For the Second Year in a Row a DVLSR Volunteer Received the California Lawyer Angel Award. 

John Wehrli a partner at Latham and Watkins in Menlo Park, was recognized by the California Lawyer in its second annual Angel Awards.  He was recognized for taking difficult cases for the Pro Bono Project through the Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation Project.   In 2006 he spent more than 200 hours handling DVLSR cases.  in 2007 he supervised more that two dozen pro bono matters.

DVLSR provides representation in domestic violence restraining order hearings using volunteers.  The project in 2007 represented 197 clients in restraining order hearings according to Sharon Bashan the project coordinator.  She indicated that there have been 90 Attorneys and 39 law students involved in the representation. 

To see the California Lawyer story and picture please click here.

Pro Bono Project’s Volunteer Gary Baum Recognized as Pro Bono Attorney of the Year By Santa Clara County Bar Association

Gary Baum, A Pro Bono Project volunteer and the City attorney of Palo Alto, was recognized by the Santa Clara County Bar Association October 30, 2007, at is annual Judges Night as the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.

Gary was recognized for his work with the Pro Bono Project.  He has avidly taken pro bono work through the Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley since 2000.  He has actively participated in Lawyers in the Library, a program designed to provide free legal consultations in the library.  He has taken property cases from the Project. Gary has been a DVLSR volunteer since our first training in 2005.  Gary has been able to apply his domestic violence training to the numerous DVLSR cases that he has taken. 

Above all, what makes Gary remarkable is his willingness to make the community a better place.  Despite Gary’s full plate, he always makes himself available for pro bono work.  His can-do attitude makes us feel like we can always count on Gary to help out the neediest clients and deliver excellent results.

To see a picture and the Palo Alto Daily News Article on Gary and the Award click here.

Pro Bono Project’s Volunteer Sheila Peterson and Project Staff quoted in October 2007 California Bar Journal

Jennie Winter and Sharon Bashan of the Pro Bono Project in Santa Clara County believe there is a psychological, as well as a financial, reward for clients who elect to do some of the legal work themselves. “In my opinion, it is much better to involve your client and have them doing stuff,” says Winter, attorney/ director of the Pro Bono Project. “Then it becomes a partnership. If I take a case and I am totally in control and I don’t let the client have any say in anything, frankly, I’m much more likely to get sued. The other thing that happens when you partner with a client is that no matter what happens — even if it doesn’t come out exactly the way they want it — they’re satisfied. . . Most people just want to be heard.”

Adds Bashan, director of the office’s Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation program: “One of the reasons that limited scope is so important and so good is because it empowers clients in those cases . . . Often, there’s a disconnect between the person and the system. They don’t fully understand what’s taking place. By really understanding and taking part in what happens, they feel more invested.”

The Domestic Violence LSR program has engaged volunteer lawyers who could not devote themselves to a full case but who were willing to take the time for a part of a case. Gilroy family law attorney Sheila Peterson is one such volunteer. “It’s a great thing for domestic violence cases,” says Petersen. “You can go in, cover a hearing, cover if there’s a continuance. You might have to do the order afterwards and do some discussion with the client after, but then you close it up.”

To see the full article in the California Bar Journal click here.

Pro Bono Project’s Volunteers Receive Recognition

Heather Smith, an attorney volunteer, and Fatma Atike, a paralegal volunteer, at the Pro Bono Project received recognition at the 21st Annual Pro Bono Volunteer Recognition Reception September 25.  Clark S. Stone President, Santa Clara County Bar Association, Introduced Jennie Winter, Pro Bono Project Director of Client Services, and Sharon Bashan, Pro Bono Project Director of DVLSR, to make the presentation of the awards.

In their presentation, Jennie and Sharon said the following about Heather Smith and Fatma Atike: "The recipient of the Attorney Volunteer of the Year Award is Heather Smith.  Heather practices family law and has taken countless cases for Pro Bono Project, including family law cases and cases for DVLSR.

What makes an Attorney Volunteer of the Year is not just the amount of cases that one takes, but the willingness and enthusiasm to help out those in need.  Heather has been involved with PBP for many years now – from the days when she volunteered in the office, to being part of DVLSR from its inception, to her representing many of our clients in court.  We can always count on Heather to step in where we need her most – no matter how complicated the case is.  Heather has that je ne sais quoi.  It’s a rare combination of compassion for her clients and a certain fierceness.  Don’t let her petite frame fool you…Heather has a lot of punch packed in, and can unleash it in court.  We are incredibly grateful to Heather for all that she has done to help pro bono clients in this County.  We are pleased to present Heather Smith with the Attorney Volunteer of the Year Award."

