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FALL PRO BONO TRAINING AND CASES
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SPRING INTERNS NEEDED
We are currently interviewing students for our Spring internship program. Former Summer Intern and 2014 WBAF Founders Fellow, Maria Maldondo, recently wrote an essay describing her experience volunteering at NLSP in our Polk Street office.
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Howard Law student and NLSP Intern Maria Maldonado (far left.)
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"As an NLSP summer intern, I was responsible for a variety of tasks, including: researching and writing memoranda, drafting motions, participating in and conducting client interviews, following up with clients, participating in depositions, accompanying attorneys to court, assisting in the Small Claims Court Resource Center, and helping conduct community outreach workshops. I focused primarily on family law, specifically child custody, child support and modification of child support, divorce, domestic violence, and paternity.
My work helped the legal team build their cases, and helped the larger D.C. low-income community by providing these legal services at no cost to low-income families in need of representation. Additionally, I worked in the Brief Services Unit at NLSP during the last month of my internship. This department offers legal advice and short-term services to low-income individuals. I was responsible for gathering factual information and completing a preliminary analysis of the client's problem for my supervisor to review. In Brief Services, I quickly learned the black letter law on landlord-tenant issues, social security benefits, unemployment benefits, and private contracts regarding child support."
Law students interested in volunteering should send a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample to Heather L. Hodges, Pro Bono Counsel, at [email protected] by December 1, 2014. Qualifications include excellent writing, factual and legal analytical skills; strong organizational skills; good communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients, the public, and co-workers; and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Bilingual language skills are also highly valued.
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NLSP Staff Attorney Adrian Gottshall answering questions during last month's "The Housing Crisis from the Inside: Guided Tour of DC Superior Court's Landlord-Tenant Branch."
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REGISTER TODAY TO TAKE A PRO BONO TRAINING CLASS THIS MONTH @ DCPL
There is still time to register for a fall training class. Thanks to those of you who have attended and registered already. Thanks go out also to all of you who attended our program, "The Housing Crisis from the Inside: Guided Tour of DC Superior Court's Landlord-Tenant Branch."
One volunteer said after: "You're right that there is no substitute for a first-hand look at what happens there." Another shared, "I'm glad that I had the opportunity to observe landlord/tenant court in order to better understand what our clients are up against, and to better understand the good and necessary work of our volunteer attorneys." We agree and, if you missed the tour, we encourage you to sign up for one our pro bono training programs on landlord-tenant law.
"TENANTS HAVE RIGHTS, TOO": GETTING RELIEF FOR TENANTS BY BRINGING CASES ON THE DC HOUSING CONDITIONS CALENDAR
In the District of Columbia, there is a Housing Conditions Calendar in DC Superior Court that tenants can use to sue landlords for DC Housing Code violations on an expedited basis. Attend this 90-minute training program to learn more about how to properly document housing conditions, file a complaint on the Housing Conditions Calendar and the relief that the court can grant. We encourage tenants and lawyers interested in representing low-income tenants on a pro bono basis to attend this training program and learn more about this legal process.
BRANCH: Northwest One Neighborhood Library
TIME: 6:30 - 8 pm
DATE: November 4, 2014
BRANCH: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
TIME: 6:30 - 8 pm
DATE: December 11, 2014
"FATHERS HAVE RIGHTS, TOO": UNDERSTANDING CHILD CUSTODY, VISITATION AND CHILD SUPPORT IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
A fathers' rights are essentially the same as a mother's but sometimes men have difficulty exercising all their parental rights. Disputes over paternity, child support and custody can interfere with a dad's ability to play a full role in his children's life. Join us for this 2.5 hour training program and learn how to bring a case for child custody and visitation in the District of Columbia. You will also learn the steps you can take to establish paternity. The training will also include a discussion of when it is appropriate to seek to have a child support order modified and how to petition for a modification.
BRANCH: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
TIME: 6 - 8:30 pm
DATE: Monday, November 10, 2014
BRANCH: Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library
TIME: 6 - 8:30 pm
DATE: Monday, December 9, 2014
If you are interested in volunteering at NLSP or attending a training, please contact Pro Bono Counsel Heather Hodges at [email protected] or (202) 269-5119. We have a particular need for volunteer attorneys in Ward 7. Information about our pro bono program can also be found at www.nlsp.org.
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CURRENT PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES
Mr. A. receives Social Security disability benefits and recently learned that his check is going to be garnished for unpaid child support dating back to 1992. Mr. A. disputes that he owes this amount because paternity was never established. He also claims that there was no attempt to enforce the order until now.
Mr. A. needs representation in connection with his motion to modify the child support order.
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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
NLSP helps our clients overcome serious legal problems and achieve stability and opportunity, working on the ground in communities where help is needed most. Please consider showing your support for us this year.
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