Domestic Violence Practicum

Catalog description

The Domestic Violence Law Practicum provides students with a live-client experience (LCE) through the provision of legal advice and brief services to families served by supervised visitation-exchange centers as part of the Justice for Families program. Student LCE work will be supervised by an experienced domestic relations attorney. Students who participate will be required to attend a seminar designed to complement the LCE work. Students will gain experience with a range of lawyering skills including client counseling, case planning, and written and oral advocacy. The practicum will provide students with training on the substantive law of domestic violence, family law and other areas of law that are likely to impact clients served by the supervised visitation centers. Supervised visitation center clients will sign up for advice an counseling sessions with law students on weekends and possible weeknight appointments. Parents who are utilizing any of the supervised visitation centers will need advice and brief service regarding modification or adjustments to the visitation related remedies in their Order of Protection. Any motions which follow this limited pro se support are filed on a self-represented basis and will not include student court appearances. Referrals for legal representation will be offered in instances in which this is appropriate.