NOTICE

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio is pleased to announce that a pro bono legal service to indigent debtors and creditors in bankruptcy cases was established on February 15, 2003. The program is made possible in association with the following organizations:

The program will be restricted to debtors and creditors within Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain counties.

In the first phase of the program, counsel will be provided to indigent debtors who are considering filing a voluntary petition under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Those interested in receiving service should contact the Legal Aid Society to determine eligibility. Program volunteers will counsel, advise, and, if appropriate, represent the debtor in a bankruptcy case under either chapter. In the second phase of the program, counsel will be provided to indigent debtors or creditors who are defendants in adversary proceedings. Potential clients of this program will work directly with the Legal Aid Society to determine eligibility and make referrals to volunteer attorneys. For more information on the location of the Offices of the Legal Aid Society, check their website identified above.

The Bankruptcy Court will schedule all pro bono cases at the front of its docket, and the Office of the United States Trustee will schedule all pro bono 341 meetings in its early time slots. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will screen individuals for program eligibility, and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association will provide an office and conference room for volunteers to meet with clients. In addition, volunteer attorneys will be provided with written materials, educational programs and, to the extent possible, assistance from law school student volunteers.

Attorneys interested in volunteering for the program should complete the form found on the Court's website and return it to Diana Thimmig at the address provided. Any questions about the scope of the program may also be addressed to Ms. Thimmig.