fbpx

Domestic Violence Clinic

What We Do

Students in this Clinic work with organizations and agencies at the front line of direct representation of Domestic Violence clients. In addition to work on individual cases, students research roots causes of domestic violence, its intersections in criminal/civil and family law practice, contemporary legislative and judicial responses, and the impact of domestic violence on diverse communities within the greater Houston metropolitan area.

Why We Selected This Clinic

This Clinic exposes students to the range contemporary social and legal issues found in domestic violence cases. It has direct future relevance for students intending to enter criminal law or family law practice. This clinic was created in response to student driven requests for an experiential avenue to explore the current practices and limitations when domestic violence presents in a client’s life. It further addresses the larger societal context by investigating and suggesting systemic change when appropriate.

Who’s Involved

Catherine Burnett
Vice President, Associate Dean, Director of Clinical Programs, and Professor of Law

Hou. College of Law faculty photo in Houston, Tx. photos by John Everett on 9-1-16.

Elizabeth Dennis
Assistant Dean, Associate Director of Academic Internships, and Professor of Law

 

 

 

Kimberly Ashworth
Staff Attorney Administrator

Organizations / Partners

This Clinic pairs the Law School with various non-profit agencies in the greater Houston area, including:

  • Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, our founding partners in this project
  • Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County
  • The Rockwell Fund, which encouraged our initial forays into domestic violence representation through the law school’s family law clinics