Appendix
San Fernando Valley Division
As mentioned in previous reports, the San Fernando Valley Division opened the Court’s first onsite self-help desk in 2007. The self-help desk is operated by Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles, the Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association, and the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. Pro bono attorneys from the two bar associations continue to hold weekly seminars and provide free legal information on bankruptcy, including a variety of self-help resources, videos, seminars, and one-on-one workshops for self-represented litigants. Topics commonly covered include bankruptcy filing requirements, the difference between chapter 7 and chapter 13, and where to find a bankruptcy attorney. In 2014, approximately 807 visitors were assisted by the self-help desk and its programs. The number of visitors has decreased as result of reduced clinic hours due to funding cuts. Neighborhood Legal Services does not provide a formal training program, but new volunteers come in to observe the programs for training purposes. Approximately 15 volunteers came in to observe as a part of their training in 2014.