"What do you get when you mix a beautiful smile, meticulously detailed notes, a compassionate ear, and yummy Turkish treats?  You get Fatma Atike, Volunteer of the Year.  Fatma has been volunteering with Pro Bono Project since 2004.  Fatma has been such a fixture a PBP, that we consider her an honorary staff member.  She has been conducting client intakes, including family law intakes, and DV respondent intakes.  And the clients love Fatma because she is a true listener.  Not only does Fatma listen, but she issue spots like it’s no one’s business.  The case notes that we receive from Fatma are so detailed we often wonder if she was in the relationship!  When Fatma isn’t spending time in PBP offices working until 9:00pm, she can be spotted in her kitchen making delicious treats for our potlucks.  All of these reasons are why we love Fatma, and why she is this year’s recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award."

Pro Bono Project’s Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation Program Honors Outstanding Community Leaders

(Santa Clara, CA.  August 23, 2007) – Pro Bono Project’s Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation (DVLSR) program tonight held its first annual “DVLSR Honors” event at Santa Clara University’s Adobe Lodge.  The awards, presented by Dean Donald Polden of the School of Law, praised individuals and organizations whose work has assisted families affected by domestic violence.

Pictured are John Hedges,
Dean Polden, & John Wehrli

DVLSR provides legal representation to low-income parties involved in domestic violence restraining orders in Santa Clara County.  John Wehrli, a partner at Latham & Watkins in its Silicon Valley office, received the Advocate Award for his commitment and passion for providing pro bono legal services in domestic violence matters.  Fenwick & West LLP was honored with the Foundation Award for their high degree of support to Pro Bono Project and DVLSR.  The Vision Award was presented to the Honorable Mary Ann Grilli, Judge of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, whose leadership fostered the creation of the innovative program; she was also recognized for her years of dedicated service to families.

“Pro Bono Project is proud of the vital work of DVLSR and honored to present these awards to such highly deserving recipients.  Each honoree exhibits a much-needed commitment to assisting families through a most difficult transition period in their lives,” said Sharon Bashan, Director of DVLSR.

Fenwick & West attorneys
receiving award

“Latham & Watkins is proud to support innovative pro bono programs like DVLSR.  The efforts of John Wehrli and other Latham attorneys in Silicon Valley help to provide sensitive and high-quality legal representation to those affected by domestic violence issues,” said Amos Hartston, Pro Bono Counsel at Latham & Watkins, a global law firm founded in Los Angeles in 1934.

"I am so honored to be receiving the Vision Award.  The DVLSR program is the result of a large amount of work by a group of people dedicated to providing legal services to parties in domestic violence cases.  This is a substantial need, since about 98% of domestic violence cases involve self represented parties,” said Judge Mary Ann Grilli.

Judge Grilli receiving the award

One of the first programs of its kind in the country, DVLSR is a grant-funded collaborative project created by Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley.  Volunteer attorneys and certified law students represent petitioners and respondents in domestic violence restraining order hearings.  Since the majority of the cases involve children, the attorneys also address collateral matters such as child custody, support and visitation.  The volunteer attorneys and certified law students are trained to understand and recognize domestic violence issues. By providing each parent with free legal representation, family conflict is reduced and safety for victims and children is enhanced.  The goal is to establish orders that enable a way for the family members to access appropriate resources and live free from violence. 

The Project is made possible by grants from Blue Shield Foundation of California and First 5 Santa Clara County.

The Project is made possible by grants from Blue Shield Foundation of California and First 5 Santa Clara County.

Staff quoted in the Morgan Hill Times, June 12-14, 2007 on Limited scope Representation

Two Pro Bono Project staff members Sharon Bashan and Jennie Winter presented a program on Limited Scope Representation for the South County Bar Association June 8, 2006.  They were quoted in the Morgan Hill Times in the June 12-14, 2007 edition

“We’ve had to rethink the old ways of doing things,” said Sharon Bashan, director of Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation program.  The service is run by the Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley in San Jose. 

Bashan said the program is an effective way to help low-income clients who are always grateful for the services. 

Jennie N. Winter, attorney/director of the Pro Bono Project, also praised the program. “It’s a benefit to the community and society as a whole,” said Winter, adding that it helps break the stereotype of lawyers being pegged as money-obsessed sharks.  “I believe we’re healers of social conflict.”

We’re tapping into a clientele that would never be able to [otherwise] afford these services,” added Bashan.

To see the full Morgan Hill Times story click here

Fariba Soroosh and Julie Saffren receive

California Lawyer Angel Award

Fariba Soroosh and Julie Saffren were recognized by the California Lawyer in its first ever Angel Awards.  They were recognized for their volunteer work in helping the Pro Bono Project establish the Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation Project. 

DVLSR provides representation in domestic violence restraining order hearings using volunteers.  The project has represented more than 100 clients in restraining order hearings according to Sharon Bashan the project coordinator.  She indicated that there have been 62 Attorneys and 13 law students involved in the representation.  It is expected that the project will more than double it capacity in the coming year.

To see the California Lawyer story please click here.

Volunteer of the Year Awards

Volunteers with the Pro Bono Project received awards from the Santa Clara County Bar Association on September 26, 2006, during the 20th Annual Pro Bono Volunteer Recognition Event at AP Stumps in San Jose.

Pictured are Yamin Maung,
Sharon Bashan, and Rachel Hsiao.

