The Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project was created in 2015 by Debbie Langehennig with the goal of providing law students invaluable mentoring and practical education while offering legal representation to indigent clients seeking bankruptcy relief services. Through referrals from local pro bono organizations throughout the State of Texas, the Project creates structured, mentored opportunities for law students to work directly with low-income clients under the supervision of seasoned practitioners.
Each participating student receives substantive training on chapter 7 bankruptcy, including instruction on preparing petitions, schedules, and statements of financial affairs, as well as guidance on client communication and courtroom practice. This initiative not only delivers high-quality pro bono representation to those in financial distress but also equips the next generation of bankruptcy professionals with essential skills and a deep appreciation for access to justice.
The Project’s impact has been further supported by general orders from the Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern, Western, and Southern Districts of Texas, which affirm that attorneys providing pro bono services are not subject to the more onerous “debt relief agency” requirements of the Bankruptcy Code. This critical clarification removes a significant barrier to participation, encouraging more practitioners to offer pro bono services without fear of additional restrictions and obligations.
Training Materials can be found here.
The Pro Bono Project gives low-income clients quality representation, provides valuable mentoring and practical education to law students, and provides a rewarding experience for our volunteer attorneys. To volunteer to serve with the Pro Bono Project, please fill out the form below.