Volunteer Attorney Training Hosted by BakerHostetler

Domestic violence affects every member of a household, including the children. Studies show a dramatic increase in child abuse incidents within family violence cases. The Children’s Law Center provides emergency legal advocacy to children victimized by domestic violence. The program provides volunteer attorneys, as court-appointed guardians ad litem (GAL), for almost 500 children each year who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence and who are, consequently, drawn into civil protection order cases. No other organization provides these critical services.

As a volunteer attorney, you are a voice to ensure our clients are safe from harm. You assist the court in creating stability for the child. Through our training and guidance, you will meet with the children, negotiate child-centered agreements, advocate in court for their best interests, and connect families to resources that promote safety and stability.

Register Now for the Volunteer Attorney Training

• Tuesday, December 11, 2012
• 10:30 a.m.-4:45p.m.
• Hosted by BakerHostetler
• 303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 1100
• Denver, CO 80203

 Courtroom Experience and Mentoring

The program provides opportunities to develop litigation skills, gain confidence in a courtroom, and receive personal mentoring. The training ensures quality representation and a rewarding volunteer experience. No prior courtroom experience is necessary.

Limited Time Commitment

Representing a child generally requires 10 to 20 hours of volunteer work, mostly over a two-week period before and at the protection order hearing. Attorneys can handle as few or as many cases as schedules allow without making a long-term commitment.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education Credit

CLE credit will be provided for the program training and may be available for representation of a child. Help a child in crisis to fulfill your professional responsibility of serving those unable to afford legal services.

Make a Difference to a Child

We represent children while working closely with their parents and caregivers to keep them safe and to foster healthy family relationships. You can make a critical difference by standing up for a child.

Learn How to Advocate for Children

Volunteer Training Agenda:

• Introduction to the Children’s Law Center
• Dynamics of Domestic Violence                           
• Impact of Domestic Violence on Kids
• Protection order Overview
• Guardian Ad Litem Role
• Ethical Issues 
• Talking with Children  
• Meeting with Parents
• Digging Deeper: Information Gathering to Enhance Advocacy
• Best Interests: Assessing the Evidence
• Advocating Inside and Outside the Courtroom                               
• A Volunteer’s Perspective

To register, contact Tommie Evans,Tevans@childlawcenter.org, (303) 692-1165 by December 4, 2012. Space is limited. CLE credit has been requested.

The mission of the Children’s Law Center is to change the lives of abused and neglected children through compassionate legal advocacy, education and public policy reform.