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.

The Bureau represents both individuals and groups in a variety of settings including court proceedings, mediation, and negotiations.

Specifically, the Bureau handles the following types of cases:

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

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.

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.

Specifically, the Bureau does not handle the following types of cases:

Affirmative Suits
AIDS Law
Care and Protection
Complaints against Attorneys
Criminal Cases
Debt/Bankruptcy
Guardianship of Incompetent Persons
Immigration
Landlord Representation in Housing
Cases outside of Massachusetts
Small Claims
Cases on behalf of students
Torts
Wills
Worker's Compensation Claims