While the information presented below is accurate as of the date of publication, it should not be cited or relied upon as legal authority. It is highly recommended that legal advice be obtained from a bankruptcy attorney or legal association. For filing requirements, please refer to the United States Bankruptcy Code (title 11, United States Code), the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (Bankruptcy Rules), and the Local Rules for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts.

How do I get admitted to practice in the Bankruptcy Court?

The Bankruptcy Court does not have a separate bankruptcy bar. To practice in the Bankruptcy Court, an attorney must be admitted to the Bar of the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. For admission requirements, please visit the District Court website at Attorney Admission Information.

An out-of-state attorney who desires to appear in a particular bankruptcy case is required to apply for limited admission. As in the District Court, there is a $100.00 fee for filing this application in the Bankruptcy Court. Interested attorneys should review the Pro Hac Vice Procedure and Local Rule 9010-1.

Where can I get more information about ECF?

Visit the ECF Access, ECF Tips, and ECF User Manual.

Where can I obtain more research and educational materials about bankruptcy?

Massachusetts has a three bar associations with vibrant and active sections dedicated to bankruptcy: the Boston Bar Association, the Worcester County Bar Association, and the Hampden County Bar Association. These associations hold regular meetings, brown bag lunch programs, and CLEs on bankruptcy topics.

There are also national organizations such as the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

There are also a number of legal publishers of treatises and books about bankruptcy law and procedure.