National Appellate Program

Appeals
Written By Volare

Our National Appellate Program (formerly Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project (DV LEAP)) makes the law work for survivors of domestic violence by challenging unjust trial outcomes; advancing legal protections through expert pro bono advocacy; training lawyers, advocates, and judges on best practices; and spearheading domestic violence litigation in the Supreme Court.

There are already laws to protect survivors of domestic violence, so…why does the National Appellate Program exist?

The dynamics and root causes of family violence are complex, and the existing law often does not provide adequate protections and safety for survivors for reasons including:

  • Lack of legal representation for survivors

  • Bias driven by myths and stereotypes about survivors

  • Bias rooted in systemic oppression against survivors from marginalized communities

  • Lack of sufficient expertise about adult and child abuse

  • Prioritization of co-parenting and paternal access over survivor safety

  • Lack of trial court accountability

  • Excessive deference to trial judges' decisions

We use appeals, training and consultations, and policy advocacy to make the law better protect survivors.

WHERE WE COME IN…

APPELLATE LITIGATION

DV LEAP is a national leader in appellate advocacy on behalf of survivors. In partnership with our national network of pro bono law firms, we represent survivors in appeals at the state and federal level including the Supreme Court. Our appellate work holds trials courts accountable to the fairness embodied in the law. Click here to apply for assistance with an appeal.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are seeking assistance for an APPEAL or AMICUS BRIEF, we are temporarily accepting applications ONLY in the following jurisdictions: COLORADO, FLORIDA, ILLINOIS, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MINNESOTA, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, TEXAS, VIRGINIA, and the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.  This is to ensure our capacity to deliver the quality of services our mission and professional standards require. We hope to be able to resume national scope appellate services in the near future.

CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

We multiply our impact by providing training and in-depth consultation to lawyers, judges, mental health professionals, litigants, and by sharing resources with key stakeholders.

POLICY

DV LEAP partners with advocacy organizations at the local and national level to improve policy and laws. For example, DV LEAP co-led the policy initiative that resulted in H. Res. Con. 72, which makes child safety the first priority of custody and visitation adjudications.

GET HELP

The National Appellate Program provides legal representation in appeals and assistance with amicus briefs only in appeals of final orders. We also provide limited resources for survivors of domestic violence who are not seeking to appeal a final order. Please complete the application below that best meets your needs.


PLEASE NOTE: If you are seeking assistance for an APPEAL or AMICUS BRIEF, we are temporarily accepting applications ONLY in the following jurisdictions: COLORADO, FLORIDA, ILLINOIS, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MINNESOTA, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, TEXAS, VIRGINIA, and the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.  This is to ensure our capacity to deliver the quality of services our mission and professional standards require. We hope to be able to resume national scope appellate services in the near future.


All of your information will be kept confidential. After you submit your application, DV LEAP will follow up by email about whether we can provide further assistance.  While we are reviewing your case, DV LEAP is not your lawyer and cannot give you advice about what to do in your case.  Until and unless DV LEAP agrees to represent you, we cannot help you fill out forms, file paperwork to appeal your case, or follow any deadlines in your case.

Volare https://www.volare-empowers.org
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