March Madness: Pro Bono Style Kicks off

On Friday, March 1^st, AVLF’s Domestic Violence Project kicked off the Atlanta Bar Association’s Pro Bono March Madness with a full-day, highly interactive Fundamentals of Domestic Violence training based on a national training developed by the American Bar Association.  32 trainees spent the day interacting in small and large group settings, wrestling with issues of domestic violence and the remedies available to survivors. 

Debbie Segal spearheaded this training, and worked tirelessly to adapt the curriculum and recruit the faculty – without her, the day would not have happened.  Vivian Huelgo, Chief Counsel for the ABA’s Commission on Family and Sexual Violence not only trained the trainers, but also led several portions of the day.  Our large-group faculty - Monica Khant of GAIN, Greg Loughlin of the Georgia Commission On Family Violence, Jenni Stolarski of the Dekalb County Solicitor's Office, Dan Bloom of Pachman Richardson, and Amanda Planchard of the Fulton County Solicitor Victim Witness Assistance Office, and the AVLF’s own Liz Whipple led the room in discussion throughout the day.

Our small table faculty, comprised of The Honorable Wendy Shoob and The Honorable Gail S. Tusan of the Fulton County Superior Court, Fulton Family Division judicial officer Davita Gude and Family Division Director Robin Coggswell spurred their groups on to lively discussion and thoughtful analysis of issues during small group exercises.  

Thanks also to Robin Taylor of PADV and Jessica Caldas of AVLF for all their assistance, and to Katie Barton and Tyler Scarbrough of Kilpatrick Townsend for their incomparable acting skills.  (Not many could maintain focus in the face of Liz’s clip-on ponytail wig and hammy performance during the skit, both were total pros.)  Without Kilpatrick Stockton’s support as host, this day would not have been possible.  Our compliments to the Atlanta Bar’s Jessica Galusha for a well-executed kick-off to her very first March Madness.  And last but not least, thanks to the judges and volunteers, old and new, who attended – we look forward to putting your new knowledge to work for AVLF’s clients!