Jennifer Shelfer, an Arnall Golden Gregory associate, met Ms. Valiway on a recent Saturday morning at Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation’s weekly legal clinic. Ms. Valiway explained that she, her five young children, and her elderly mother rented a house that had fallen into disrepair. The sink, bathtub, and toilet were so clogged that Ms. Valiway had to scoop water out and throw it outside. The HVAC was broken, and the house was sweltering. The appliances were barely operable, and most windows were nailed shut. There were holes in the bathroom walls. Roaches had the run of the house and even got inside the ancient refrigerator. The exterminator refused to come back after the landlord did not pay him.

When Ms. Valiway complained, the landlord responded by filing an eviction. While Jennifer prepared her defenses and counterclaims, AVLF used grant funds from The Home Depot Foundation to purchase some emergency supplies for Ms. Valiway – box fans, roach bait, and a small refrigerator that would keep a few meals cold and roach-free.

After a two-day bench trial, the Magistrate Court ruled in Ms. Valiway’s favor – refusing to evict her and instead awarding her the jurisdictional maximum of $15,000, costs, and interest! Outstanding work, Jennifer.

This year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month kept Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation’s Safe & Stable Families Team incredibly busy, as they partnered and collaborated with various community organizations to educate the public on the dangers of domestic violence and how to assist survivors.

The Safe & Stable Families Team kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 3 with Project Director Jamie Perez guest lecturing on domestic violence at Georgia State Law School’s Family Law class, taught by Kessler & Solomiany Partner Thad Woody.

 Next, Jamie, along with Family Law Staff Attorney Nilu Tabari, Project Coordinator Lilli Crowe, and GSU Law Student and AVLF Intern Katie Ehrlich attended the Third Annual Domestic Violence Resource Fair hosted by the Atlanta Municipal Court and Atlanta Victim’s Assistance, where, along with team members from the Atlanta Legal Aid Society’s Family Law Unit, they distributed domestic violence resource information to the community. Later that evening, Jamie participated as a panelist, along with our friends at Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Men Stopping Violence, Fulton County Solicitor General’s Victim Assistance, among other community organizations, at two of Bank of America’s Domestic Violence Task Force events at BOA’s Kennesaw headquarters.

On October 22, Nilu and Jamie attended the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s 2^nd Annual “Jazzin’ for GCADV” event at The Solarium in Decatur, where AVLF Family Law Program partner Jonathan Levine received GCADV’s Collaborate Award for his work with survivors of domestic violence.

On October 25, Jamie and Lilli conducted a training for attorneys interested in representing domestic violence survivors in court to obtain 12-Month Protective Orders, hosted by DLA Piper. The same day, Nilu presented on domestic violence at a training hosted by the Atlanta Legal Aid Society.

Throughout the month, the AVLF/PADV Safe Families Office in the Fulton County Courthouse put together goodie bags, the brainchild of PADV Legal Advocate Lorina Lew, which were delivered to their partners in the courthouse for Domestic Violence Awareness Month to thank courthouse staff for their support.

Finally, AVLF is partnering with the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, International Women’s House, and Judicial Correction Services to host the 5^th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, October 27 at Nelson Mullins, from 6:00-7:30 pm, honoring not only survivors of domestic violence, but also those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. More information on this free event may be found here.

Needless to say, AVLF’s Safe & Stable Families Team worked tirelessly this past month to educate the community on resources to assist survivors of domestic violence and help combat this horrible epidemic in Atlanta. While the fight against domestic violence continues for this team each and every month, it was nice that the month of October was dedicated specifically to this cause, allowing so many community organizations to come together to spread awareness.

SAFE FAMILIES OFFICE FIRM OF THE YEAR: JONES DAY

Since partnering with the Safe Families Office in 2013, Jones Day’s volunteer attorneys have been extremely committed to serving survivors of domestic violence. This past year, Laura Bunten and Jessica Casey did a phenomenal job of ensuring volunteer attorneys from their firm were available when the Safe Families Office needed them. The firm is extremely effective in encouraging new volunteers to be involved by initially pairing them with more experienced attorneys, allowing them to become familiar with DV court. For the second year in a row, Jones Day earned the title of Safe Families Office Firm of the Year because it continues to be a model of private firm support for survivors of domestic violence.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OF THE YEAR: BRANDY ALEXANDER, THE ALEXANDER FIRM, LLC

Brandy Alexander participated in Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation’s Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) training in November 2015. Since that time, she graciously stepped up to serve as a GAL in two contested custody disputes in the Superior Court of Fulton County’s Family Division. While investigating her cases, it became clear that Brandy truly is concerned for the well-being of the children at issue, and genuinely has their best interests at heart, which naturally leads to an incredibly thorough investigation and well-reasoned recommendation. Brandy’s history as a public defender has lent itself well to her GAL work, giving her a well-rounded perspective of the consequences and effects of the parties’ actions on the children involved. Brandy’s sincere dedication to her GAL cases and the children she serves make her an ideal expert for judges having to decide contested custody matters.

