May.07.2013
Our collaboration with the Los Angeles County Bar Association's domestic violence project has generated its first critical court success. Lisa Lowry—supervised by Melanie Phillips and Mark Mermelstein, with expert advice and guidance from Kristin Cornuelle—recently secured a victory for her client in connection with securing a final order of protection against the client's abusive former partner.
The client and her daughter were victims of persistent harassment and verbal and physical abuse. Despite efforts by the client's ex-boyfriend and his friends to intimidate her at the proceedings, Lisa successfully argued that the court should enter a final, five-year restraining order. The court tailored the protective order to ensure the client was adequately protected at her place of business while allowing the respondent to work at his place of business down the street, so long as the respondent complies with the protective order. The protective order also covers the client's daughter, which was of paramount importance to our client.
The Los Angeles County Bar Association's domestic violence project is focused on providing representation to victims of domestic violence who are trying to regain their independence and dignity. Lawyers in the Los Angeles area who would like to take on a domestic violence restraining order case should contact pro bono counsel Rene Kathawala.