U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine
Pro Bono Honor Roll
I. Purpose
- To encourage greater participation in pro bono services across the bankruptcy bar as outlined in Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 6.1.
- To recognize and honor attorneys who have provided assistance to parties of limited means related to bankruptcy matters.
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II. Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Contribution: Attorneys must have provided at least 10 hours of pro bono representation in bankruptcy-related matters during the prior calendar year.
- Type of Work: Qualifying work falls within the scope of Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 6.1(1) or (2) and includes legal representation of pro se debtors, creditors, or other parties in interest in bankruptcy cases, including adversary proceedings or contested matters.
- Reporting: Inclusion is based on self-reporting by the attorney.
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III. Reporting Procedure
- Submission Deadline: February 1 of each year for the prior calendar year.
- Submission Method: Completion of a short form certifying:
- Number of pro bono hours provided.
- Description of services rendered (general, not case-specific).
- Affirmation that services were provided without compensation.
- Verification: Submissions are based on attorney honor system. The Court may follow up to confirm eligibility if needed.
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IV. Recognition
- Honor Roll Publication:
- Annual publication on the Court’s website.
- Certificate of Appreciation:
- Issued to each attorney included on the Honor Roll.
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V. Administration
- Oversight: Managed by the Clerk’s Office.
- Promotion:
- Annual reminder to the bankruptcy bar.
- Outreach through Maine State Bar Association, legal aid organizations, and court-sponsored trainings.