Opinion ID: 800126
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion for Withdrawal of the Reference

Text: Murphy also appeals the district court’s decision to deny withdrawal of the reference to the bankruptcy court. This argument has no merit. A “district court may withdraw, in whole or in part, any case or proceeding referred under this section, on its own motion or on timely motion of any party, for cause shown.” 28 U.S.C. § 157(d). In determining whether a party has shown “cause,” courts consider factors including “whether the claim or proceeding is core or non-core, whether it is legal or equitable, and considerations of efficiency, prevention of forum shopping, and uniformity in the administration of bankruptcy law.” In re Orion Pictures, Corp., 4 F.3d 1095, 1101 (2d Cir. 1993). The mere presence of a jury demand in a case does not mandate withdrawal of the reference, as “a district court . . . might decide that a case is unlikely to reach trial, that it will require protracted discovery and court oversight before trial, or that the jury demand is without merit, and therefore might conclude that the case at that time is best left in the bankruptcy court.” Id. at 1101-02. 7 The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Murphy’s motion to withdraw the reference. All three of Murphy’s claims arise from alleged violations of the automatic stay provision. See 11 U.S.C. § 362. The district court properly considered all relevant factors in determining whether such an action is core to the bankruptcy proceeding. While its analysis focused on the first cause of action that Murphy has voluntarily dismissed from his complaint, the district court’s reasoning applies equally well to Murphy’s two remaining claims. Accordingly, we affirm the district court’s order. We have considered all of Murphy’s arguments and find them to be without merit. Accordingly, we AFFIRM the judgment and order of the district court. FOR THE COURT: Catherine O’Hagan Wolfe, Clerk 8