The Domestic Violence Clinic offers students the opportunity to participate in the Basic Clinic and the Advanced Clinic. Law students who have taken the prerequisite Family Law class and who are enrolled in the Domestic Violence seminar, taught by Merle Weiner, are eligible for the Basic Clinic. Students who have completed the Basic Clinic are then eligible for the Advanced Clinic. Students draft pleadings, make court appearances, negotiate with opposing counsel, and engage in other legal practice. Contested hearings usually last a couple of hours, but have gone as long as three days.
Some cases involve depositions, and other types of discovery.
Our clients typically seek physical protection, custody of the parties' children, exclusive use of the residence, and emergency support. Students average approximately three contested hearings a semester. The expedited procedure for obtaining FAPA and stalking orders makes these cases ideal for a one semester clinical course. For example, the contested hearing must take place within five days if respondent requests a hearing and contests custody. Otherwise, the hearing must be held within twenty-one days of a respondent's request.