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11 people are interested
Be a Voice in Court for Children
ORGANIZATION: DC Volunteer Lawyers Project
Please visit the new page to apply.
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11 people are interested
As a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem Attorney, you will represent a vulnerable child in a contentious custody case and attempt to ensure that they grow up in a safe and stable home. Attorneys are appointed in cases where the judge has serious concerns about the safety and security of the child; these circumstances can include child abuse or neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse or incarceration of a parent, serious mental or physical illness of a parent or the child, a developmental disability of a parent or the child, or a third party seeking custody over the objection of a parent.
Previous family law experience is not required. GAL attorneys undertake a thorough investigation of the case, which includes visits to the child’s home, school and caretakers, as well as reviewing medical and school records. GALs participate attend hearings, file reports, motions and other pleadings, participate at trial, and make custody and visitation recommendations that are in the best interests of their child clients. Representing a child client as a GAL takes 3-6 months, but in some cases, representation may last longer.
We offer to all volunteers: in-court supervision, comprehensive training programs, live and online; mentorship by an experienced supervising attorney, who reviews all written work and accompanies the volunteer to court; access to an extensive resource library, including sample pleadings; administrative support; malpractice insurance; and more.
To get started, please fill out a volunteer registration form at dcvlp.org/registration. Then, please email Emilia Plater-Zyberk at eplaterzyberk@dcvlp.org for next steps or with questions.
More opportunities with DC Volunteer Lawyers Project
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About DC Volunteer Lawyers Project
Location:
5335 WISCONSIN AVE NW STE 440, WASHINGTON, DC 20015, US
Mission Statement
The DC Volunteers Lawyers Project recruits, trains and mentors volunteer lawyers to provide high-quality, pro bono legal services to help domestic violence victims escape abusive relationships and establish new, independent lives; and to help at-risk children - living in homes where abuse, neglect, domestic violence, mental illness or drug abuse is present - find safe and stable homes. Join us in being a voice against violence. No DC Bar license required.
Description
DCVLP was founded to support the work of pro bono attorneys. Our 225 active volunteers are part of a team which includes a Supervising Attorney, a Client Advocate and support staff. We assign volunteers in pairs for additional support.
Our Supervising Attorneys are in court every day sitting by the volunteers’ side. They help prepare witnesses, respond to judges’ questions, handle combative respondents, and negotiate settlements. They are also available to review filings, provide insight into judges, and advise on case strategy. Our Paralegal helps with obtaining documents and preparing trial exhibits. So that volunteers can focus on the legal work, our Client Advocate helps clients' non-legal needs such as crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to much-needed social services. Our volunteer team is rounded out by our Volunteer Coordinator, who manages on-boarding and administrative needs, and our Domestic Violence Program Manager, who matches volunteers with cases and partner volunteers.
DCVLP offers dozens of training events annually, as well as online training videos. We provide an online library with pleadings, forms, case law, and practice tips, and a weekly e-newsletter with updates on our activities, legal resources, local events, and job listings. We also provide insurance, subscription resources, and office space.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Throughout DC; Offices; 5335 Wisconsin AveWashington, DC 20015
DATE POSTED
January 25, 2018
SKILLS
- Child Welfare
- Child Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention
- Conflict Resolution
- Family Law
- Advocacy
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Orientation or Training
- 3-6 months
- You need to be a licensed lawyer but do NOT need a DC bar license.