INTAKE

We want to learn more about you! When you complete the volunteer registration form, we will send you a link to schedule a 15-20 minute intake interview with a Supervising Attorney.

VOLUNTEER

Use the tabs below to browse our current volunteer opportunities.

Civil Protection Order Cases

Volunteers help domestic violence survivors find immediate safety from their abusers through a CPO, or “stay-away” order.

These cases provide supervised in-court litigation experience in a short time frame.

Average case length: 2-4 weeks

Average time commitment: 15 hours

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

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. Click here to share your availability to staff a CPO hearing.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AVAILABLE CPO CASES!

Custody & Divorce Cases

Volunteers help domestic violence survivors and their children find long-term safety and stability through a permanent custody and/or divorce order.

Many of our clients come through referrals to our legal clinics. Some of our clients, after securing a CPO with DCVLP, will take the next step and petition for a divorce from their abuser, or for custody of a child-in-common.

DCVLP provides our volunteers with a full range of supervised litigation experience, including discovery, motions, negotiations, and hearings.

Average case length: 6-18 months with hearings every 2-3 months

Average time commitment: 10-15 hours per month

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AVAILABLE CUSTODY & DIVORCE CASES!

Guardian ad litem Cases

Volunteers represent the best interests of children at serious risk of harm in custody cases, due to concerning factors such as abuse and domestic violence.

These cases provide substantial supervised experience in investigation, negotiation, and litigation.

Average case length: 6-18 months with hearings every 2-3 months

Average time commitment: 10-15 hours per month

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

Please contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators directly at volunteer@dcvlp.org to express interest in taking a GAL case.

Immigration Cases

Volunteers help immigrant survivors of violence and their families find relief through a variety of means, such as asylum, special visas for victims of crime, standby guardianship, and adjustments in status.

Activities include preparing applications for immigration relief, appearing at administrative hearings, helping survivors prepare for immigration interviews, and other activities.

Average case length: 6-18 months

Average time commitment: 10-15 hours per month

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AVAILABLE IMMIGRATION CASES!

Civil Protection Order Clinic

CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER CLINIC

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.

Activities:

  • 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 Amendments to Petitions for survivors who have an existing Civil Protection Order in place

When and Where:

Tuesdays | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Virtual by phone

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT IN OUR CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER CLINIC!

Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & FAMILY LAW CLINIC

Having the advice of a lawyer on civil protection orders, custody, and/or divorce helps domestic violence survivors know their rights and empowers them to move toward long-term safety and stability.

Activities:

  • provide survivors and caregivers of at-risk children with brief legal advice on protection orders, custody, and divorce matters

When and Where:

Mondays | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Virtual by phone

Tuesdays | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Virtual by phone

Wednesdays | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 3160 16th St NW

Fridays | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 2375 Elvans Road SE

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT IN OUR DV & FAMILY LAW CLINIC!

Immigration Clinic

IMMIGRATION CLINIC

Empower immigrant survivors with the legal advice they need to know their rights and secure immigration relief.

Activities:

  • provide immigrant survivors with brief legal advice on VAWA self-petitions, asylum applications, U and T visas for victims of crime, applications for special immigrant juvenile status, standby guardianship, and adjustments in status

When and Where:

Wednesdays | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 3160 16th St NW

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT IN OUR IMMIGRATION CLINIC !