Past Events › Volunteer Training

Survivors often face barriers to housing and employment because of the domestic violence committed against them. In this training, volunteer attorneys will learn what legal policies and protections are available to them to help their clients access safe housing and stable employment. (function(d, s) { var js, el = d.getElementsByTagName(s); window.BB_REG_FORM_ID = "7495e308-a069-42b9-976e-2b07e78a4b14"; window.BB_REG_FORM_ENVIRONMENT_ID = "p-cnOu7O1Z7U2wXFJ76Tm-og"; js = d.createElement(s); js.src = "https://sky.blackbaudcdn.net/skyuxapps/registration-form/assets/online_registrations_form_loader_v3.14098ce76d7db76c7e1811317e69bc66d7ffa582.js"; el.parentNode.insertBefore(js, el); })(document, "script");

In this training, volunteer attorneys will learn to help domestic violence survivors and their children find long-term safety and stability through a permanent custody and/or divorce order. Major topics covered in this training include the basic dynamics of domestic violence, trauma-informed representation, and understanding the law and procedures regarding child custody and divorce in Washington, DC. (function(d, s) { var js, el = d.getElementsByTagName(s); window.BB_REG_FORM_ID = "c9c3fb81-1944-4064-b4a9-e08dc33bebc4"; window.BB_REG_FORM_ENVIRONMENT_ID = "p-cnOu7O1Z7U2wXFJ76Tm-og"; js = d.createElement(s); js.src = "https://sky.blackbaudcdn.net/skyuxapps/registration-form/assets/online_registrations_form_loader_v3.14098ce76d7db76c7e1811317e69bc66d7ffa582.js"; el.parentNode.insertBefore(js, el); })(document, "script");

In this training, volunteer attorneys will learn how to serve as court-appointed guardians ad litem (GALs) for children in high-conflict custody cases involving serious risk factors. Major topics covered in this training include the role of a GAL, custody law and practice, domestic violence and child abuse/neglect, best practices for investigation, interviewing children, ethical issues in representing child clients, and identifying social services. (function(d, s) { var js, el = d.getElementsByTagName(s); window.BB_REG_FORM_ID = "b34729c7-7da2-4318-aff2-45e7ee73d359"; window.BB_REG_FORM_ENVIRONMENT_ID = "p-cnOu7O1Z7U2wXFJ76Tm-og"; js = d.createElement(s);…

Obtaining a Civil Protection Order, or "stay-away" order, is often the first step for a domestic violence survivor to find immediate safety from an abuser. In this training, volunteer attorneys and paralegals will learn to: help prepare survivors for an upcoming Civil Protection Order (CPO) trial by providing brief advice on their case assist survivors with drafting pleadings including Petitions for Civil Protection Orders, Motions to Continue, or Motions for Alternative Service through DC Superior Court's online filing system draft…

In 2021, DCVLP launched a new Policy & Appellate Advocacy Practice to ensure legal precedent protects the interests of DV survivors. In this training, volunteer attorneys will learn about all aspects of the appellate process, including litigating appeals on behalf of DCVLP clients. (function(d, s) { var js, el = d.getElementsByTagName(s); window.BB_REG_FORM_ID = "2a35e297-3f67-46b9-874b-ad9602bf55ca"; window.BB_REG_FORM_ENVIRONMENT_ID = "p-cnOu7O1Z7U2wXFJ76Tm-og"; js = d.createElement(s); js.src = "https://sky.blackbaudcdn.net/skyuxapps/registration-form/assets/online_registrations_form_loader_v3.14098ce76d7db76c7e1811317e69bc66d7ffa582.js"; el.parentNode.insertBefore(js, el); })(document, "script");

Before an exhibit can be offered into evidence, you must prove to the Court that it is authentic, which is known as laying the foundation. In this training, volunteers will learn how to effectively lay the necessary foundation to prove the authenticity of exhibits. Please note, this training series is intended for newly registered and active DCVLP volunteers. To register as a volunteer, visit www.dcvlp.org/register. (function(d, s) { var js, el = d.getElementsByTagName(s); window.BB_REG_FORM_ID = "f9b8eed4-1d1c-41de-92f7-252985e19a65"; window.BB_REG_FORM_ENVIRONMENT_ID = "p-cnOu7O1Z7U2wXFJ76Tm-og"; window.BB_REG_FORM_HEADER_HEIGHT…

In this training, volunteers will develop skills to properly impeach or refresh the recollection of a witness when representing clients in protection order or family law cases. Please note, this training series is intended for newly registered and active DCVLP volunteers. To register as a volunteer, visit www.dcvlp.org/register. (function(d, s) { var js, el = d.getElementsByTagName(s); window.BB_REG_FORM_ID = "4f6887b2-2153-4b38-83ef-f213e3d68250"; window.BB_REG_FORM_ENVIRONMENT_ID = "p-cnOu7O1Z7U2wXFJ76Tm-og"; window.BB_REG_FORM_HEADER_HEIGHT = 0; // If your page has a header/overlay, then you can set this value to your header…