INTAKE

We want to learn more about you! When you complete the volunteer registration form, we will send you a link to schedule a 15-20 minute intake interview with a Supervising Attorney.

VOLUNTEER

Browse our current available cases for volunteers below.

VOLUNTEER FOR A CASE

VOLUNTEER FOR A LEGAL CLINIC

CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER CASES: Volunteers help domestic violence survivors find immediate safety from their abusers through a CPO, or “stay-away” order.

These cases provide supervised in-court litigation experience in a short time frame.

Average case length: 2-4 weeks

Average time commitment: 15 hours

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

Volunteers may sign up far in advance to represent a client on a certain hearing date, allowing busy attorneys to predict when they will need to be in court.

CUSTODY & DIVORCE CASES: Volunteers help domestic violence survivors and their children find long-term safety and stability through a permanent custody and/or divorce order.

Many of our clients come through referrals to our legal clinics. Some of our clients, after securing a CPO with DCVLP, will take the next step and petition for a divorce from their abuser, or for custody of a child-in-common.

DCVLP provides our volunteers with a full range of supervised litigation experience, including discovery, motions, negotiations, and hearings.

Average case length: 6-18 months with hearings every 2-3 months

Average time commitment: 10-15 hours per month

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

GUARDIAN AD LITEM CASES: Volunteers represent the best interests of children at serious risk of harm in custody cases, due to concerning factors such as abuse and domestic violence.

These cases provide substantial supervised experience in investigation, negotiation, and litigation.

Average case length: 6-18 months with hearings every 2-3 months

Average time commitment: 10-15 hours per month

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

Please contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators directly at volunteer@dcvlp.org to express interest in taking a GAL case.

IMMIGRATION CASES: Volunteers help immigrant survivors of violence and their families find relief through a variety of means, such as asylum, special visas for victims of crime, standby guardianship, and adjustments in status.

Activities include preparing applications for immigration relief, appearing at administrative hearings, helping survivors prepare for immigration interviews, and other activities.

Average case length: 6-18 months

Average time commitment: 10-15 hours per month

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER CLINIC: Obtaining a Civil Protection Order, or "stay-away" order, is often the first step for a domestic violence survivor to find immediate safety from an abuser.

Activities:

  • help prepare survivors for an upcoming Civil Protection Order (CPO) trial by providing brief advice on their case
  • assist survivors with drafting pleadings including Petitions for Civil Protection Orders, Motions to Continue or Motions for Alternative Service through DC Superior Court’s online filing system
  • draft Amendments to Petitions for survivors who have an existing Civil Protection Order in place

When and Where:

Tuesdays | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Virtual by phone

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & FAMILY LAW CLINIC: Having the advice of a lawyer on civil protection orders, custody, and/or divorce helps domestic violence survivors know their rights and empowers them to move toward long-term safety and stability.

Activities:

  • provide survivors and caregivers of at-risk children with brief legal advice on protection orders, custody, and divorce matters

When and Where:

Mondays | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Virtual by phone

Wednesdays | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 3160 16th St NW

Fridays | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 115 Atlantic St SW

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

IMMIGRATION CLINIC: Empower immigrant survivors with the legal advice they need to know their rights and secure immigration relief.

Activities:

  • provide immigrant survivors with brief legal advice on VAWA self-petitions, asylum applications, U and T visas for victims of crime, applications for special immigrant juvenile status, standby guardianship, and adjustments in status

When and Where:

Wednesdays | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 3160 16th St NW

Fridays | 9:30am – 1:30pm | 3336 14th St NW

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

VOLUNTEER IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD

MONTGOMERY COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND FAMILY LAW CLINIC: provide survivors with brief legal advice on protection orders, custody, and divorce matters

Activities:

  • provide survivors with brief legal advice on protection orders, custody, and divorce matters

When and Where:

Wednesdays | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROTECTION ORDER CASES: Volunteers help domestic violence survivors find immediate safety from their abusers through a PO, or “stay-away” order.

Activities:

  • These cases provide supervised in-court litigation experience in a short time frame.
  • Average case length: 1-2 weeks
  • Average time commitment: 15 hours
  • Volunteers may sign up far in advance to represent a client on a certain hearing date, allowing busy attorneys to predict when they will need to be in court

This volunteer opportunity is open to: Attorneys

AVAILABLE CASES and LEGAL CLINIC OPPORTUNITIES