No. But it is adviseable. Bankruptcy is a complex area of the law and has many procedual traps and pitfals. Some clients who file themselves, even though they have simple cases, end up spending much more time in the bankruptcy system than necessary due to lack of familiarity. A lawyer such as Mark E. Brenner, has filed over 1000 cases and has been practicing in the bankruptcy arena since 1982. He is well qualified to make sure your case is prepared, filed and discharge as quickly as possible and with the fewest problems. Watch this video prepared by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.