SAFE FAMILIES OFFICE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: RICHARD G. FARNSWORTH, FARNSWORTH LAW LLC

Richard Farnsworth has been volunteering through AVLF to represent survivors of domestic violence in their evidentiary hearings for years now. Since 2015, he has accepted at least 14 domestic violence case referrals from AVLF. Richard is so experienced in representing survivors of domestic violence that he is frequently called upon by AVLF to take cases with very little prep time and he typically takes such cases with no hesitation. Richard’s style and demeanor tend to put survivors of domestic violence at ease as they prepare for their hearings and his familiarity with this area of law ensures consent agreements are wisely crafted and hearings are efficiently conducted. Richard is a vital part of the Safe Families Office volunteer attorney family and we are incredibly grateful for his time and devotion to this work.

SAFE AND STABLE HOMES FIRM OF THE YEAR:  PwC

 The tenants who come to AVLF for help are often in dire straits: their landlords’ negligence has led to mold, flooding, and other conditions that have destroyed their personal belongings. Other landlords illegally evict tenants, dragging their property into the front yard or throwing it off the balcony or into dumpsters. In such cases, the forensic accountants and other professionals at PwC provide damages assessments. This invaluable assistance allows the volunteer attorney to structure the initial demand and subsequent negotiations, and – when necessary – to proceed to court with the confidence that a PwC accountant will be there as well to testify about the tenant’s damages. In addition, PwC routinely attends AVLF’s Saturday Lawyer Day clinic to encourage our volunteers to call on them for help. For its commitment to AVLF’s mission, the high quality of its work, and its great help in leveling the playing field for our clients, PwC is the Safe and Stable Homes Firm of the Year.

 SAFE AND STABLE HOMES VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:  JOHN H. RAINS IV, BONDURANT, MIXSON AND ELMORE

John H. Rains IV of Bondurant, Mixson and Elmore has earned the distinction of the Safe & Stable Homes Volunteer of the Year for his strong commitment to AVLF’s Eviction Defense Program. Over the past year, John has been a zealous advocate for numerous AVLF clients in eviction defense cases. But the depth of his commitment was illustrated most profoundly in a particular case involving a single mother of two who endured a horrific mold infestation, leading to property damage, illness, and eventual homelessness. John brought to this case his top-notch litigation and strategy skills.  On the day of the hearing he presented testimony from an expert mold inspector, a physician, and a PwC accountant. Thanks to him, the client prevailed, defeating the landlord’s claim for unpaid rent and walking out of court with a four-figure money judgment in her favor. Afterwards, the client emailed John and said, “You and your experts were so amazing — you made the pain bearable.” We think you are amazing too, John.

Here at AVLF, we strive to change people’s lives.

People come in facing a variety of issues: severe mold throughout their home to years of abuse at the hands of a partner. While we can’t change their pasts, we hope that they leave our office believing things can and will be different. But nothing brings us as much joy as knowing a client’s life has been changed. When Safe Families Office client Ms. B* approached us about her experience, we knew we had to share it with others. Ms. B suffered years of abuse at the hands of her child’s father. But with the help of Stephanie Hudson of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, she received a 12-month Temporary Protective Order against him. 

That order changed her life. 

Here, we present one of what we hope are many client stories told #InTheirOwnWords: 

“I suffered an act of domestic violence in September 2016. I was devastated. I was not only battered and hurt but confused and concerned for my safety, my child’s safety, and the status of our livelihood. The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) helped me understand the process to protect myself and my toddler. They took their time and let me talk about what was happening to me. AVLF helped me file all my paperwork. They helped guide me on how to ensure my safety and helped me understand my options as a victim. 

The atmosphere in the Safe Families Office is so serene. Sharing my story felt like a cleansing. I was comfortable talking to them. They took the time to refer me to an attorney to assist me in communicating to the judge why I needed a protective order. My attorney cared about my situation and made sure I gathered all the information I needed as part of the evidence in my hearing. Not only was the lawyer successful in helping me obtain a protective order for my child and me, she also convinced the judge to award child support. AVLF helped me to get through a very hard time with their support, their concern, and their expertise. 

Thank you for keeping this organization thriving and for helping protect people who are victims of assault and other violent acts. I appreciate everything AVLF has done for me and my daughter. I will never forget.”

*Name has been changed.

Again this year, AVLF at the Movies offered the community an intimate, unflinching portrait of the challenges faced by those who are marginalized. Nearly 150 friends of Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation gathered at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema on Tuesday, September 20, for a screening of Private Violence, which tells a story of violence, frustration, and sadness that also includes resilience, promise, and even hope for victims of intimate partner violence who choose to stand up against their abuser (www.privateviolence.com).

