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Legal Aid of Southeastern PA: Spotlight on PFA Pro Bono Work
woman told me that her only regret about her new appearance was that she could not wear shorts due to the scars that her abuser had inflicted over the years on her thighs by cutting her with a knife and poking her with corn cob holders. At her hearing, she had testified that he always hurt her in places that would be covered by her clothing when she went to work. PFA cases are particularly well suited for pro bono work, as PFA law can be learned very quickly, and the time involvement in representing a client is minimal. PFA court is held only on Wednesdays. If you would like join our pro bono ranks to handle Protection from Abuse cases, you begin by contacting Randi Riefner in our Bristol office at 215-7811111. Randi has been recruiting attorneys, managing case follow up and matching pro bono attorneys to cases for over 18 years. Randi has seen many changes, especially an increase in the number of PFA cases. Just tell Randi what Wednesday you would like to volunteer and how many cases you would like to take and she’ll put you on the court list for the date you request.
– By Barbara Kaner –
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA For those of us who work in the Legal Aid office or who are pro bono attorneys, we often see domestic violence plaintiffs at their worst...exhausted...coming into our offices after spending hours in a police station...wearing a hospital ID bracelet from the ER, or wearing borrowed clothes because they had to leave suddenly from their home. But if we are successful in court we get to see our clients as the truly capable and resourceful people they can be, and will be, once safe from the terrifying threat of injury and abuse. Sometimes they are almost unrecognizable.
You’ll learn about your cases before you get to court. Mitchi Shafer, a member of our support staff in Doylestown, will scan or fax you copies of your clients’ petitions and their contact information so that you can talk to them before the hearing date.
Representing plaintiffs in Protection from Abuse cases is extremely rewarding because you immediately see the results of your work when your clients leave with an order of protection. Clients begin to put their lives back together knowing that their abuser is prohibited from coming back to the home, harassing them at work or contacting them in any way.
The day you come to court you’ll meet Mardi Busanus, a long-time Legal Aid volunteer and a fixture in the courtroom who is recognized by almost everyone who is involved with PFA court. She is in Court to give you any of the forms you may require and can help you in any way you need.
Unfortunately, the small staff at Legal Aid of Southeastern PA cannot meet the needs of all of these clients on our own. But with the help of smart, competent and generous volunteers, fewer abuse victims have to face the courts alone. And our staff Pro Bono Team is always available to help those volunteers who are willing to step forward.
As the attorney on the Pro Bono Team for Bucks County, I’m available at any time, including during Court, to answer questions you may and address any issues that may come up during the representation. LASP also provides pro bono services for many other types of cases such as custody, bankruptcy and estate planning, so if you are interested in handling a different type of matter, please give me or Randi a call.
I’ve been representing plaintiffs in PFA cases for 14 years. Women have approached me in public places, said hello and asked if I remembered them from court. Often I’ve had to say ‘I›m so sorry, I don›t recognize you...I see so many people.’ But when they tell me their names, I remember them and recall the details of their abuse and their testimony. The women are delighted that I didn›t recognize them and thank me profusely for helping them to get out of their abusive situations and move on with their lives. Their transformations are remarkable, and unlike the last time I remember seeing them, they have smiles on their faces. One
At the end of the day of your pro bono service, I am sure that you will feel a deep sense of satisfaction when you walk out of PFA Courtroom 560.
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WINTER 2016