This is a two-part training session. Session one will be held on Tuesday, April 1. Session two will be held on Tuesday, April 8. Both sessions will be held from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

There is a particularly pressing and unmet need for pro bono legal services in family law cases. Unlike other areas of the law, where encounters with the legal system are discretionary, family law matters often absolutely require resort to the legal system.

This training session is designed to equip attorneys who have had little or no experience in family law matters to competently and comfortably handle custody and support matters for pro bono clients. The training will focus primarily on child custody proceedings in the District of Columbia involving indigent or low income families. Volunteers will agree to accept one pro bono child custody case from one of the sponsoring organizations unless the volunteer is currently handling a pro bono family law case with one of these organizations.

The Child Custody training will cover:

(DAY 1)

• What is Child Custody?
• Filing a Child Custody Case
• View from the Bench
• 3rd Party Child Custody Cases

(DAY 2)

• Child Support
• Domestic Violence
• Case Preparation
• Courtroom Proceedings

Important Information:

• No particular expertise is required to participate
• Appropriate for attorneys and attorney/paralegal teams (paralegals must attend with an attorney)
• In exchange for this training, the Participant agrees to accept at least one pro bono case in the subject matter covered in this training. *PLEASE NOTE: This requirement is not applicable to D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program Advocacy & Justice Clinic participants.*

$25 for Attorneys | $15 for paralegals | Free for legal services provider employees.

Please click here to register online.

Please note the following:

- The check-in desk will open for both sessions at 5:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to check-in and collect their materials.

- Dinner will not be served at either session. Participants are welcome to bring dinner or a snack along with them. The Pro Bono Program will provide coffee & refreshments.

- Pro Bono training sessions are NOT pre-certified for MCLE credit.

- If you require a physical accommodation or have questions about this program, please contact the Pro Bono Program at 202-737-4700, ext. 3293.

- If you cannot attend a session, but would like to purchase course materials, please call 202-737-4700 ext. 3289.

This training is sponsored by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program, with Bread for the City, Catholic Charities, The Children's Law Center, Columbus Community Legal Services, Legal Aid Society of DC. It is co-sponsored by the D.C. Bar Family Law Section, D.C. Affairs Section and Litigation Section.