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Attorneys Brian R. Bauer and Denisha McKenzie secure a maximum 5-year domestic violence restraining order after hearing that also awards sole custody of the parties’ son to the client

LADERA RANCH, Calif., Oct. 28, 2013Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe place in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, is pleased to announce its inclusion in the new Pro Bono Domestic Violence program at the Orange County offices of Allen Matkins, a California Law Firm. The addition of Laura’s House to the pro bono program was highlighted by the firm’s recent victory in a domestic violence matter on behalf of one of the organization’s clients.

Senior Counsel Brian R. Bauer and first-year attorney Denisha McKenzie, a graduate of the University of California, Irvine School of Law, co-represented a mother seeking protection for herself and her special needs child from further exposure to domestic violence in their home. The attorneys successfully litigated the contested matter, persuading the judge to issue the requisite legal finding of domestic violence.  The maximum 5-year term and award of sole custody speaks to the severity of the case and underscores the critical importance of pro bono representation in domestic violence matters.

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Bauer, Ms. McKenzie, and Allen Matkins for donating their time and resources to the Laura’s House Legal Program,” said Adam Dodge, the lead legal advocate with Laura’s House. “In recognizing that pro bono representation for our clients is an ongoing critical need, the firm acted quickly to initiate, develop and implement a pro bono domestic violence platform that will improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence for years to come.”

“Allen Matkins is delighted to add Laura’s House to the diverse list of organizations that benefit from our community involvement, and we commend Brian and Denisha for achieving an important victory for this client, who will hopefully now be able to look forward to building a life free of domestic violence,” said Allen Matkins Managing Partner David L. Osias.

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.

About Allen Matkins

Allen Matkins, founded in 1977, is a California-based law firm with more than 200 attorneys in four major metropolitan areas of California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco and San Diego. The firm's core specialties include real estate, real estate and commercial finance, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, construction, land use, natural resources, environmental, corporate and securities, intellectual property, joint ventures, taxation, employment and labor law, and dispute resolution and litigation in all these matters.

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