The U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s Volunteer Attorney Panel is looking for volunteer lawyers willing to represent pro se parties (mostly debtors but sometimes creditors) in bankruptcy cases. Representation is limited to adversary proceedings and contested matters –  matters requiring litigation skills that pro se parties lack. No Panel member is asked to file a bankruptcy case, complete schedules and similar forms, or attend a meeting of creditors. 

The Panel provides an excellent chance for lawyers – especially newer lawyers – to get hands-on experience litigating disputes in federal court. (Bankruptcy litigation is subject to the same evidence rules as civil actions in the district court and virtually the same procedural rules.)

The Panel is also entirely voluntary. The judges identify matters suitable for representation, and the clerk of court recruits volunteers from the Panel to take on those matters, but Panel members are never required to accept representation. They can decline because of a conflict of interest or for any other reason.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer Attorney Panel, complete and submit the short questionnaire available at: https://tdi.ilnb.uscourts.gov/vap/volform.cfm