The Bankruptcy Pro Bono Clinic offers pro bono legal services to qualifying persons who are dealing with financial problems and may file for bankruptcy. The College of Law offers the clinic as a one-semester, 3-credit elective course that pairs students with actual clients, but with additional credits available upon request and approval. Students work on client meetings, pleadings, and court hearings, and will be required to attend a 2-hour class once a week. During the class, students will share their experiences in court and with clients. Student benefits: Students will practice in federal bankruptcy court as advocates for clients and will network with members of the North Florida Bankruptcy Bar and other parts of Florida. The cases may be Chapter 7s, small business cases, contested matters, or adversary proceedings relating to the discharge. Clinic students will also have the opportunity to observe a live mediation in a real bankruptcy case. The clinic provides amazing networking opportunities for students as they will work with top bankruptcy attorneys in North Florida and other parts of Florida. Clients are referred by Legal Services of North Florida and through this Clinic web page.
Certified by the United States Bankruptcy Court through an Administrative Order, the Clinic is directed by Professor Michael Markham. Professor Markham has been a bankruptcy practitioner since graduating from FSU College of Law in 1988 and has represented numerous parties in bankruptcy cases all over the country, including debtors, creditors, committees, and trustees. Professor Markham currently acts as a Subchapter V Trustee in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. In 2026, Professor Markham received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award from the NDFLBBA as a result of his work with the Clinic.
How to Apply or Participate
Law students interested in enrolling in the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Clinic should contact Professor Markham (mcmarkham@fsu.edu) to schedule an interview. There are no prerequisites for this clinic, but students should be interested in bankruptcy and have open time to work on Clinic assignments. The clinic is open to all students beginning the fall after their 2L year. Law students wishing to satisfy their pro bono requirements may participate in the Clinic without formally registering. If you wish to participate and obtain pro bono hours, please contact Professor Markham.
How to Donate
You can direct your donation to the College of Law to the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Clinic. To do so, please contact Professor Markham at (mcmarkham@fsu.edu). Thank you for your support.
Professor Markham: What is the Bankruptcy Clinic?
How to Apply for Clinic Services
Qualifying persons who wish to obtain pro bono services from the Clinic should click the "Apply" button and complete our questionnaire.
Please note, the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Clinic focuses on Chapter 7 cases in the Northern District of Florida, including Tallahassee, Gainesville, Panama City, Pensacola, and surrounding counties.
Student Testimonial
"My experience in the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Clinic was one of the most impactful parts of my time at FSU Law. I worked directly with clients, appeared in federal bankruptcy court, and engaged with practicing bankruptcy attorneys in Florida. The mentorship I received from Professor Markham helped me develop practical legal skills that are difficult to learn in a classroom setting. This clinic is an invaluable opportunity for any law student seeking hands‑on experience and advocacy skills that are transferable to any area of practice."
- 3L Hannah Shortino
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