Donner Civic Leadership Fund Fellow
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
As a 2007 Donner Civic Leadership Fellow, I have had the opportunity to work in the legal department at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic. The Schlifer Clinic is an established leader in the community in pursing legal remedies that redress historical and present day wrongs experienced by women. It provides multi-disciplinary programs to female victims of violence, including legal, counselling, cultural interpretation, information and referral services. In addition to providing direct service to clients, the Schlifer Clinic designs and delivers public legal education and professional development programs on a variety of topics relating to violence against women and the law, and engages in a variety of law reform activities towards the advancement of women's equality rights.
My main research project is entitled "Understanding Intersections - Facilitating Effective Participation of Victims of Violence Engaged in Multiple Legal Proceedings." I have conducted research about the relevance of family, immigration, child welfare and criminal law to women who are victims of violence, how these areas of law intersect, and the effects of these intersections on the legal strategies and remedies available to them. The materials I produce, including screening forms and reference materials for use by lawyers, are being used by the Clinic in the delivery of professional development and public legal education workshops over the next two years. One of the goals of the project is to assist legal and other professionals in avoiding inconsistent legal advice or actions that can impact negatively upon clients.
In addition to this research I have advocated directly for several clients who are survivors of violence and provided research and trial support for the legal department. The legal memoranda I have written on spousal support, permanent restraining orders, and imputation of income have been used by the family lawyers in the clinic in preparation of their pleadings for court. I have also been given the opportunity to assist with a three-day family law trial.
I am grateful to the Donner Canadian Foundation and Pro Bono Students Canada for supporting me and enabling my participation with the Schlifer Clinic. I appreciate what I have learned about the intricacies of legal strategy in various areas of law, the specific needs of the Schlifer Clinic's client base, and the workings of a non-profit organization, as well as the wonderful and dedicated people who make the activities of the Schlifer Clinic possible.
