A Note from Our Executive Director, Sara B. Tennen | |
Friends,
October is meaningful and energizing for us at for Volunteer Legal Advocates. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’ll celebrate Purple Thursday on October 15, Pro Bono Week from October 25–31, and our annual day of giving on October 29. I hope to connect with you at one or more of the events, trainings, and clinics taking place throughout DC and Montgomery County!
October is also a time to remember why this work matters, and why awareness must lead to action.
The news surrounding the Cornell 7 case is a painful reminder of how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward and be heard. Jane Doe’s decision to speak publicly through a civil lawsuit nearly two years after her assault took tremendous courage. Her story has also brought renewed attention to the importance of believing survivors, understanding the complex ways trauma can affect disclosure, and ensuring that systems designed to protect people respond with care and accountability.
We know that while one case might make headlines, countless others remain unreported. Survivors may face fear, uncertainty, financial barriers, threats, or simply not know where to turn. That is why awareness matters, and why access to knowledgeable, compassionate legal support is so vital.
That's why our commitment to survivors and children continues year-round. Our work to end the cycle of violence through pro bono legal aid extends far beyond one month, because access to justice can make a lasting difference in a survivor’s ability to build a safer future.
I’m so grateful to have you as part of our community. Whether you join us at an event, spread the word about our efforts, take a case, or make a gift, I hope you’ll continue to be part of this work. Thank you for standing with survivors and children, and for helping turn awareness into action.
Warmly,
Sara
P.S.: This month, we have many cases in need of pro bono attorneys! Read on to find one that’s right for you. Plus, meet our new Maryland Arsht Fellow (and former volunteer!), Sharelle Love.
| | Volunteer Opportunities & Updates | |
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Calling all active volunteers!
Please submit your volunteer hours. If your hours differ significantly from your original assignment, please email your updated total to hours@volunteerlegaladvocates.org
Recently closed a case or staffed a clinic? Please share your feedback! Your input helps us better support you and our shared clients. Share your thoughts
| | | | 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. | |
Can you take a case?
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.
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Serve as Guardian ad Litem for a vulnerable child
7- and 9-year-olds
Hearing 10/29/2026 | 11:00 AM
Mom alleges Dad assaulted the older child with a metal mop stick. A CPO is pending between the parents, and Dad pleaded guilty to assaulting Mom earlier this year.
Learn more & take this case
Two 13-year-olds
Next Hearing TBD
In this third-party custody case, the stepmother alleges abuse and neglect by the children’s father. One child was recently hospitalized following a suicide attempt.
Learn more & take this case
8-year-old
Status Hearing 11/10/2026 | 12:00 PM
In this custody case, Dad has primary physical custody. Mom alleges the child was exposed to explicit content in Dad’s home, while Dad alleges Mom physically harms herself.
Learn more & take this case
12-year-old
Status Hearing 12/1/2026 | 11:30 AM
In this custody modification case, Mom alleges Dad physically restrains and punishes the child for not wanting to visit him.
Learn more & take this case
16-, 13-, and 11-year-olds
Hearing 12/7/2026 | 10:30 AM
In this third-party custody case, the maternal grandmother is seeking custody after a prior consent order was vacated. She alleges the mother’s boyfriend physically disciplines the children.
Learn more & take this case
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Advocate for a Survivor in a Family Law or Immigration Case
Family Law Case in DC
In-Person Hearing 10/21/2026 | 12:00 PM
Support a survivor in her divorce and custody case against her abusive spouse. Her abuser is incarcerated in MD for strangling the survivor. She would benefit from full representation.
Learn more & take this case
Adjustment of Status in DC
Represent a survivor from Sudan seeking a green card. VLA previously helped her secure a work permit and prepare for her asylum interview. Arabic-speaking client; interpretation services are available.
Learn more & take this case
Asylum Supplement Case in DC
Represent a survivor from Honduras who needs help supplementing her asylum case and preparing for her interview. VLA previously helped her apply for a work permit. Spanish-speaking volunteers are preferred but not required. Interpretation services are available.
Learn more & take this case
| | Upcoming Trainings & Events | | |
Civil Protection Order Training
October 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM | DLA Piper
Gain the practical skills you need to represent survivors of domestic violence in crisis, from understanding the legal process to advocating effectively in the courtroom. This training will prepare you to step in when your pro bono representation can make an immediate difference. Lunch generously provided by DLA Piper.
