WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lawrence A. Friedman announced that, effective April 30, 2005, he will resign from his position as Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees to pursue opportunities in the private sector. Friedman took office as Director on March 4, 2002.

"Larry has distinguished himself by his unflagging dedication to improving the integrity of America's bankruptcy system, and I thank him for his leadership and service to the Department," Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez stated.

The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. The Program's accomplishments during Friedman's tenure include:

• Launching the National Civil Enforcement Initiative, to pursue civil remedies against debtors who engage in fraud or who abuse the bankruptcy system, and to protect consumer debtors from those who seek to take advantage of their financial difficulties
• Creating a Criminal Enforcement Unit to fight criminal bankruptcy fraud, in coordination with the U.S. Attorneys.
• Overseeing the largest corporate bankruptcy reorganizations in history, including the cases of Enron Corp. and WorldCom Inc., where examiners were appointed to investigate the debtors' actions.
• Streamlining and enhancing oversight of the private trustees appointed by the Program, including establishing national training programs to ensure adherence to uniform standards of excellence.
• Creating a Strategic Plan to guide the Program's activities for the next five years.

Prior to his appointment as Director, Friedman engaged in private practice of law and served as a panel trustee in the Eastern District of Michigan, where he administered over 10,000 bankruptcy cases.