PROBONO Bulletin - Summer 2008 - (Page 28)

SIGnATURE PRoJECT UPDATE CURREnT SIgNaTURe PROJeCTS Advocates Against violence Protecting domestic violence victims with atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Pathways to Freedom for Immigrant victims of Domestic violence Helping abused immigrant women in Northern Virginia secure legal status in the US Access to Education Improving educational outcomes of low-income children in New York City The Firm’s ongoing Fight Against Hunger assisting food banks to carry out their mission Rebuilding Foundations of Home ownership assisting survivors of Hurricane Katrina Serving Those Who Serve our Country Providing legal and community services to the veteran population of San Diego County Access to Justice Commission Studying access to justice in Washington, DC Special Education Repairing the system for resolving special education disputes in Washington, DC Domestic violence Project Providing safety and justice for battered women in Tampa Defeating Child Pornography Protecting children against pornography and abuse Empowering Students and Families Providing legal services and educational support to Baltimore City students and their families Atlanta Signature Project Update T hrough Advocates Against Violence (AAV), DLA Piper lawyers and staff work in teams to represent domestic violence victims in their temporary protective order (TPO) hearings. A few hours of the firm’s time — about 10 to 15 hours per case — can secure protection for a whole family for a year. After screening, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) sends the cases about two weeks in advance, at which time the AAV team meets with the client, determines if there is any evidence to be gathered or witnesses to identify and prepares for the hearing. Martin Ellin, Executive Director of AVLF, notes: “We are delighted that DLA Piper has chosen to make the protection of victims of domestic violence their priority, and we congratulate the firm on its clear commitment demonstrated throughout every level of the law firm in designating this as their singular pro bono project in Atlanta. The involvement of DLA Piper attorneys, paralegals and staff will make a significant difference in the outcome of the civil Temporary Protective Order hearings, and, therefore, on the safety and the lives of abused women and their children.” The project is led by Shawn Lanier and Antonia Roberts. Shawn, a real estate attorney, represented the project’s first client. This was a change from his regular practice, which is entirely transactional. Shawn conducted the hearing and secured a TPO. The second client was represented successfully by Michael Rubinger, who usually spends his days advising corporate clients on mergers and acquisitions. “ We are delighted that DLA Piper has chosen to make the protection of victims of domestic violence their priority, and we congratulate the firm on its clear commitment demonstrated throughout every level of the law firm in designating this as their singular pro bono project in Atlanta.” 28 | PRO BONO BULLETIN

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PROBONO Bulletin - Summer 2008

PROBONO Bulletin - Summer 2008 Contents A Firm Response to a Natural Disaster Protecting Our Electorate National News An Interview with Sandy Gohn Mapping Impact FourThought Signature Project Update New Perimeter Launches Addis Ababa Law School Project Awards and Recognition What Our Clients Say About Us

PROBONO Bulletin - Summer 2008

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