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Addressing the unique legal challenges faced by individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, pro bono attorneys represent clients during restraining order hearings, helping them to obtain protective relief from the courts

LADERA RANCH, Calif., April 25, 2013Laura’s House, a non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive range of services for victims of domestic violence, is building upon its efforts to provide access to legal counsel and assistance for its clients by partnering with some of Orange County’s largest and most distinguished law firms. In collaboration with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Latham & Watkins; and Rutan & Tucker, Laura’s House is striving to make pro bono representation available to victims of domestic violence who are seeking restraining order protection.

“Even after our clients are provided safety, food, clothing and shelter, group and individual counseling, legal advocacy and transportation to the courthouse for their restraining order hearing, they must still face the judge, their abuser and, in some cases, opposing counsel alone – a daunting task for anyone, much less someone who is fleeing a violent situation,” said Adam Dodge, a legal advocate for Laura’s House. “As a result, Laura’s House has prioritized pro bono attorney representation for clients as an area of critical need for our agency.”

The aforementioned law firms have recognized and responded to this need in a major way by pledging their time, resources and expertise to assist this victim community.  Attorneys, who receive training specific to restraining order litigation, are encouraged to take pro bono cases by their respective firms. Laura’s House legal advocates refer clients for consideration to these firms and, if a client is accepted, legal representation is provided at no cost and is limited to domestic violence restraining order matters only.

“Partnering with Laura’s House has provided our firm a profound opportunity to lend our support and expertise to individuals in what is often the most vulnerable and difficult period of their lives,” says attorney Doug Levin of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, who regularly represents Laura’s House clients. “Our goal, in addition to providing comprehensive legal representation, is to empower victims in a way that benefits them long after their case has concluded.  We stand beside them each step of the way.”

Pro bono clients are afforded the consideration and commitment one would expect with a top tier law firm. Attorneys who regularly work on multi-million dollar matters and represent Fortune 500 clients make up the pro bono team assigned to each case. It is an experience that instills clients with the confidence and resolve to move forward. “My restraining order case was the hardest experience I had ever gone through,” explains one Laura’s House client, “but my attorneys were with me every step of the way and gave me hope for justice.”

Of the utmost importance, however, is the impact pro bono counsel can have on the case itself, both in and outside of the courtroom. For example, attorney representation relieves the client of the burden of eliciting testimony from witnesses or making objections, allowing them to focus squarely on providing their own testimony. “The majority of our pro bono cases involve clients who are in extremely fragile states and unfamiliar with litigation”, explains Paul Konovalov, counsel with Latham & Watkins and chairman of the firm’s pro bono committee. “We undertake thorough preparation with each client to lower their anxiety level during the hearing, which often leads to more effective testimony.” Outside the courtroom, the presence of counsel creates a safer environment for the client and offers opportunities for negotiation and settlement, which are normally not pursued by self-represented parties. Regardless of the outcome, the efforts of pro bono attorneys vastly improve the intimidating litigation experience for victims of domestic violence.

In 2012, law firms and their attorneys provided over 1,600 hours of pro bono legal services to Laura’s House clients. More information on the Laura’s House Legal Department is available at www.laurashouse.org/legal-services.html or by calling the Counseling and Resource Center at (949) 361-3775.

About Laura’s House

For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

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