Child Welfare & Domestic Violence

About the Section

Student practitioners in the Child Welfare & Domestic Violence section represent children and adults who are court-appointed or referred as victims of domestic violence and related trauma. Students gain experience providing holistic legal representation by assisting clients with a range of legal needs, including custodial placement, CINC proceedings, protective orders, child custody, child support, divorce, criminal proceeding advocacy, protection of public benefits, and housing (associated with DV).  To address these diverse needs, students practice in Juvenile Courts, Civil District Courts, and administrative proceedings. This section also collaborates with public and private agencies to support clients. All legal services are delivered through a trauma-informed approach, and students receive extensive training in trauma’s causes and consequences, as well as trauma-informed lawyering. Students serve as “first chair” in court matters including in hearings and trials.