Volunteer Lawyer Events Calendar

September 2017

Lunch & Learn: Using Digital Evidence of Domestic Violence
September 6th, 12:30-2PM, at DCVLP
The Safety Net Project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) will provide an interactive training exploring technology in domestic violence cases. The training will examine technologies commonly misused in domestic violence cases and will focus on the process for gathering and admitting evidence of technological abuse. Participants will also learn about ethical issues, how to advise clients about tech safety, and how to improve work with multidisciplinary teams.

Volunteer Lawyer Info Session
September 14th, 12PM-1:30PM at DCVLP
For attorneys interested in volunteering, this event will provide a close-up look at DCVLP’s volunteer opportunities and practice areas. Staff and current volunteers will explain their work, share their experiences, and answer any questions about volunteering to represent a domestic violence survivor or at-risk child through DCVLP. DC bar membership is not required to volunteer. We hope to see you on the 14th!

New Volunteer Training: Litigating Protection Order Cases for Domestic Violence Victims
September 28th, 10AM-2PM, at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 
Civil Protection Order (CPO) cases provide supervised in-court litigation experience in a short time frame, while helping ensure the immediate safety of a survivor and her children. Each case lasts just 8-12 days on average, and volunteers may sign up far in advance to represent a client on a certain hearing date, allowing busy attorneys to predict when they will need to be in court. This training provides an overview of the process for obtaining a CPO on behalf of domestic violence survivors. Topics include: dynamics of domestic violence, the Intra-Family Offenses Act, interviewing clients, obtaining evidence, and handling contested hearings.

October 2017

New Volunteer Training: Representing At-Risk Children as a Guardian Ad Litem
October 5th, 9:30AM-2:30PM at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
This training will prepare attorneys to serve as court-appointed guardians ad litem (GALs) for children in high-conflict custody cases involving serious risk factors, such as parental drug abuse or domestic violence in the home. This training will cover the role of a GAL; custody law and practice; domestic violence and child abuse/neglect; best practices for investigation, including interviewing children; ethical issues in representing child clients; and identifying social services.

New Volunteer Training: Litigating Family Law Cases for Domestic Violence Victims
October 19th, 10AM-2:30PM at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Family law cases present an excellent opportunity to learn a full range of litigation skills, including discovery, motions, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation, while helping domestic violence victims stay safe and rebuild their lives. This training program will provide an overview of the process for litigating family law cases on behalf of domestic violence survivors. Topics include: dynamics of domestic violence; an overview of custody, child support, and divorce law; and practice and procedure.

Online Trainings

If you would like to volunteer, but are unable to attend a live training for the volunteer opportunity of your choice, you are welcome to complete your training online. Please email Emilia Plater-Zyberk at eplaterzyberk@dcvlp.org for more.

For more information, please contact Emilia Plater-Zyberk, Outreach & Volunteer Program Manager, at eplaterzyberk@dcvlp.org.