The State Bar of Michigan Open Justice Commission (OJC) is sponsoring a FREE statewide training seminar on Thursday, May 31, 2001 for all attorneys interested in offering pro bono representation to domestic violence victims. The goal of the OJC "Pro Bono Project for Domestic Violence Victims" is to increase the availability of legal services to victims of domestic violence in civil legal matters.

Interested lawyers will be trained through a combination of a live video presentation as well as on-site discussions with area judges and attorneys who will talk about local practice and procedure. The live video presentation will be telecast in the morning to 12 locations - Benton Harbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Flint, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, Midland, Troy and Ypsilanti.

Attendees will have the opportunity to find out more about the following: obtaining, modifying and enforcing personal protection orders; divorce, annulment and separate maintenance; spousal and child support; employment issues and related torts. They will receive a free CD-ROM with court forms and sample pleadings, and a comprehensive manual including benchbook selections. In exchange for the training, the attorneys must agree to provide at least 30 hours or three cases of pro bono representation to domestic violence victims within a year.

Thomas J. Ryan, President of the State Bar of Michigan said "The Pro Bono Project for Domestic Violence Victims will complement the service and training programs of legal aid, law schools, government agencies, and nonprofit advocacy organizations. Attorneys in private practice in every area of the state are needed to fill the gap between the capacity of these programs and the growing demand for services."

A limited number of spaces are still available for those who would like to sign up. For further clarification, please contact Judy Hershkowitz at jhershkowitz@mail.michbar.org or (800) 968-1442, ext. 6335.