Montana Domestic Violence
Field Placement
Academic Year
Faculty Supervisor
Supervising Attorney
Brand Ries, Emily Lucas
Prerequisite
Professional Responsibility
Areas of Emphasis
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Family Law; Housing and Landlord-Tenant Law; Estate Planning; Immigration; Crime victim’s rights; Negotiations; Research and writing; Civil litigation; Interviewing and counseling; Problem-solving
Sample Projects
- Conduct client interviews
- Research legal issues
- Draft pleadings
- Prepare for and attend settlement conferences and court hearings
- Draft dissolution documents, parenting plans, and estate planning documents
- Prepare for and attend trials
General Information
The Montana Domestic Violence Field Placement provides direct holistic legal representation to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault on a pro bono basis. Students assigned to this field placement are provided the opportunity to represent domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in a variety of civil legal matters (family law, housing, estate planning, and immigration).
Working with their supervising attorney and faculty supervisor, students gain experience in client counseling, drafting, negotiations, and litigation. Students can expect to appear before District Court, Justice Court, Municipal Court, and Administrative law judges. In addition to the opportunity to use litigation skills in a contested hearing, students will gain general practice skills such as client interviewing techniques, negotiation skills, document drafting, and legal research.