Recently, Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC attorneys were able to assist a pro bono client referred by Legal Aid of North Carolina. The client could not continue to pay his credit card debt and personal loans after losing his job and being unable to work.
Waldrep Wall successfully helped the client file a Chapter 7 petition, a legal document that starts the bankruptcy process, without the client having to pay any of the fees normally associated with a bankruptcy petition. Waldrep Wall assisted the client in filing an application to have the $338 filing fee waived and worked with Butterfly Financial Education, Inc., to waive the fees for the required credit counseling courses.
The client received a Chapter 7 discharge that eliminated approximately $85,000 of unsecured debt. As a result, this client is no longer facing collection efforts and can have some peace of mind. The client was very grateful with the outcome, saying, "I am overwhelmed with the work you [Waldrep Wall attorneys] did for me, guiding me through everything, and I really appreciate it."
Waldrep Wall also proudly partners with Legal Aid to provide quality legal services to the underserved members of our community. Allison Constance, the Director of Pro Bono Programs at Legal Aid, indicates that there is a great need for collaboration with the bankruptcy bar. “At Legal Aid of North Carolina, our staff works tirelessly to meet the civil legal needs of people across the state, but we cannot even come close to meeting that need without the help of pro bono volunteers. Attorneys in private practice are an essential piece of providing access to justice, especially in bankruptcy law.”
In addition to working with Legal Aid, there are many ways to assist those who may not be able to afford legal representation. The Bankruptcy Section of the North Carolina Bar Association, in collaboration with the North Carolina Bar Foundation and various legal services providers, has also created a Pro Bono and Low Bono Referral Network. This network aims to connect private bankruptcy practitioners with potential consumer debtors who are people eligible for Legal Aid services and may not be able to afford an attorney. To sign up and start helping those in need, please complete this survey.
In addition, the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts in the Middle and Eastern districts have a pro bono program that assists debtors without an attorney in certain circumstances. Here is information on each program:
Middle District of North Carolina:
Eastern District of North Carolina: