The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon, with support and assistance from the Debtor-Creditor Section of the Oregon State Bar, maintains a Pro Bono Program for parties who cannot afford an attorney.  Representation is provided at no cost to approved applicants by a panel of volunteer attorneys.

If you are unable to pay for an attorney but would like legal representation in an active case or proceeding in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, you may submit an Application for Assignment of Pro Bono Counsel (LBF 9010.1).  Please note that parties who are not debtors (nondebtors) applying for representation must also submit a Supplemental Application for Assignment of Pro Bono Counsel for Nondebtors (LBF 9010.2).  Representation will be either for a limited number of hours or for a specific purpose such as appearing at a settlement conference or filing or responding to a complaint in an adversary proceeding.  Please clearly explain in your application why you need legal representation so that the court can assign a Pro Bono Panel attorney who will best meet your needs.

Applications must be filed with the clerk by mail, in person, or using the court's Public Document Upload.  The application will be entered on the case docket and forwarded to the Bankruptcy Judge assigned to preside over your case.  The Judge will review the application and enter an order either granting or denying your request.  If the application is granted, a Pro Bono Panel attorney will be assigned to contact you to discuss how best to provide representation in your case.  Should the assigned attorney have a conflict of interest which prevents the attorney from representing you, the attorney will notify the court, and another Panel attorney will be assigned to your case.  

Approval of your application does not guarantee that a Panel attorney will be able to represent you.  If the court is unable to match you with a suitable Panel attorney, you will be notified. 

If you are an attorney or law firm interested in providing pro bono representation, click here to learn more about pro bono service. 

If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact the Pro Bono Program Administrator by phone at (541) 431-4008.