diff --git a/notebook/static/base/js/dialog.js b/notebook/static/base/js/dialog.js
index dc9a2c943..6a2d417cc 100644
--- a/notebook/static/base/js/dialog.js
+++ b/notebook/static/base/js/dialog.js
@@ -234,7 +234,8 @@ define(['jquery',
         });
 
         modal_obj.on('shown.bs.modal', function(){ editor.refresh(); });
-        modal_obj.on('hide.bs.modal', function(){options.edit_metadata_button.focus(); });
+        modal_obj.on('hide.bs.modal', function(){
+            options.edit_metadata_button ? options.edit_metadata_button.focus() : ""});
     };
 
     var edit_attachments = function (options) {