| |
 |
|
What to Expect When You Take a Case
As a pro bono attorney with the Rape Survivors’ Law Project
(RSLP) you will become a powerful legal ally in a sexual assault
victim’s recovery. You will provide zealous, pro bono advocacy
and work with your client to try to minimize the impact of the complex
legal problems triggered by sexual assault, including:
- privacy violations
- physical safety threats
- school disciplinary hearings
- employment sanctions
- financial harms
- housing problems
- immigration concerns
With your help, we can give rape survivors what they need—a voice within the justice system. Defendants are entitled to zealous advocates. Victims deserve the same. You can help be that voice. To read more about what other pro bono attorneys have said of their experience in doing this important work, click
here.
Getting to Know Your Client
Victims’ attorneys face many challenges, not the least of which
is learning to understand each victim’s unique perspective.
For some, privacy is paramount. For others, holding the perpetrator
accountable is most important. At the start of each case, you will
spend time learning and supporting your client’s specific needs
and priorities. Ultimately, the relationship you form with your
client becomes an important piece of his/her recovery.
Practice Cutting-Edge Law
Rape survivors’ civil representation is a fascinating and emerging
area of law that our attorneys must shape to meet the needs of our
clients. As a volunteer attorney, you may use legal theories in
new ways and make cutting-edge arguments to judges. You may be creating
new standards or changing outmoded procedures.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees that all criminal defendants are entitled to zealous representation. At the Victim Rights Law Center, we believe sexual assault victims deserve the same. As a RSLP volunteer, you may have the opportunity to:
- Evaluate your client’s case for privacy, education, employment,
safety, immigration and other issues.
- Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses and the defendant.
- Provide representation in Superior or District Court.
- Prevent the release of clients’ private records and information
and shield your client’s medical and mental health records
from subpoenas.
- Prepare your client for a school disciplinary process and hearing.
- Negotiate with school, employment and housing officials, as
well as the perpetrator’s counsel, to settle claims before
they reach final adjudication.
|
