…But the complete picture is much more complex, and there is often not a cut-and-dry solution or “win”. Because our method is focused on the process—on being there for whatever our clients need, legal or otherwise—we’re able to make a sincere difference, even when a case feels like an uphill battle. Accordingly, I’ve been pleased that I have been encouraged to jump in to cases, not because there is a high likelihood of “winning,” but because my pre…
…change. Our Safe & Stable Families collaborates with Spelman’s Coordinated Community Response team to serve students dealing with sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, dating violence, and stalking in a streamlined and holistic manner. Survivors of abuse on college campuses face their own unique challenges, and we’re adapting our process to best serve the students who need our help. The closed community on a college campus can serve as a barrier…
…anta native who is passionate about tackling serious issues that affect low-income communities in Atlanta, including housing instability and educational inequity. A former educator and a dedicated advocate for Atlanta tenants, Pierce currently works as a Staff Attorney for our Standing with Our Neighbors program – a place-based initiative that provides low-income tenants with free legal advocacy in times of greatest need. Please join us in congrat…
…g. We’re also welcoming new Cristo Rey interns this fall. Ashleigh Starnes Communications Manager As AVLF’s Communications Manager, Ashleigh works in website content development, social media outreach, and various other forms of communication with our clients, volunteers, and supporters. Ashleigh is ever-eager to share the remarkable stories of our work, and the impact of AVLF’s staff and volunteers on our community. Before joining AVLF, Ashleigh…
…m agree to the TPO. The morning of the hearing, we met our client at a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop to ensure we did not encounter her ex-husband. We have met with plenty of clients in our careers to prepare for trial, hearings and critical depositions, but we have never felt as much pressure as we did for that morning. We are used to defending large corporations, where the absolute worst that can happen is our clients lose a great deal of money….
…ng member of LEAD Atlanta, Class of 2012, and is a member of Kilpatrick Townsend’s Pro Bono Committee and Volunteer Council. Adria’s connection with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation began when she was a summer associate at Kilpatrick Townsend when she represented domestic violence victims through the Safe Families Office. Adria credits AVLF for teaching her how obtaining a protective order for a victim can create a ripple effect that will chan…
…ence thus far was seeing my client’s face when Judge Pitts granted her a 12-month protective order. Ms. J obtained what she wanted, and I was able to help her through the process. The things I have learned while working at AVLF are things you cannot learn in a classroom. I have grown not only as a future lawyer, but as a person as well. I learned that my clients will not always be like me and will come from all walks of life. I have learned that s…
…that the HOLC graded as high-risk or ‘hazardous’ eight decades ago are low-to-moderate income today. Additionally, most of the HOLC graded “hazardous” areas (nearly 64%) are minority neighborhoods now. [Source: What is Redlining, and How Did It Happen in Atlanta?] High Rent Burden The term rent burden refers to the ratio of your rent to your income. If your rent burden is high, it means that you spend a large amount of your income on your rent. T…
…lic interest and in pro bono work. I knew that as soon as I got my bar license, I wanted to immediately start taking pro bono cases. I wanted to get out there, and make it work. I’d already done pro bono stuff before I even graduated. I interned at Georgia Legal Services in Macon during law school. Where do you think that drive comes from, the drive to do pro bono from the very beginning? Honestly, I think I was born that way. I’ve just always wan…
…box on Monday mornings from attorneys who want the case files sent to them immediately so that they can start assisting the clients and by the e-mails from law students and paralegals inquiring about the next time they can come in on Saturday. So in conclusion, when you see me at an AVLF event or around Atlanta, please do the following: 1) Tell me what this symbol means: § 2) Drop some cool legal terminology on me so that I can increase my legal I…
…Volunteer Lawyers Foundation’s Eviction Defense Program. AVLF provides low-income tenants such as Ms. Armstrong with legal services and helps them protect their interests when a dispossessory action is brought against them. While AVLF boasts a solid roster of pro bono attorneys throughout Atlanta to assist with dispossessory cases, many more volunteer attorneys are needed—particularly since the landlords in these cases are almost always represent…
…impoverished school district, so I had seen first-hand the struggles of low-income students and families. The incredible men and women in this organization take on the relentless challenges to fight daily for equal access to justice. I was fortunate enough to participate by assisting the Safe and Stable Homes Project. Observing meetings with community partners, court hearings, eviction defense trainings, as well as researching and drafting letters…
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