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Welcome to Advancing Justice!
In this issue, you'll find:
- Cases in need of immediate support
- A spotlight on Client Advocacy
- October volunteer kudos
- ...and more!
What would you like to see in future editions? Let us know!
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A Note from Our
Executive Director
Friends,
It was so meaningful to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month with our community this October. I’m so grateful to everyone who joined us for our events and trainings, supported our annual Giving Day, and for all you do throughout the year to stand with survivors and children.
As we look ahead, we know even more families will need our help. Domestic violence often rises during the colder months, and the ongoing effects of the government shutdown continue to weigh heavily on those most vulnerable. Please know that Volunteer Legal Advocates will continue to host our free legal clinics and help as many clients as possible find safety, stability, and justice, at no cost to them.
Your generosity as volunteers and donors makes every story of safety, every new beginning, and every moment of justice possible.
As the year draws to a close, I invite you to make a new or increased year-end gift to help meet the growing need. Together, we can help end the cycle of violence for survivors and children through pro bono legal aid.
Click here to make your year-end gift today.
Warmly,
Sara
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Sara B. Tennen, Esq., MSW
Executive Director
Volunteer Legal Advocates
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Spotlight on Client Advocacy
When our clients face complex legal and emotional challenges, they can rely on our Client Advocates to walk alongside them every step, offering safety planning, emotional support during legal meetings, and guidance in navigating vital resources.
By integrating legal representation with holistic, trauma-informed support, we help survivors not only escape violence but also build a foundation for long-term safety and independence.
Learn more
| | | Upcoming Trainings & Events | | We welcome all current and prospective volunteers to our trainings. Whether you're new to this work or a seasoned litigator, your voice and commitment to justice are vital. For even more opportunities, visit our Online Training Hub for Volunteers! | | Admitted to the Bar Outside of DC or MD? You’re still covered! If you have active membership in another US state, you may practice in DC under the current Rules of Professional Responsibility and in MD under MD Rule 19-218. | | Use your legal skills to help survivors and children build safe, stable futures. Every Volunteer Legal Advocates pro bono lawyer receives training, resources, and 1:1 support from a Supervising Attorney throughout your case. | | Volunteer at a Legal Clinic | Provide brief legal help to survivors and families in need in community spaces or virtually. Our free weekly walk-in legal clinics are a vital first step for clients seeking safety, stability, and support. Every volunteer receives 1:1 support. | | All Volunteer Legal Advocates pro bono attorneys are paired with an experienced Supervising Attorney who co-counsels on every case to provide support and backup. | | |
Serve as a Guardian ad litem (GAL) for a ten-month-old.
Status hearing: January 22, 2026
Advocate for the best interests of a 10-month-old in a custody case. Mom has previously filed protective orders against Dad, alleging physical abuse. Mom currently has sole legal and physical custody, and Dad has supervised visitation. Both parties are pro se and currently unhoused.
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Serve as a Guardian ad litem (GAL) for a six-year-old.
Status hearing: November 27, 2025
Advocate for the best interests of a six-year-old in a custody case. A 2018 order gave Dad sole physical custody and Mom regular unsupervised visitation. Both parents recently filed motions to modify. Dad alleges the child shows distress before visits with Mom, who has significant cognitive limitations, and has requested a GAL. Dad is represented and lives in DC; Mom lives in MD and may have limited representation.
| | We proudly celebrate the volunteer attorneys whose dedication brings justice and support to survivors. Please join us in thanking our October volunteers! | | |
AARP: Tobey Oliver
Covington and Burling LLP: Emily Pehrsson
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Thayer Ellis
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP: Cesar Dager, Vincent Johnson, Mindy Johnson, Kate St. Romain, Jonathan Trebble-Greening
Hogan Lovells LLP: Amanda Allen, Paget Barranco, Blair Decker, Erin Drenning, Justin Hutchings, Katie Kramer, Cameryn Lonsway, Natalie Salmanowitz, Melissa Skarjune, Wintana Yohannes
Immyrse: Sarah Gilcrest
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Keenan Trial Institute: Shari Boscolo
King & Spalding LLP: Joe Humphrey, Erin Sullivan
Knobbe Martens: Bailey Arenberg, Ari Feinstein, Tyler Golian
McDermott Will & Schulte: Marissa Hill Daley
US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Sarah Barron
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP: Alexis Cohen, Jack You
Unaffiliated: Karen Marcou, Nancy Lopez, Judy Patterson, Liz Symonds
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Baker & Hostetler LLP: Kaitlyn Toth
Capital One: Elizabeth Kim, Jennifer Lee, Crystal Lewis, Katie Sint, Brian Young
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP: Katherine Koza, David Last, Amarita Singh, Gwendolyn Washington, Jasmine Zhu
Collins Aerospace: Jen Boivin
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Veronica Spicer
Fenwick & West LLP: Keke Heneghan
Hogan Lovells US LLP: Hanson Causbie, Victoria Glover, Alissa Newman, Rachel Stuckey
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP: Abby Johansen, Andrew Pecoraro
King & Spalding LLP: Zachary Coots, Janese Duley, Leah Grossi, Barbara Medrado, Lauren Roth
Latham & Watkins LLP: Raven Earnst, Anne Malinee, Annabel Steele
Mayer Brown LLP: Jacob Reiskin
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Medtronic: Erin Pulice, Ashley Zborowsky
Perkins Coie LLP: Maggie McAllister, Joshua Perez
Raytheon: Chris Bellomy, Nicole Boston, Craig Dubishar, Gretchen Lopez, Sumeet Magoon
Reed Smith LLP: Alexa Chronister
Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP: Quintessa Davis, Charlene Goldfield, Shermineh Jones, Nam Kim, Kevin Kuhn, Lacey Liles
Vinson & Elkins LLP: Annabelle Castleman
Wiley Rein LLP: Kimberly Alli, Diane Holland, Amanda Jesteadt, Victoria Lynch-Draper, Alissa Lynwood, Rashida MacMurray-Abdullah, Joel Nolette, Kimberly Reynolds, Gabby Vance
Wilmer Hale: Alexis Cohen, Josh Mogil
Unaffiliated: Frances Brumley, Erin Heaney, Deniz Ergener, Corrin Ferber, David Kanstoroom, Kevin Krotz, Daphna Sher, Liz Symonds
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Calling all active volunteers!
It’s time to submit your volunteer hours. Please refer to your original assignment email. If your actual hours differ significantly, please email your updated total to hours@volunteerlegaladvocates.org.
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