Family Law Clinic 1

This clinic will introduce students to the representation of women who have been victims of assaults, batteries and other forms spousal abuse. The students will be trained to represent women in court who are seeking orders of protection and will also involve students in the representation of women in legal issues that flow from a battery situation. These may include; representation of women in legal issues that flow from a battery situation. These may include: housing; government benefits, including access to medical and social services; and issues of custody and/or visitation of children. The clinic will work closely with battered women's shelters in Queens County and students will become familiar with the range of support services available to women who have been battered. Students will engage in the full range of activities necessary for the representation of their clients. These may include interviewing, counseling, case planning; drafting of legal documents including, complaints, motions, orders, and briefs. Students will be selected for the clinic based on screening criteria developed by the Law Clinic faculty. Enrollment will be limited and will vary from year to year depending on the Clinic budget and other restraints.