DC Superior Court Open House: Domestic Relations Branch

This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers, and co-sponsored by the Children’s Law Center and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House! Jen Masi from the Children’s Law Center and Jenadee Nanini from the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed in child custody cases. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and find out how to get involved. Pro bono counsel may represent a parent, a third-party caregiver, or serve as a guardian ad litem (GAL) representing the best interests of the children involved in a custody case. Register today to learn more about how you can help a family with limited means achieve stability and enhance your professional skills through pro bono representation. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@dccsystem.gov.

Best Practices in Pro Bono: Exploring Opportunities in Appeals: Appellate Practice for Public Interest and Pro Bono Attorneys

When we say pro bono service, many think of the deeply important work of helping someone navigate legal relief at the trial level. Did you know there are opportunities for pro bono service at the appellate level? In DC, appellate pro bono support is extremely important because we are one of the jurisdictions that do not have an appellate self-help center or a dedicated legal clinic focused on appeals. That means self-represented parties are left to their own devices even more at an even more complicated part of the legal process. We are exploring what opportunities are available for public service and pro bono attorneys at the appellate level. Our panel will be moderated by Andrea Mangones, in conversation with: Johnathan Levy, Director, Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project, Legal Aid DC Abe Sisson, Staff Counsel, DC Court of Appeals Peter Bruland, Senior Managing Associate, Sidley Austin LLP Register today!

DC Superior Court Open House: Domestic Violence Division

This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers, and co-sponsored by Volunteer Legal Advocates. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House!  Aída Vindell from Volunteer Legal Advocates will introduce you to the Domestic Violence Division – one of the Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed.  The Open House will focus on representing petitioners in securing Civil Protection Orders (CPOs) against someone who has committed or threatened to commit domestic and/or sexual violence against them.  You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and find out how to get involved. Register today to learn more about how you can help someone seeking protection from violence and enhance your professional skills through pro bono representation. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@dccsystem.gov.

Litigation Skills Series: Appellate Practice: Dos, Don’ts, and Strategies for Compelling Arguments

From complex procedural requirements, imposing briefing deadlines, and the many strategic considerations required for effective appellate argument, navigating the appeals process can be daunting. That's why it's important to fortify your appellate toolkit! Join us to learn what the appeals process entails, pitfalls to avoid, how to write more effective briefs, and musts for preparing oral arguments. This course will cover the building blocks of making the record for appeal, relevant appellate rules, and tips on effective brief writing and oral argument prep. You will leave with a deeper understanding of the appellate process and strategies that you can use in your own practice. Our faculty for this training is: Sasha Drobnick, Director of Appellate Litigation, DV LEAP, a project of Volare (formerly Network for Victim Recovery of D.C.). Register now to stride confidently into your next appeals! Scholarships are available due to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this online scholarship form.

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