There are several different types of professionals called trustees who handle different aspects of bankruptcy cases. Most trustees now serving are licensed attorneys, but not all. They are not appointed or employed by the Bankruptcy Court, but their fees and expenses are subject to court approval.
The United States Trustee's Office is a department within the U.S. Department of Justice which appoints, supervises, audits, and evaluates the performance of the case trustees, and appoints Creditors Committees in Chapter 11 cases. It is not part of the Bankruptcy Court and does not have the power to resolve disputes but handles the administrative aspects of bankruptcy estates. Call them if you have complaints about an individual trustee's handling of a case, or evidence of a bankruptcy crime or fraud. They are not allowed to advise private parties of their rights in bankruptcy.
The U.S. Trustee appoints private individuals to act as trustees in bankruptcy cases. Chapter 7 (liquidation) cases are handled by members of a panel of trustees, who are assigned cases on a rotating or geographical basis. You may hear them referred to as Panel Trustees. Contact them about buying or repossessing property or with information about a debtor or estate, but don't ask them for legal advice.
Currently there are two Standing Chapter 13 trustees. Their offices are located at the Ochoa Building, 500 Tanca Street, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the 5th floor on suite 501 is Mr. José Carrión's office and at the 6th floor on suite 601 is Ms. Osmarie Navarro's office.
Businesses reorganizing under Chapter 11 are managed by the company's directors and officers, or owners, as a "debtor-in-possession" unless the Bankruptcy Court orders the appointment of a trustee. If ordered, a trustee is appointed by the U.S. Trustee after consultation with principal parties.
Trustees in all different types of bankruptcy cases are responsible for convening the Meeting of Creditors pursuant to section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code. The meetings are held in the first floor of the Ochoa Building,San Juan, Puerto Rico. The US Trustee maintains custody of the audio tape recordings of these meetings. All inquiries regarding the trustee assigned to the case and transcripts of the Section 341 meeting tape recordings and Chapter 11 committee appointments should be directed to the Office of the US Trustee.