Civil Law

Philadelphia VIP, the hub of pro bono legal services in Philadelphia, is pleased to announce its annual training event, Pro Bono Opportunities Day: Spotlight on Stabilizing Families, part of National Pro Bono Week.

From first year associates new to the practice of law, to experienced practitioners new to pro bono, we invite all attorneys to attend our signature training seminar and learn how to use their legal experience to help those most in need in our community.

The event will begin with breakfast to discuss the importance of pro bono with judges from the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania and a keynote address by the Honorable Kevin Dougherty. Training sessions will follow taught by experienced practioners in areas of law critical to protecting the families of low-income Philadelphians.

Specific training sessions include:

• Custody

This seminar will provide an overview of custody practice and will focus on how to prepare a case for trial in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. Topics that will be covered include standing, jurisdiction, procedure and child custody case law.

• Guardianship

This seminar will provide an overview of guardianship practices in Pennsylvania and will focus on how to handle a guardianship case. The seminar will define who may be appointed a guardian, how a guardianship proceeding is initiated, and what the Court considers when determining whether to appoint a guardian.

• Protection from Abuse

This seminar will provide an overview of Protection From Abuse practice in Philadelphia and will focus on how to handle a PFA case. The seminar will define what constitutes abuse, who may file for a protection from abuse order and the available remedies. The seminar will also offer information on resources available to victims of domestic violence.

The cost of the training is $45 per attendee with breakfast and educational materials provided. Contact Bailey Andersen at jvolunteer@phillyvip.org or (215) 523-9567 for more information and to register.