Ashley Carter

Hosted by DC Volunteer Lawyers Project
Sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Service location Washington, District of Columbia
Law school The George Washington University Law School
Issue area Domestic Violence
Fellowship class year 2019
Program Design Your Own Fellowship

The Project

Ashley will create a legal clinic for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and stalking who seek Civil Protection Orders in Washington, DC.

Over 5,500 Civil Protection Order cases are filed in Washington, DC each year. Unfortunately, the majority of individuals seeking protection cannot afford to hire an attorney. Pro se litigants may not know how to accomplish tasks that may be simple for an attorney, such as requesting a new hearing date, completing service of process, amending pleadings, or introducing evidence at trial. An attorney providing brief services and legal advice can help these survivors obtain much-needed protection from their abusers.

Fellowship Plans

Ashley plans to operate the clinic three days per week. She also will create training materials for the pro bono attorneys she will recruit. Ashley plans on maintaining a case load of 1-2 Civil Protection Order cases per month for full representation.

I am dedicated to creating safety and stability for low-income individuals who have been impacted by violence.

Ashley Carter /
Equal Justice Works Fellow