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 individual parties who cannot afford an attorney.  Consultation or 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 help with a matter 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). Your ability to pay is one factor considered when determining whether an attorney should be appointed. Representation will be either for up to a maximum of two hours of service 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 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, the court's the Pro Bono Program administrator will attempt to find an available Pro Bono Panel attorney. The attorney contact you to discuss how best to provide representation in your case.  An attorney might have a conflict of interest prohibiting them from taking your case.  In this situation, the Pro Bono Program administrator will attempt to find another available attorney.

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 (503) 326-1543.