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Please join the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center for our Bankruptcy Training for Pro Bono Attorneys, 2-Part Series. Please read this page in its entirety before applying for the training. The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center would like to thank the American College of Bankruptcy and the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation for their generous donation in support of the Bankruptcy Training and Clinic.

Bankruptcy Law for Pro Bono Attorneys, 2-Part Training
Part 1: Tuesday, June 15, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET
Part 2: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET

NOTE: All Trainees must be APPROVED before registering for this training. We thoroughly evaluate and interview each applicant. Priority acceptance of applicants will be given to those with bankruptcy law experience. Please find the application instructions below.

Whether in good or bad economic times, personal financial crises can strike, and bankruptcy can provide a means to successfully address the situation. Every year, hundreds of people in the District of Columbia seek protection under the bankruptcy laws while they figure out how best to address their difficult circumstances.

Two main types of relief are available to individual debtors under the federal Bankruptcy Code: (1) Chapter 7, where the debtor's nonexempt assets are sold to pay creditors while most of the debtor's debts are discharged; and (2) Chapter 13, where the debtor prepares a plan to pay off creditors. This course prepares attorney volunteers to provide much-needed legal representation to Chapter 7 debtors through the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Bankruptcy Clinic.

Format of the Training:
This training will incorporate pre-recorded training videos and two Zoom video calls to train volunteer attorneys in bankruptcy matters:

1. Upon approval, trainees will receive a set of on-demand training videos. Trainees will also receive an extensive training manual and volunteer handbook. These materials will be emailed out closer to the training date. These training videos are the core of the training and can be completed at your own pace. It is highly recommended to watch the first half of the training videos prior first call and second half prior to the second call.
2. On June 15 and 22, we will host live training calls with our speakers from the pre-recorded trainings. The speakers will discuss new updates to bankruptcy law, and trainees will have the opportunity to ask questions related to each part of the training. Trainees are required to watch the entire on-demand training AND participate in both calls. Call-in information will be distributed to approved applicants.
3. Following the training, trainees will fulfill their pro bono requirement of two referrals through the Pro Bono Center’s Bankruptcy Clinic.

Important Information:
• This training series is appropriate for attorneys and attorney/paralegal teams (paralegals must attend with an attorney).
• No particular expertise is required to participate.
• Volunteers from firms that represent major banks, credit card companies, and other common creditors should contact the Pro Bono Center for more information before registering for this training.
• Training participants must agree to accept two pro bono referrals from the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Bankruptcy Clinic within twelve (12) months after completing the training.
• Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the highest court of any state and must be willing to file a certificate saying that the attorney is providing representation without compensation.
• Malpractice insurance is provided by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center for cases referred through the Bankruptcy Clinic.
• Pro Bono Center trainings are not MCLE-accredited.

ALL TRAINEES MUST BE APPROVED BEFORE ATTENDING THE BANKRUPTCY TRAINING.

To apply:

1) Please visit: www.rebrand.ly/bankruptcyapp
to complete the volunteer application; AND

2) Email your resume with subject line “BANKRUPTCY APPLICATION” to BankruptcyClinic@dcbar.org by Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

3) We will contact all applicants for a short phone interview.

4) If you are approved to attend the training, you will be notified via email by Friday, June 4, 2021.

5) You are NOT permitted to register for the training until you have been APPROVED.

Please register below. Registrants will receive the Zoom link and training materials prior to the webinar. If you have any questions, please contact Alison Percich, Training and Volunteer Specialist, at probonotraining@dcbar.org.