To find the best pro bono bankruptcy attorney, research bankruptcy law, get referrals from multiple lawyers, and prepare for meetings by filling out documents and writing key questions. Pro bono work is limited and lawyers take cases they believe in or for non-profits/low-income clients. Lack of income is usually irrelevant in bankruptcy cases. Trusted family/friends and state bar associations can provide referrals. Schedule meetings with at least three attorneys and ask if pro bono representation is an option.
A person looking for the best pro bono bankruptcy attorney should do some general bankruptcy law research first. This will give him a better understanding of the bankruptcy process and help him ask informed questions during his first meeting with a prospective attorney. Second, he should get referrals from several bankruptcy lawyers and schedule a meeting with at least three of them. Finally, prepare for the meeting by filling out documents such as tax forms and invoices and writing key questions to ask the attorney to better evaluate the attorney.
Attorneys are encouraged to provide some pro bono legal services, and some state bar associations require a certain number of pro bono hours per year, but those hours, if required, are limited. Lawyers generally do pro bono work when they believe in a particular case, want to help a non-profit organization or someone with low income, or because they like a particular client. In bankruptcy cases, a person’s lack of income is usually irrelevant because a bankruptcy attorney is helping a person eliminate debt, which will free up any income for other purposes, including attorney fees. A bankruptcy attorney might agree to take a pro bono suit if a person has absolutely no income. Those who do will likely have to pay for bankruptcy services, unless they can get a bankruptcy attorney to do the job for free.
Doing general research in the area of bankruptcy law before choosing a pro bono bankruptcy attorney is an important step. It allows a person to ask a lawyer better questions during the initial meeting. This makes the meeting more productive for the client than simply rambling with the attorney about a difficult situation. Preparing for the meeting also shows the lawyer that a person will not waste time. This can also help persuade the attorney to take a pro bono case.
When seeking references for a pro bono bankruptcy attorney, a person can start by asking for referrals from trusted family and friends. The state bar association is another source of possible referrals and may be able to tell a person whether a particular law firm provides free bankruptcy legal services. A state attorney cannot tell an individual whether a particular attorney is the best pro bono bankruptcy attorney, because her referrals are neutral. It can, however, tell you if any complaints have been made about a particular attorney. Some communities also have organizations that provide need-based pro bono legal services for those who qualify.
After gathering several names, a person should schedule meetings with at least three attorneys; most provide a free initial consultation. A person can ask when arranging an interview whether pro bono representation is an option. Asking in advance avoids wasting time with an interview if the lawyer is not willing. Alternatively, a person can wait to raise the question pro bono during the interview. This allows him to meet with the attorney, ask questions about his case and bankruptcy, and try to get the attorney to take the case on a pro bono basis.
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