Organization Description:

Mission Statement:
We protect victims of domestic violence and improve the well-being of children living in poverty. With the help of volunteers, the Center provides free family law assistance and legal education to the poor. We strive to empower people in need and assure them meaningful access to the courts.

Vision Statement:
We aspire to create a community where poverty is not a barrier to those who seek to resolve critical family law matters.

Pro Bono Project Description

Office Based Pro Per Program:
The Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law is one of the oldest and largest family law and domestic violence programs in the state using volunteers to aid very low income persons. In small groups and individual sessions, volunteers help guide participants through the process of preparing, filing and presenting their own legal documents in court. With advice, counsel and instruction and supervision by the Center's staff, low-income individuals are assisted in completing court forms, declarations, motions, orders to show cause, judgments, and points and authorities, as needed. Appointments at the Center are scheduled during the weekdays and on Saturdays. Training is provided including a detailed forms and procedures manual called "Family Law Basics".
Pro Bono Panel:
Volunteer attorneys licensed in the state of California provide direct representation as counsel of record. Attorneys can provide limited scope and/or full representation. Cases referred to the Pro Bono Panel typically involve multiple issues of custody, violence, support and/or property. The Pro Bono Panel Manager assigns one case at a time based on the lawyer's skill, experience and preference. A detailed case analysis is prepared in advance for the volunteer by Center staff. Lawyers with less than three years of family law experience are assigned a mentor.
Internships:
School year and summer internships are available for law students and recent graduates. School year internships require a minimum of 12.5 hours per week for twelve weeks. Summer internships require a full time commitment of 37.5 hours per week for ten weeks. Students who enroll in the program will learn the following skills among others: (1) Interviewing, establishment of successful client rapport and communication; (2) Preparation of family law and domestic violence pleadings including motions, orders to show cause, and judgments; (3) Substantive family and domestic violence law; (4) Rendition of legal advice; (5) Research and 6) Legal writing.