
The bankruptcy court system in the Northern District of New York is expansive, covering 32 counties including Albany, Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. Whether you are filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the Trustee is the court-appointed official who oversees your assets, reviews your paperwork, and conducts your 341 Meeting of Creditors.
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
Key Takeaways: Northern District of New York Trustee Directory
- Jurisdiction: The Northern District of New York (NDNY) covers 32 counties, including major cities like Albany, Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton.
- The Trustee’s Dual Role: Trustees are court-appointed fiduciaries who oversee assets, review financial paperwork, and conduct the 341 Meeting of Creditors. Their primary duty is to protect the bankruptcy estate and maximize recovery for creditors.
- Chapter 7 (Liquidation): Bankruptcy Trustees focus on identifying “non-exempt” assets such as vehicle equity or large tax refunds that can be sold to satisfy creditor claims.
- Chapter 13 (Reorganization): Standing Trustees manage the collection of monthly plan payments and the subsequent distribution to creditors.
- Meeting with the Bankruptcy Trustee: Most 341 Meetings in the Northern District of New York are currently held via Zoom or telephone. Debtors must submit required financial documents at least seven days before the meeting to avoid case delays or dismissal.
Chapter 7 Panel Trustees
In a Chapter 7 “liquidation” case, your trustee reviews your assets to determine if there is any non-exempt value to pay back creditors.
| Trustee Name | Office Address | Contact Information |
| Neil T. Bhatt | 536 State Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 | (315) 713-4837 |
| Philip J. Danaher | 77 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY 12061 | (518) 463-4383 |
| Steven R. Dolson | 6320 Fly Road, Suite 201, East Syracuse, NY 13057 | (315) 423-3328 |
| Christian H. Dribusch | 187 Wolf Road, Suite 300-020, Albany, NY 12205 | (518) 227-0026 |
| Paul A. Levine | 677 Broadway, 8th Floor, Albany, NY 12207 | (518) 433-8800 |
| Michael J. O’Connor | 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211 | (518) 465-0400 |
| Randy J. Schaal | 312 Broad St, Oneida, NY 13421 | (315) 363-6888 |
Chapter 13 Standing Trustees
These trustees handle reorganization cases. They collect your monthly plan payments and distribute them to your creditors. They are also in charge of the 341 Meeting of Creditors and Confirmation Hearing.
| Trustee Name | Office Address | Contact Information |
| Mark W. Swimelar | 250 South Clinton Street, Suite 502, Syracuse, NY 13202 | Phone: (315) 476-4804 Web: syr13.com |
| Andrea E. Celli | 350 Northern Blvd., Suite 305, Albany, NY 12204 | Phone: (518) 433-0104 Web: albany13.com |
What Happens Upon Filing Your Bankruptcy Petition
In the Northern District, most creditor meetings are currently conducted via Zoom or telephone, though the Trustee retains the authority to conduct in-person hearings. You or your attorney must provide requested financial documents (tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs) at least seven days prior to the meeting; failure to do so may result in your case being delayed or dismissed.
Payment Methods: Do not send personal checks or cash. Trustees in the Northern District typically require payments via TFS Bill Pay, money order, or cashier’s check.
Prof. Hernandez’s Note: Cashier’s checks are costlier than money orders, but it has been my experience that tracing a money order that has been lost is almost next to impossible. Paying through TFS is the best way to make payments on your plan.
It is a common misconception that the Trustee works for the debtor. In reality, the Trustee holds a fiduciary position where they are required to protect the bankruptcy estate.
Their primary objective is to ensure that creditors receive as much as the law allows. In Chapter 7 specifically, your Trustee’s goal is to identify “non-exempt” assets such as a secondary home, significant vehicle equity, or a large tax refund, that can be liquidated to satisfy creditor claims.
If you are self-represented, maintain a professional and cautious approach when communicating with the Trustee’s Office.
The Professor’s Closing Thoughts
The Northern District of New York’s bankruptcy system reflects the balance between debtor relief and creditor protection. Trustees serve as fiduciaries of the estate, not advocates for either side, ensuring that every case proceeds with fairness and transparency.
Whether you are filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, understanding the trustee’s role and maintaining timely, professional communication can make the difference between a smooth process and unnecessary delay.
For debtors, preparation is key. Submit all required documents promptly, verify payment methods, and attend your 341 Meeting ready to testify truthfully. For practitioners, familiarity with each trustee’s office procedures and preferences is essential.
Professor Hernandez’s Conclusion
The trustee system in the Northern District of New York exemplifies how federal bankruptcy law operates at the local level. Behind every case number is a debtor seeking a fresh start and a trustee ensuring that the law is followed. Understanding the process is the first step toward a successful outcome in any bankruptcy proceeding.
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish at an international university.
Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link.
You can learn more about filing for bankruptcy and the bankruptcy petition via this link. Information on the bankruptcy court system, contact information for trustees, and your state’s exemptions can be found here. The federal bankruptcy exemptions are listed here. The latest version of the 341 Meeting of the Creditors can be found here.
You can find additional categories by clicking below or by using the search feature at the top of this page:
Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.
You must be logged in to post a comment.