Domestic Violence Clinic

Karla Fischer
Adjunct Professor
Director, Domestic Violence Clinic

Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation provides free legal assistance to domestic violence victims in obtaining orders of protection and other related legal relief targeted towards preventing victims and their children from being exposed to further violence. Experienced attorneys from Land of Lincoln supervise law students in obtaining this relief for their clients. Students who qualify for 711 licenses (or who already have a license) represent their clients in at least one court hearing, in addition to typical casework that may include drafting petitions and motions, conducting intake and needs assessments with clients, negotiating with opposing attorneys, and extensive client counseling. Dr. Fischer provides weekly supervision that assists students in uncovering and understanding their clients' experiences with domestic violence, as well as how students can use this knowledge to better meet their clients' legal needs.

In addition to representing clients, students participate in a seminar that meets for two hours each week and includes three key components; 1) education about the remedies and procedures of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and related legislation; 2) readings and reflection about the psychological impact of domestic violence on victims, especially as that impact relates to victims' choices and behavior when pursuing legal relief; and 3) enhancing students' interviewing skills, through exercises that combine role play, observations of interviewing techniques, and practice interviews with former victims (not clients). Students are taught how to use standard psychological assessment tools to reveal clients' full experiences with domestic violence and to assist them in planning for their safety.

Students are required to devote a minimum of 135 hours during the semester to their cases and course work. In addition to fulfilling the minimum hour requirement, students are evaluated on the quality and quantity of their legal work, their course assignments, and their class participation.