According to the San Mateo County Office of Human Services, domestic violence impacts over 10,000 persons in our community each year.  
 
When you work on a domestic violence case as a pro bono you share your legal expertise with people who desperately need to be safe and to establish stability, but who cannot possibly afford a market rate attorney.
 
Read about the recent experiences of your peers and click 
here to visit our website to learn more about our Pro Bono opportunities  or contact  Janet Seldon, Director of Pro Bono 
at jbseldon@legalaidsmc.org or  (650) 517-8912

Making a difference in the life of a  domestic violence survivor
Lalli Venkat
Associate
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

"I thank you both for your help and for cheering me up in these difficult  times, I am very satisfied with your services provided without any cost..., thank you very much....." - Legal Aid  Client


Legal Aid's Director of Pro Bono, Janet Seldon, had a chance to get the thoughts of Lalli Venkat, an Associate in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's Silicon Valley office, who recently took her first domestic violence matter. Because of Lalli's representation, the judge granted her client a 3-year restraining order against her abuser. The client and her family were extremely grateful. 


Janet: Thanks so much for being a pro bono attorney. Why do you do pro bono work?
Lalli: As a first-year attorney, I want to make pro bono work an important part of my legal career. That is why I decided to take on my first pro bono matter the week that I passed the bar exam.  I was excited to make a small difference in a person's life. It seemed like a rewarding way to use my legal education. 
 
Janet: Why did you specifically agree to take a DV restraining order case?
Lalli: I wanted to play a part in helping women in need navigate the legal system.
 
Janet: Can you tell us how it was working with your pro bono client?
Lalli: It was an extremely rewarding experience working with my pro bono client and meeting her family. I was impressed by her resilience and strength throughout this process.
 
Janet: How has this referral made an impact on your pro bono commitment?
Lalli: I hope to continue taking on pro bono cases in the future. I was thankful for the training and guidance that I received through this referral, which makes me confident in taking on new pro bono matters in the future
Family Law Attorney Helps Survivors of Domestic Violence
Karine Cargo                                                     
Hersh Family Law Practice

"I thought the Court needed a roadmap for the legal authority to grant her request. I drafted a points and authorities memorandum that impressed upon the Court the seriousness of the pattern of behavior and identified legal authority for the issuance of a five-year restraining order."  - Karine


Even with her busy practice at the Hersh Family Law Practice in San Francisco, seasoned family law Attorney, Karine Cargo, has made time to do pro bono throughout her career. She recently helped her client get a 5-year restraining order and the client was so appreciative. 
 
Karine enjoys meeting people and helping make their lives better. She started out handling complex international corporate tax transactions and began to practice family law in 2002. Director of Pro Bono Janet Seldon turned to Karine in this pro bono case, after the client, who had few resources, had tried unsuccessfully to get several restraining orders on her own. Karine accepted.  "I thought the Court needed a roadmap for the legal authority to grant her request. " 
 
Karine's client had received a partial restraining order that was not renewed at the hearing.  The opposing party would then behave inappropriately once the temporary order expired. "I drafted a points and authorities memorandum that impressed upon the Court the seriousness of the pattern of behavior and identified legal authority for the issuance of a five-year restraining order." The court agreed with Karine. Her client, who Karine notes was helpful and a pleasure to work with throughout the case, was extremely appreciative to receive the help.

Attention San Francisco attorneys. The South San Francisco Courthouse has a new Domestic Violence Calendar. We are seeking attorneys to represent clients at their permanent restraining order hearings. We'll provide the mentorship and be with you every step of the way. Contact Janet Seldon, Director of Pro Bono @ jbseldon@legalaidsmc.org or 1-650-517-8912. Or go to http://www.legalaidsmc.org/pro-bono-programs/today!

Reflections on helping survivors of 
domestic violence
Jenna Bailey
Associate, Cooley LLP                                                     

"I love the feeling of knowing you've made even a small impact on someone's life, particularly when it is someone who otherwise might have been left to fend for themselves without the resources to do so. It is rewarding on so many levels, and I feel it's my obligation as someone with the skillset and resources to help those in need.  Additionally, as a junior associate, I enjoy that pro bono work gives me the chance to handle my own cases and develop management skills that I wouldn't otherwise have the chance to build on so early in my career.  Having completed a few DVRO cases, I am now able to help others at my firm take on cases of their own, which allows us to develop a stronger network of capable attorneys who are able to assist those who need it."

Dr. Catherine Liang
Associate, Cooley LLP

"It was great to work with our client who was motivated and engaged in obtaining a restraining order despite the unfamiliar procedures.  Our client testified well at the hearing and the judge found her credible.  She was thrilled with the outcome of the hearing and happy to move forward from a difficult period of her life. "




Clara Wang
Associate, Latham & Watkins LLP

"As lawyers we are in a special position to help others. We explained legal options to our client that she would not otherwise have been aware of."





Want to become a pro bono? Sign up online today at www.legalaidsmc.org/pro-bono-programs/ today! Questions? Contact Janet Seldon, Director of Pro Bono at jbseldon@legalaidsmc.org or (650) 517-8912. 

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