New Court-Based Clinic
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Contact: Ashley Carter, Staff Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Email: ACarter@dcvlp.org
Washington DC | September 30, 2019 The DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) is pleased to announce the opening of our new Domestic Violence Protection Order Clinic located at D.C. Superior Court.
Domestic violence victims and others seeking protection orders often come to court alone, unaware of the legal complexities that may arise in their cases. However, when their abusers appear with a lawyer or the judge asks about a legal requirement, the process can quickly become overwhelming for the victims. Until now, they had no recourse. Beginning September 30, judges, clerks and courtroom advocates can refer these petitioners to our new clinic, located adjacent to Courtroom 114, to speak with an attorney immediately. Services include legal advice, brief services and representation. The clinic will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The legal clinic will be spearheaded by DCVLP Staff Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow, Ashley Carter, under the supervision of Managing Attorney, Cindy Kim. Equal Justice Works selected Ms. Carter, a former judicial law clerk at D.C. Superior Court and a George Washington University Law School graduate, for this prestigious two-year award to implement the clinic. Her fellowship is sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
Clinic visitors will have access to DCVLP’s other services designed to help families achieve safety and stability in their lives. In addition to assistance with protection orders and custody, DCVLP attorneys help with immigration, guardianship, public benefits, and more while our advocates provide safety planning, crisis intervention and thoughtful referrals to our many community partners. All services are free.
More information is available at www.volunteerlegaladvocates.org. Victims may also speak with an advocate at (202) 425-7573.
