Most students enrolled in clinic courses also participate in the Protection from Abuse Program, where they represent survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Student attorneys spend at least two days handling the protection from abuse (PFA) docket in Lewiston District Court. The Clinics’ work in this program is highly valued by the courts, as the PFA proceedings are often highly contentious and emotional.
With the assistance of counsel most cases are settled without a trial. If an agreed resolution of the case cannot be reached through negotiation, the student attorney represents the client at trial. The Clinics’ student attorneys work closely with court advocates from Safe Voices, a non-profit survivor advocacy organization based in Lewiston-Auburn. This collaboration ensures that every client not only is represented in the protection case but also receives the necessary support and resources to escape violence in the long-term.
