Practice Areas

What Types of Cases Does the Bureau Handle?
The Bureau primarily represents eligible clients with legal problems in four major areas: housing, governmental benefits, family law, and wage and hour.

What Types of Cases Does the Bureau Not Handle?
The Bureau does not handle criminal cases, bankruptcies, personal injury claims (such as injuries arising from an auto accident), or workers' compensation claims. In addition, the Bureau does not generally represent students unless they are on TAFDC.

However, we do occasionally handle cases in areas outside our four primary practice areas when they are related to an existing matter we are handling for a client. 

The following table summarizes general Bureau policies on particular types of cases. 

ACCEPTED CASES               
Divorce
Separate Support
Custody   
Support Enforcement Proceedings       
Employment Benefits           
Social Security
Disability
Fair Wage
Section 8 Termination               
Group Representation           
Housing/Public Housing
Tenant Association       
Mediation               
Paternity               
Public Assistance Programs       
Veterans Benefits           

NOT ACCEPTED CASES
Affirmative Suits           
AIDS Law               
Care and Protection           
Complaints against Attorneys       
Criminal Cases               
Debt/Bankruptcy               
Guardianship of Incompetent Persons   
Immigration               
Landlord Representation in Housing   
Mental Patients               
Non-Massachusetts Cases           
Small Claims               
Students               
Torts                   
Wills & Administration of Estates   
Worker’s Compensation Claims