DC Volunteer Lawyers Project

DCVLP is a non-profit organization that was established in 2008 to provide direct legal and advocacy assistance to domestic violence victims, at-risk children, and other vulnerable individuals. In 2023, we expanded to Maryland to provide victims of domestic violence in neighboring Montgomery County with legal advice and representation in Protective Orders and in family law cases. We are led by our Executive Director, Sara B. Tennen, MSW and Esq. and provide legal and advocacy services to 2,100 individuals each year.

We are active members of the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV), the DC Legal Consortium, the Victim Legal Network of DC, the Victim Assistance Network, the Domestic Violence Advocates Group, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and are partnered with over 25 community organizations.

We have a staff of 32 including 20 lawyers, 2 of whom hold Master’s degrees in Social Work. Our active Board of Directors, chaired by Karen Barker Marcou, co-founder of DCVLP, helps with budgeting, fundraising efforts, and strategic planning. Our Junior Board, primarily consisting of law firm associates, act as ambassadors at their firms to help recruit new volunteers and secure financial support. Our Advisory Council, comprised of professionals in various fields, provide advice on their areas of expertise.