Bankruptcy Clinic

Volunteers in the Bankruptcy Unit can represent a client in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case. This includes carrying their own client caseload and working one-on-one with clients to assess their income, property, assets, and debts. These assessments will enable volunteers to advise clients on the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy process, managing debts, discharging debts, collection-proof income, and protecting certain property utilizing MA exemptions, ultimately leading to filing the Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition on behalf of the client. Volunteers will work under the supervision of the Bankruptcy unit paralegal and the unit’s staff attorneys.

Attorneys provide clients with Limited Assistance Representation (LAR), meaning they are only involved in the case for that day. Need to be trained in LAR? Watch the training video and read the required materials.

Requirements

• Must be a licensed in Massachusetts and with the United States District Court of Massachusetts

How it Works

Volunteers at bankruptcy clinics have a few options for participating in bankruptcy clinics.

 Attorneys can:

• Give a short presentation on bankruptcy and answer questions from client attendees.
• Meet with a client to determine the documents needed to complete their file.
• Try to gather those documents online. Some examples of the documents needed are credit reports, income or benefit information, asset information, and tax returns.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Limited Assistance Representation means you start and finish with your client on the same day; no further commitment to court proceedings or legal services is needed. 
• Mentorship: Our newer attorneys learn from more experienced attorneys, and more seasoned lawyers get the chance to mentor and guide new attorneys and students. Experienced and knowledgeable attorneys in Bankruptcy law can also become mentors. (details)
• Networking: Meet fellow attorneys in your area of practice and connect with other legal professionals. 
• Vouchers for discounted MCLE Training are available upon request for pro bono attorneys who actively work with us. The Volunteer Lawyers Project provides primary malpractice insurance for all pro bono work.

The Volunteer Lawyers Project provides primary malpractice insurance for all pro bono work.