VLP, in partnership with the Bankruptcy Section of the Boston Bar Association, is launching a bankruptcy assistance project geared toward getting pro bono representation for low-income debtors in bankruptcy. Many of these debtors would attempt to file for bankruptcy protection without benefit of an attorney. Their cases often are dismissed because of the pro se debtor's not understanding the requirements for obtaining a discharge of debts.

The project will pair attorneys from the bankruptcy groups of participating large firms with up to three clients seeking assistance. Pursuant to an ethics opinion from the Boston Bar Association, the only conflict check that needs to be run is with the proposed debtor. The attorneys will represent the debtors through the discharge in the matter.

It is assumed that in most of these cases, no objections to discharge will arise. However, should an objection to discharge arise and the firm representing the debtor has a conflict, another participating firm will take over the representation of the client for the adversary proceeding.

This event will train attorneys on how to file Chapter 7 for low income clients and will also serve as the official rollout of the Boston Bar Association and VLP Bankruptcy Assistance Project.

To register, please go to the Boston Bar Association website.