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Typical cases handled by the Domestic Violence Clinic are: divorces, custody suits, protective orders, enforcement of court orders, personal injury suits, and parole hearings on behalf of client incarcerated for crimes against an abuser.
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Domestic Violence Clinic students meet with clients, draft pleadings, draft discovery requests and responses, interview potential witnesses, prepare subpoenas, develop a theory of the case, prepare opening/closing statement, direct/cross examination, work with client and social work intern to prepare clients to give testimony, work with clinic coordinator to prepare written materials/notebook/evidentiary exhibits for trial. Students sit first chair, accompanied by the supervising attorney.
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Travis County District Courts, Travis County Court No. 4 (Family Violence Court), Attorney General Child Support Court and parole advocacy with members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
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Typical classroom topics include understanding domestic violence relationships (e.g., why abuse victims stay), client interviewing, child custody and child support, using expert witnesses, evidentiary issues, mediation in family law cases, personal injury lawsuits and other legal remedies for victims, Child Protective Services involvement in custody matters, criminal prosecution of DV crimes, defending DV victims in criminal proceedings, representing incarcerated persons in parole hearings, tour of SAFE shelter, compassion fatigue and self-care for lawyers.
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The class meets once a week and required readings are posted on Canvas. There is one mandatory extra class meeting at the beginning of the semester. The curriculum is front-loaded to prepare students to begin casework quickly. Classes include lectures, interactive practice, and “case rounds,” during which clinic students discuss their cases with other clinic students and social work interns. There are also many scheduled guest speakers.