Program Overview
The Domestic Violence Revision Squad is a volunteer-based program that provides representation to low income victims of domestic violence in Order for Protection proceedings. Volunteer attorneys represent victims in filing motions for revision or reconsideration in cases in which a protection order has been wrongly denied or is insufficiently protective of the children. Cases are referred to the program by domestic violence advocates and other legal services organizations.
The Revision Squad is managed by Joanna Plichta, Pro Bono Counsel at Foster Pepper PLLC, in cooperation with the King County Bar Association.
Volunteer Positions, Expectations, and Commitment
Revision Squad attorney volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and law firms and have varying levels of experience with litigation, protection orders, and family law. All share a commitment to helping to protect victims of domestic violence and must be comfortable working with clients from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Unless a volunteer has extensive relevant experience, each must complete the Revision Squad training before joining the panel. Please see the link below for our annual live CLE or contact Joanna Plichta at plicj@foster.com for a copy of the DVD of one of the most recent CLE's.
Volunteers agree to serve on the panel for at least one year, and to represent at least two clients in a protection order hearing or in filing and arguing a motion for revision or reconsideration of an order for protection during that time. The duration of representation of each client is limited – in most cases, representation should be completed within three to four weeks. These cases are urgent and time sensitive – once a case is accepted by a volunteer, the volunteer typically will have less than 10 days to file the motion. A volunteer is able to turn down a case if s/he is not available at that time; however, attorneys who would find it difficult to respond quickly to file a motion should consider other opportunities with KCBA.
Training and Support
All volunteers must either attend a live training/CLE or watch a previously recorded training/CLE. Volunteers can be assigned to an experienced attorney mentor who can be available to answer questions and review drafts of pleadings. Joanna Plichta at Foster Pepper PLLC, and Susan Chua at KCBA are generally available for questions and to provide ongoing support. Additionally, supplemental training opportunities coordinated by other Community Legal Services programs are open to Revision Squad volunteers space permitting.
Attorney volunteers who do not have an office space may use the KCBA’s resources, including computers, fax, copy machines, and other supportive services with arrangement with KCBA staff. Malpractice coverage is available for Revision Squad cases.
Benefits of Volunteering
The Revision Squad is a valuable opportunity for attorneys to use their advocacy skills to help increase safety for domestic violence victims. Volunteers gain practical litigation experience, build client interaction skills, and gain confidence in working with the court system. Attorneys can earn Continuing Legal Education credit for the initial CLE as well as for pro bono activity in the same calendar year as the CLE.
Ready to volunteer?
To begin volunteering, complete and return the appropriate application (available above) to CLS@kcba.org with the subject Revision Squad Volunteer. Be sure to note your knowledge of domestic violence and/or family law, your availability, and (in the case of mentoring attorneys) your desire to mentor. Susan Chua will contact you about your application. For questions about the Revision Squad, contact Joanna Plichta at Foster Pepper PLLC at 206.447.5144 or Susan Chua at KCBA at 206.267.7039.
To view up-coming training opportunities with this and other programs, visit the Community Legal Services’ Free Trainings for Volunteers page.
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