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#EndTheCycle: Volunteer Legal Advocates Annual Day of Giving
October 29, 2026
Every survivor deserves access to justice and a life free from violence. Join us in making this a reality by donating or fundraising for our Annual Day of Giving! Your gift and support in spreading the word can provide critical legal support to survivors and children, helping them find safety, stability, and a path forward. Together, we can #EndTheCycle.
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Child Advocacy Training
November 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM | K&L Gates LLP
Learn what it takes to serve as a Guardian ad litem in our Child Advocacy Program, advocating for the best interests of children navigating challenging situations. Lunch generously provided by K&L Gates LLP.
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Immigration Training
November 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Paul Hastings LLP
Learn how you can help immigrant survivors of domestic violence and vulnerable children access humanitarian immigration relief. This training will introduce you to the cases, legal tools, and opportunities to use your skills to help clients build safer, more stable futures. Lunch generously provided by Paul Hastings LLP.
| | Kudos to our September Volunteers | | To our volunteers: we’re deeply grateful for all you do to support survivors and children. Special thanks to those listed below for closing cases or serving at legal clinics in August. | | |
Adrian Mixon Law: Adrian Mixon
Amazon: Monica Hernandez
Baltimore Washington Medical Center: Mobolanle Osinubi
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC: Alison Deich, Serena Jarwala
Dechert LLP: Ryan Bullard
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Thayer Ellis
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP: Molly Diamondstein, Valeria Komarov, Shawn Lavi, Kate St. Romain
Greenberg Traurig LLP: Nicole Ring
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader US LLP: Blair Decker, Lorea Mendiguren
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Implementing Contraceptive Access Now: Kira Phillips
Kutak Rock LLP: Danielle Douglas
Latham & Watkins LLP: Mary Adeyemi, Jasmine Benjamine, Allie Gersdorf, Jordan Hughes
Lyft: Marine Margaryan
Potomac Law Group PLLC: Dannon Allbee
Ropes & Gray LLP: Shane Bryan, Dawson Owen
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP: Shloke Nair, Joey Vettiankal, Nancy Wuamett
Wilkinson Barker Knauer: Erin Griffith
Williams & Connolly LLP: Aparna Datta
Unaffiliated: Shari Boscolo, Karen Bosshart, Nancy Lopez, Scott Romans, Elizabeth Symonds
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Ashurst Perkins Coie LLP: Jordan Connors
Baker & Hostetler LLP: Cynthia Eapen
Cooley LLP: Jeff WIllis
Covington & Burling LLP: Darby Rourick
Dechert LLP: Rachel Harney, Atena Sheibani-Nejad
Dentons US LLP: Katherine Daw
DLA Piper LLP: Erica Hackett, Corey MIman, Abby Thompson
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Asia McNeill, Emilee Schipske
Fenwick & West LLP: Samantha Ong
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader US LLP: Markley Schlegel
King & Spalding LLP: Daniel Choi, Angelyna Selden, Julia Schmidt, Aaron Xu
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Latham & Watkins LLP: Maya Frost-Belansky, Kate Lakin, Benjamin Lukas, Mary Tursi
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP: Kelcey Phillips
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP: Rachel Preston
O’Melveny & Meyers LLP: Kimberly Sudakow
Pfizer: Rachita Agarwal, Jennifer Maccauley, Connie Matteo, Michelle Vella
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP: Greg DiMeglio, Simone Fair, Katie Gallop, Jocelyn Near, Alex Reilly, Lawrence Stadulis, Chris Zimmerman
U.S. Department of the Interior: Adriana Pukalski
Unaffiliated: Sarah Ammons, Jenny Brody, Lindsay Coates, Sarah Farrell, Hedda Garland, Charlene Goldfield, Julie Sommers Neuman, Jocelyn Samuels, Daphna Sher, David Siegel, Jay Stephens, Fabiola Suwanto, Tracy Wirth, Anne Woodworth
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Meet Maryland Arsht Fellow Sharelle Love
We're pleased to welcome Sharelle Love as our new Maryland Roxana Cannon Arsht Fellow. Sharelle has served as a volunteer attorney with VLA for many years and brings dedication and passion to supporting survivors. We sat down to learn more about her journey, what she's learned from the survivors she's worked with, and what she's looking forward to in this role.
Get to know Sharelle
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We're Hiring!
We're committed to breaking the cycle of violence through pro bono legal aid, and looking for passionate people to join us. Know someone who might be a great fit? Please share these opportunities!
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