Julie Saffren, our Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation volunteer, received the Volunteer Attorney of the Year Award and Mark Shebby received the volunteer of the year award for non-attorneys.

Here is what Pro Bono Project DVLSR coordinator Sharon Bashan said, as she presented the award to Fariba Soroosh, accepting on behalf of Julie Saffren:

The recipient of the Attorney Volunteer of the Year Award is Julie Saffren. Julie has her own family law practice specializing in domestic violence issues. She also co-teaches the domestic violence seminar at Santa Clara University Law School with Judge Hyman.

Julie has been instrumental in getting our Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation project off the ground. DVLSR provides representation to petitioners and respondents in domestic violence restraining order hearings with the goal of reducing family conflict and violence. This project has helped fill a gap in services to low income people in this county. Initially, Julie helped spearhead DVLSR by designing and testing the idea, and leading the effort to get funding. Now that DVLSR has taken off, Julie has been providing mentorship to the volunteer attorneys on petitioner's cases. Additionally, she has directly represented many petitioners in court. Julie has put a countless amount of volunteer hours into all of these tasks. Without Julie's leadership, DVLSR would not exist.

Julie has the true attributes of a leader: she is a teacher, a role model in our community, and a true advocate for her clients. Julie doesn't just stand up for her clients; she helps them find their own voices. One of DVLSR's clients is quoted as saying, "I am so grateful to Julie because she had my back as well as my kids' backs."

Julie was unable to make it here tonight because she is at the Firearms Relinquishment Conference in Los Angeles - a further testament to her commitment to the public good. Accepting on Julie's behalf is Fariba Soroosh, the Family Law Facilitator, who also is responsible for creating DVLSR.

The following are the comments of The Pro Bono Project Attorney Jennifer Nathan, who presented the award to Mark.

Mark Shebby has been an extraordinary contributor at the Pro Bono Project this year. We have nominated him for the Non-Attorney Volunteer of the Year Award for many reasons.

Pictured are Jennifer Nathan,
Lori and Mark Shebby.

The first and most obvious reason is the approximately 180 clients he has served and the 270 hours of pro bono work that he has done through our in-house client services program.

Another reason is the sheer gift of his presence at our organization. There's really no way for me to do justice to all of the patience and kindness and enjoyment that Mark has brought to the atmosphere whenever he was in the office.

And, it's important to note that Mark contributed many of those hours of service while also studying for the bar exam. Mark recently retired from his first career as the owner and manager of a manufacturing corporation. Since then, he's been pouring his passion and energy into a second career in law. We don't expect to have him with us at Pro Bono Project too much longer. Bar results come out in November, so it's a good thing we gave him this award when we did.

In addition to working with clients, Mark has also brought sheer enjoyment to the office, including the remarkable feat of pulling me into his Fantasy Football League. When I mentioned offhand that I felt out of the loop with regard to the Fantasy Football Phenomenon, I should have known from experience that Mark was going to take action to remedy the situation. He patiently talked me into joining the league. He coached me through the stressful process of registering with nfl.com and naming my team, and then I suspect that he gave me first pick in the draft, so my team would be good no matter how ignorant their owner was.

And, how did I repay him for all of this consideration and kindness? By accidentally beating his team soundly in the first round of football games.

Pictured are Steve Penn,
Jim Bratton, and John Hedges.

On Tuesday morning, Mark came into the office with this dazed look on his face saying, "Jenny, the Pro Bono Boys really kicked my team's butt this weekend." And, to make matters worse, I was genuinely surprised. I said, "Seriously? Nah ah."

So, Mark, on behalf of Pro Bono Project and all of our clients whom you have served faithfully, thank you for giving us the gift of your presence and hard work. We hope that you will accept this Award as an acknowledgment of the exceptional contribution that you have made to the life of our organization and to the lives of our clients.

Don’t Borrow Trouble

The Pro Bono Project operates the Don't Borrow Trouble^SM Silicon Valley (DBTSV) hotline to offer protection from predatory mortgage lending practices to Santa Clara County's most vulnerable residents: persons who speak limited English, recent immigrants, residents of low-income and largely minority neighborhoods, and seniors.

The project connects residents to organizations that help them protect their homes. For example, an agent of a predatory lender approached "Maria," a Spanish-speaking resident of San Jose, offering to refinance her house so that she could repair the roof. Maria was currently unemployed, and was barely making her mortgage payments each month. The agent promised that her monthly payments would actually be lower. All Maria needed was some one to cosign the loan. The agent provided the cosigner. Maria signed the papers and received $5,000 for roof repairs. She continued to make payments on her house. Six months later Maria received an eviction notice from a person who said he was the new owner of her home. He was the co-signer.

With the help of Don't Borrow Trouble^SM, Maria was able to get her house back and actually receive a loan with lower payments.

This campaign was developed through a unique partnership between the City of San José, Freddie Mac, Neighborhood Housing Services Silicon Valley, Project Sentinel, the California Association of Mortgage Brokers (CAMB), the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR), Fair Housing Law Project, Working Partnerships USA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley.