Stark Manufacturing LLC v. Parks et al

Filing 21

ORDER OF RECUSAL. Judge Kristine G. Baker recused. Signed by Judge Kristine G. Baker on 6/29/12. (kpr)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
RICHARD SHEPPARD ARNOLD UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
500 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, SUITE D-444
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-3325

KRISTINE G. BAKER

[phone]
FAX: [phone]

DISTRICT JUDGE

June 29, 2012
Via Electronic Mail

Gena Gregory, Esq.
Elizabeth LaRue, Esq.
David D. Wilson, Esq.
Re:

Stark Manufacturing, LLC v. Parks Industries, LLC and Gary Parks,
4:11CV718 KGB

Dear Counselors:
I have reviewed the list of cases transferred to me. Please consider this letter a
disclosure under28 U.S.C. §455(a). Section455(a) states: "Anyjustice,judge, or magistrate
judge ofthe United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality
might reasonably be questioned."
I reviewed the pleadings filed to date in the above-referenced matter. I have no
knowledge of the business, transaction, or settlement agreement that are the subject of the
Amended Complaint. I have never discussed with anyone from or associated with Stark
Manufacturing, LLC, any issues related to the business, transaction, or settlement agreement
that are the subject of the Amended Complaint.
While in private practice, however, I counseled Stark Manufacturing, LLC on
employment matters from time-to-time and drafted various employment documents for the
company. I did not represent the company in any litigated matters, and my work for the
company was confined to employment counseling only. I have never met personally with
anyone associated with the company, although I have spoken on the telephone and
communicated by electronic mail with various individuals associated with the company
including but not limited to Neal Cohen and Debbie Riley.
After considering the issue, I have decided that I should recuse in order to avoid the
appearance of impropriety. The Clerk of the Court will reassign this case.
Respectfully yours,

Kristine G. Baker
KGB
cc:
Court File