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Winner of the "Community Service Award"
Criminal Justice Panel of the L.A. City Attorney's Office
To make a contribution to the Domestic Violence Project, please click here.
Your contribution is greatly needed and appreciated.
LACBA and the Domestic Violence Project would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank Robert Solton, who has been a volunteer with the Project for 26 years.
During that time, Mr. Solton has tirelessly provided legal services and counsel to more than 10,000 victims of intimate abuse: women, men, and children. He has received many awards for his services, including the Lifetime Achievement award from the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He hopes to continue his services and feels that he gets more out of it than the clients he assists.
Mr. Solton encourages others to volunteer, adding "There is no greater reward that the wonderful feeling you get from volunteering."
LACBA and the Domestic Violence Project would like to acknowledge and thank the following firms for their generous support:
"It is a sad sight to see the line of people waiting at the DVP every day of the week. These people are truly in need of legal assistance. I get no greater satisfaction than knowing that when I volunteer at DVP I am able to help someone stand up and not be a victim."
-- Quote from volunteer Cynthia A. Bleifer, who works at Friedman & Friedman Lawyers in Beverly Hills.
Deborah Kelly, Directing Attorney for LACBA's Domestic Violence Project, received recognition from Noah Graff, President of the Los Angeles County Bar Foundation, on September 20, 2012, at Casino Night. Casino Night is an annual event raising money for LACBA's Pro Bono Projects.
The annual LACBA Installation Dinner of new officers took place at the Dorothy Chandler on June 14, 2012. Over 500 guests attended the installation of Richard J. Burdge, Jr. as President.
From left to right: Hon. Margaret M. Morrow, District Judge, United States District Court, Central District of California (Past LACBA President); Margaret P. Stevens, Principal, Stevens Law (LACBA Treasurer); Debbie Kelly, Directing Attorney, LACBA Domestic Violence Project; Hon. Lee S. Edmon, Presiding Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court (Past LACBA President); Patricia Egan Daehnke, Partner, Bonne Bridges Mueller O'Keefe & Nichols (LACBA President-Elect); Carol Madeja, Managing Director, State Bar of California Bar Relations Outreach; Grace Midori Danziger, LACBA Director, Governance and Corporate Affairs.
On February 16, 2012, the Barristers Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) honored the Domestic Violence Project (DVP) in its Networking for a Cause event. The Domestic Violence Project assisted over 9,000 people in 2011 through its two legal clinics, Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. The event took place at the Beverly Hills restaurant McCormick & Schmidt.
From left to right: John Mirish, Beverly Hills City Council, Ori Blumenfeld, Chair of the Networking Committee, Sally Suchil, LACBA Executive Director, Deborah Kelly, Directing Attorney of DVP, Sarah Luppen, Barristers' President, Dr. Tammy Baliszewski, Author.
Deborah Kelly, Directing Attorney of LACBA's Domestic Violence Project, (third from left) attended and spoke at the Open Courts Coalition's 1/18/12 rally "Stand Up For Justice." At the podium is Eric Webber, LACBA President. Other speakers included Governor Davis (fourth from left), Justice Carlos Moreno (fifth from left), and Paul Kiesel (right of Eric Webber), an organizer of the event.
David and Cynthia Pasternak at LA County Bar Foundation's Casino Night, the proceeds of which benefitted LACBA's Pro Bono Projects, including the Domestic Violence Project (DVP). Dave co-chaired the 25th Anniversary Celebration for the DVP earlier this year, which resulted in the most successful fundraising effort for DVP.
Both the Mayor of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Police Chief Beck celebrated at Casino Night, the LA County Bar Foundation's fundraiser for LACBA's three Pro Bono Projects, which includes the Domestic Violence Project
Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich was the featured speaker at LACBA's Domestic Violence Training Seminar on 10/5/11. To a capacity audience of legal professionals willing to assist victims of intimate abuse, Mr. Trutanich spoke of the importance of "listening" to victims and of taking their cases seriously. Pictured are: Eve F. Sheedy, Senior Trial Deputy for Domestic Violence (left); Deborah A. Kelly, Directing Attorney of the Project; Carmen Trutanich, LA City Attorney, and Maureen Siegel, Deputy Chief, Branch and Area Division.
See videos from the victims, the Director of the Domestic Violence Project, and the Presiding Family Law Judge.
From left to right: Paralegal Jessica Lopez, Directing Attorney Deborah Kelly, Project Coordinator Sara Rondon
Program Information
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For nearly 27 years, battered and broken victims of domestic violence have solemnly made the trip to Los Angeles Superior Court seeking help. With them come their wounds, their injuries, their fears and often, their children. Navigating the judicial maze that comprises Stanley Mosk Courthouse at First and Hill in Los Angeles or the Pasadena Courthouse is an intimidating task. Yet the victims come. Sent by law enforcement. Sent by shelters. Sent by social workers. Or sometimes, driven by their personal desire for physical salvation and safety.
They come because they have been told there is help. And, they are right….there is help. That help is you. Volunteers work one-on-one with victims, assisting the Pro Per Litigant in preparing the complicated and lengthy legal document, which is required in order to file for a Temporary Restraining Order. The orders may include stay-away orders, move-out orders, and child custody orders. Often, the relief sought is granted on the same day. Volunteers are attorneys, paralegals, and law students, and they work under the supervision of the Domestic Violence Project Directing Attorney Deborah Kelly, Project Coordinator Sara Rondon, and Paralegal Jessica Lopez.
Attorney volunteer Jennifer Jasgur, J.D. says, "What is accomplished through the clinic is great work. It's not always easy, but helping even one person makes it worthwhile."
Volunteers commit to two three-hour sessions per month for seven months. All volunteer hours take place during the day, Monday-Friday only. No prior experience is necessary, but all volunteers must be LACBA members, and computer efficiency is required. No ongoing representation is necessary. Bring with you nothing but your compassion and willingness to make a difference in someone's life.
Information for Victims:
Volunteer attorneys, law students, and staff provide one-on-one legal assistance for the preparation of documents to file for a Temporary Restraining Order. A donation of $20 is requested.
Los Angeles Superior Court Pasadena Superior Court
Department 8, Room 245 Room 100B
111 N. Hill Street 300 E. Walnut Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012 Pasadena, CA 91101
Monday-Friday, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon
8:30 a.m. - 12 noon
and 1:00.-3:00 p.m.
What if I want an attorney to appear in court with me?
LACBA Domestic Violence Project does not provide attorneys to appear in court with you for your hearing. If you can pay for an attorney, please call Legal Referral and Information Service by telephone (213) 243-1525. Ask for their Middle Income Program!
What does it cost to file for a Temporary Restraining Order?
There is no court filing fee charge for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. However, LACBA's Domestic Violence Project requests a $20 donation to assist in the preparation of the paperwork.
Where do I go?
Go to the location listed at the top of this page. Parking lots near the courthouses are expensive.
How long does it take to file for a restraining order?
You will be in the courthouse for several hours. It is best not to bring your children because many courtrooms do not allow children inside. But, if you must bring them, those that are potty-trained should go to the child care center in the downtown courthouse. This service is free. Otherwise, try to bring a friend to watch your children in the hallway while you are inside the courtroom.
The court will not accept filings for Temporary Restraining Orders after 12 noon. or after 3:30p.m.
It is recommended that you arrive at 8:30a.m.
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MSD@LACBA.ORG
