text: can i file banckruptcy with a public defender?   go to the federal bankruptcy court you will be filing with, pick-up the packet they provide with all the paperwork. the clerks cannot give legal advice (should you include this or that), but they can answer questions about the process itself (the steps you take, where it will go, time periods between filing, meeting the trustee, period creditors can oppose, when it finally it is discharged). this all is if it's cut and dry chapter 7 and once you read through the packet you should be able to figure if it's too complicated and should get a lawyer. you do the majority of the work whether it's chapter 7 or 11, by yourself or a lawyer, so don't pay 3 months salary for something that could be as easy as filing a 1040ez tax form. educate yourself before your make someone else responsible for your future. i know people will yell at me, so what. btw: the vast majority of bankruptcies are businesses and not individuals, so don't let someone guilt you out.