LAW 745 - Domestic Violence Clinic

Fall/Spring Credits: 3 Darryl Cunningham

The goal of this clinic is to represent victims in our community who may not be able to afford legal services so that they can obtain protective orders, and other needed services arising out of that abuse, as well as to educate the community about domestic violence and safety planning. This clinic offers 8 students who have their third-year practice certificate the opportunity to work with the Williamsburg Legal Aid Office (Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, aka LASEVA) and local shelters and organizations to provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and their families. Students will learn the effects of domestic violence on victims, their families, and the community at-large. Students will learn to interview clients, examine witnesses, and prepare for hearings. Under the supervision of attorneys, students will provide legal representation to victims of domestic violence in protection order hearings, child custody and support hearings, and advocate for clients to obtain other needed services. Students will learn about and advise clients on safety planning strategies. In addition to meetings with Professor Darryl Cunningham, LASEVA’s Senior Attorney in Williamsburg, and the clinic’s resident Fellow, Lindsay Barna, there is a one and a half hour classroom meeting per week and planning sessions to prepare presentations to educate the local community about domestic violence. To receive credit for this course, each student MUST attend the first meeting. Pass/Fail course.