We are grateful to event sponsors Taylor English and Daily Report, without whom the evening would not have been possible, and to our panelists who addressed the ways in which we all may stand up to domestic violence:

Kit Gruelle, a survivor of domestic violence, has worked as an advocate for battered women and their children for almost 30 years. She is the subject of Private Violence. http://www.kitgruelle.com/

Amanda Planchard is the Director of Victim Assistance at the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office and Co-Chair of the Fulton County Family Violence Task Force.

Judge Robert McBurney is a currently a Fulton County Superior Court Judge and formerly an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and Assistant District Attorney for Fulton County. He is a member of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence.

Jamie Perez is the Director of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation’s Safe and Stable Families Project and oversees its domestic violence program.

The robust conversation continued at neighboring eatery Apres Diem late into the evening, and we hope and believe that the insights gained from participating in this close look will go well beyond the event and have an impact on our collective effort to stem violence toward women. We are very, very proud of the work of the AVLF Domestic Violence team!

Quick snapshot: Rachel Fox Weitz. Received a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a JD from Emory University School of Law. In between, worked in Washington, DC on presidential campaigns, as a political media consultant (made TV and radio ads for campaigns) and as a public affairs consultant. Worked in the corporate group at McKenna Long & Aldridge before moving in-house to the law department at Delta Air Lines in 2014. Member of the AVLF Junior Board of Directors for about four years.

How did you get involved with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation? Marty Ellin called me soon after I’d started practicing law and asked when I’d be free for lunch so he could tell me more about AVLF. The rest is history!

Give us your best elevator pitch – what does AVLF mean to you? AVLF is an incredibly well-run organization that provides unique, essential and life-saving support to members of our community. Through its critical programs, like Saturday Lawyers and the Safe Families Office, AVLF links local attorneys with clients facing urgent challenges to give these clients essential access to the justice system, which they might not otherwise have.

What are you proudest of professionally? As a native Atlantan, I grew up flying Delta and have always seen it as a pillar of the Atlanta community and economy. I’m thrilled and humbled to now be a member of the Delta team by working as one of its lawyers.  More importantly, I’m proud to be part of a company with such a commitment to better our community, including its support of pro bono legal work.

And personally? My sweet, curious, and loveable ten-month-old son.

Ms. A, who spoke very little English, visited the Safe Families Office in the Fulton County Courthouse after being beaten all over her body, day after day, by her husband. The beatings often occurred in front of her four children and were sometimes directed at them.

Ms. A was accompanied by a Fulton County Solicitor’s Office Victim’s Assistant and domestic violence advocates from Raksha, Inc. With the Raksha advocates acting as informal interpreters, Ms. A was able to explain to an AVLF attorney what had happened to her.

After the judge granted a 30-day Temporary Protective Order, the Victim’s Assistant secured the help of the Marshal’s Office, who immediately left to serve Mr. A with the TPO.

The hearing took three separate court dates to finish due to the complexities involved, but Ms. A was ultimately granted a 12-Month Family Violence Protective Order on behalf of herself and her four children and over $900/month in child support. Her husband was ordered to continue to make her car and car insurance payments, which totaled over $400/month.

This great result for Ms. A was obviously a well-coordinated team effort. Here’s how it all worked:

• The Victim’s Assistant ensured prompt service of process on the Respondent through the Fulton County Marshal’s Office and that criminal charges were brought against him. The Victim’s Assistant also provided evidence and coordinated access to an interpreter for the AVLF attorney and testified as an expert witness in the protective order case.
• Raksha provided interpretation, court accompaniment, emotional support, and assistance with prepping the client for her hearing. Raksha also provided food, toys, and other essentials in addition to assisting the client in applying for public benefits.
• AVLF’s social worker assisted Ms. A in looking into rental assistance, and the AVLF attorney not only provided legal representation to Ms. A to help secure her 12-month Protective Order, but drove her to and from court, a hospital, and the Atlanta Central Records Unit to obtain certified copies of her medical records and police reports.

This collaboration among the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office, the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Raksha, and the Fulton County Marshal’s Office is teamwork at its best. We are so proud to work with these organizations to demonstrate how vital cooperative wraparound services are to victims of domestic violence.

On Thursday, August 18, 2016, Warner Bates hosted the Fifth Annual Guardian ad Litem Benefit in their beautiful penthouse offices. As always, we are so grateful for the firm’s friendship and support.

In high conflict custody cases, judges frequently ask to have the help of a Guardian ad Litem to determine the children’s best interests. When parents cannot afford to hire a Guardian, Fulton County Judges call AVLF’s Guardian ad Litem program for help.

This year’s event, which raised $20,000, also featured a special program honoring Judge Bensonetta Tipton Lane. Special thanks to Murphy’s for the excellent catering and to Beth Intro Photography for the wonderful photos.