Electronic Filing of Fee Waiver Requests by Pro Bono Attorneys
In June 2013, the Court launched a new pilot program enabling attorneys who are handling chapter 7 petitions on a pro bono basis to file fee waiver requests electronically on behalf of clients receiving free legal advice. This new capability makes pro bono representation more convenient by eliminating the need for an attorney to travel to the courthouse in person to file a fee waiver (as previously required) when assisting with these filings. It is hoped this new accommodation will encourage more attorneys to take on pro bono representation. The Court plans to expand the pilot program in 2014.