9/25/2020

I am saddened to report that the Hon. Helen S. Balick passed away on September 23, 2020. Judge Balick was a pioneer in too many ways to recount fully here. She was the 13th woman admitted to the Delaware bar and the first female federal judicial officer in Delaware, serving as both a magistrate judge and bankruptcy judge from 1974 to 1980 and as a bankruptcy judge from 1980 to 1998 (indeed the sole bankruptcy judge until 1993). Her 24 years of judicial service saw monumental changes in the Delaware bankruptcy practice and led the way to the six-member court of today. She was an outstanding jurist with an occasionally feisty judicial demeanor. She also had an excellent sense of humor. She was cordial to all and particularly kind to young lawyers, quickly learning their names. She leaves behind a formidable legacy. We all owe a great deal of gratitude to her for her 24 years of service to the Court and the pioneering role she played in the Delaware bar and in making our Court what it is today. The funeral will be private.

Chief Judge Christopher S. Sontchi

https://www.deb.uscourts.gov/news/passing-honorable-helen-s-balick