Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-4_05-cv-01528/USCOURTS-cand-4_05-cv-01528-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 110
Nature of Suit: Insurance
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Petition for Removal

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RONALD BERNSTEIN, et. al.,

Plaintiffs,

 v.

THE ST. PAUL TRAVELERS COMPANIES,

INC., et al.,

Defendants.

 /

No. C 05-1528 SBA

ORDER

This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiffs’ request that the Court recuse itself from the instant

action. [Docket No. 12.] Plaintiffs base their request on the fact that one of Defendants’ attorneys,

Samuel H. Ruby, was an unpaid judicial extern in the Court’s chambers in the summer of 1995. Plaintiffs’

request is denied.

The Court typically selects between two and four externs in each of the fall, spring, and summer

semesters. Accordingly, since 1995, the Court has had between 60 and 120 externs working in its

chambers. Moreover, the externs are supervised by and work primarily with the judicial law clerks. While

it is likely that Mr. Ruby made significant contributions to the work of the Court, the Court has no specific

recollection of Mr. Ruby or of his contributions. Thus, Mr. Ruby’s involvement in this case does not

suggest that the Court’s “impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” 28 U.S.C. § 455(a). Plaintiffs’

request that the Court recuse itself is therefore DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

 /s/ Saundra Brown Armstrong 

Dated: 6-3-05 SAUNDRA BROWN ARMSTRONG

United States District Judge

Case 4:05-cv-01528-SBA Document 14 Filed 06/03/05 Page 1 of 1