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Welcome to Advancing Justice!
In this issue, you'll find:
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Our can't-miss event to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Cases in need of immediate support
- Our latest Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Nancy Lopez and Elizabeth Symonds
- September 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,
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and always a powerful reminder of why our work at Volunteer Legal Advocates matters deeply. Every day, survivors of domestic violence and vulnerable children in our community depend on us for the legal support they deserve, and we remain dedicated to meeting their needs year-round.
I invite you to learn more about our efforts, including how we're providing emergency legal services to survivors, during our Marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month event on October 23. You'll find more details below.
We've also just launched our #FortheGood campaign, culminating in our annual Day of Giving on October 30. Please give generously and spread the word to help us serve the thousands of survivors who count on us.
Whether you attend a training or event, volunteer for a clinic or case, or donate, you are vital to this work. Thank you for standing with survivors and children this month and always.
Warmly,
Sara
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Sara B. Tennen, Esq., MSW
Executive Director, Volunteer Legal Advocates
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Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy Lopez & Elizabeth Symonds
Meet the dynamic co-volunteers supporting Volunteer Legal Advocates clients in DC and MD.
"Things aren’t always ‘picture perfect.’ But that’s exactly why advocates are essential—to help people navigate an unpredictable process. It’s not cookie-cutter work, and that’s part of the draw. You don’t need years of courtroom experience to make a meaningful difference.”
| Know someone we should feature in an upcoming Volunteer Spotlight? Let us know at info@volunteerlegaladvocates.org. | | | | 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! | | Immigration
Full Day Training | |
When: October 14 | 9 AM
Where: White & Case LLP
Immigrant survivors of violence face unique risks and challenges, and need strong advocates. In this training, volunteer attorneys will learn to provide trauma-informed representation and pursue vital forms of immigration relief for survivors and their families.
Breakfast and lunch graciously provided by White & Case LLP.
| | Child Advocacy
Full Day Training | |
When: October 21 | 9 AM
Where: Ropes & Gray LLP
Volunteer attorneys can advocate for children navigating abuse, neglect, or child welfare cases as a Guardian ad litem. Learn to investigate home environments, review records, make custody recommendations, and represent children's best interests in court.
Breakfast and lunch graciously provided by Ropes & Gray LLP.
| | Marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month | |
When: October 23 | 12 PM
Where: Crowell & Moring LLP
Join us for an inspiring conversation with The Honorable Laura E. Crane, Associate Judge of the DC Superior Court, and Alissa Osberg, Esq., Volunteer Legal Advocates Fellow, on the life-changing impact of pro bono emergency legal services. Wear purple!
Lunch graciously provided by Crowell & Moring LLP.
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Civil Protection Order
Full Day Training
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When: November 12 | 9 AM
Where: McDermott Will & Schulte LLP
Learn to help survivors of domestic violence secure immediate safety. Volunteer attorneys will learn about the legal process, effective courtroom advocacy, and how to provide trauma-informed representation for survivors in crisis.
Breakfast and lunch graciously provided by McDermott Will & Schulte LLP.
| | 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 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. | | |
Do you speak Spanish? Serve as a Guardian ad litem (GAL) for a 6-year-old.
Status hearing: October 15
Spanish-speaking GALS are needed to advocate for the best interests of a 6-year-old in this father vs. mother custody case. The mother may be struggling with her mental health, and there is an ongoing criminal case regarding her alleged threats against the minor child. Both parties are pro se and live in DC.
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Represent a Survivor in a Civil Protection Order case against her abuser.
Remote Hearing: October 16
A volunteer attorney is needed to represent a survivor in a CPO case against her abuser. The abuser has threatened the survivor with a knife, threatened to physically harm her over text, and tried to kick in her door. The survivor would benefit from an attorney who could assist with full representation in her case.
| | We proudly celebrate the volunteer attorneys whose dedication brings justice and support to survivors. Please join us in thanking our September volunteers! | | |
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Thayer Ellis
Hogan Lovells LLP: Patience Tyne
Knobbe Martens: Bailey Arenberg
Latham & Watkins LLP: Annique Roberts and Tyra Richmond
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who Ropes & Gray LLP: Shane Bryan, Ted Alexander
U.S. Department of Labor: Anne Bonfiglio
Unaffiliated: Karen Barker Marcou, David Kanstoroom, Sharelle Love
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Capital One: Alina Lindblom, Katie Sint
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP: Zila McDowell
Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall &
Furman PC: Sydney Smith Forquer
Covington & Burling LLP: Darby Rourick
DLA Piper: Anna-Maria Carson, Aliyyah Muhammad, Hayley Ostrin, Leslie Rebnord, Morgan Schick, Stacey Weber
Duane Morris: Anna Sheridan
Fenwick & West LLP: Reanne Swafford-Harris
Hogan Lovells US LLP: Anna Bobrow, Alessandra Carozza, Hanson Causbie, Alissa Newman, Marissa Shaw, Deborah Wei
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP: Abigail Johansen, Nicholas McGuire
King & Spalding LLP: Barbara Medrado
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Latham & Watkins LLP: Mahika Narula, De Vann Sago, Caroline Tomman
Mayer Brown LLP: Courtney Krawice
McDermott Will & Schulte: Sebastian Orozco
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP: Kathryn Belkin, Rishi Kumar, Eden Nebel
Perkins Coie LLP: Brittany Hinson, Joshua Perez
Reed Smith LLP: Yewa Alade, Alexa Chronister
U.S. Department of the Interior: Genette Gaffney
Wilmer Hale: Fedel Estefanos, Josh Mogil
U.S. House of Representatives: Brenna Culliton
Unaffiliated: Deniz Ergener, Kevin Krotz, Sharelle Love, Chirstina Martin, Jon Pifer, Daphna Sher, Jay Stephens
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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.
| | | “My attorney did a wonderful, powerful job. She knew when to advocate for me when I didn’t feel strong enough to.”
- Volunteer Legal Advocates client | | | | |
