Appeals & DV LEAP
Helping survivors challenge court decisions.
DV LEAP, a project of Volare, provides appellate legal assistance to survivors across the United States.
What is dv leap?
DV LEAP (Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project) is Volare's national appellate advocacy program. We work with pro bono attorneys to represent survivors in certain appeals involving domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, child abuse, and other forms of gender- or power-based violence.
Appeals can provide an opportunity to challenge legal errors in court decisions. DV LEAP works to strengthen legal protections for survivors through appellate representation and broader legal advocacy.
How We Can Help
Work with survivors and pro bono attorneys on selected appeals in state and federal courts.
APPEALS
Provide legal perspectives in appellate cases that raise important issues affecting survivors.
AMICUS BRIEFS
Help legal professionals better understand the dynamics of abuse and survivor-related legal issues.
CONSULTATION & TRAINING
appeals clinic for survivors
Have questions about appealing a court decision in DC?
Volare's Appeals Clinic for DC Survivors helps survivors understand their appellate rights and options in certain civil cases, including family law matters and civil protection order or anti-stalking order cases.
The clinic provides an opportunity to speak with an attorney about appellate issues, including whether an appeal may be an option and what steps or deadlines may apply.
The Appeals Clinic is separate from DV LEAP's national appellate representation program. Participating in the clinic does not guarantee ongoing representation or that an attorney will handle your appeal.
Eligibility
Can DV LEAP Help With My Case?
DV LEAP considers requests involving certain appeals of final court orders. We assist survivors nationwide, but we cannot accept every case.
Our team reviews applications to determine whether a matter falls within our program's scope and whether assistance may be available.
Important: Court Deadlines
Appeals often have strict deadlines. Applying to DV LEAP does not extend those deadlines. You are responsible for identifying and meeting any deadlines in your case, including the deadline to file a Notice of Appeal.
Do not wait for a response from DV LEAP before taking steps to protect your legal rights.
next steps
What Happens After I Apply?
After you submit your application, DV LEAP will review the information and follow up by email about whether further assistance may be available.
Applying does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Unless DV LEAP agrees to represent you, we cannot provide legal advice, prepare or file documents, or manage deadlines in your case.
WHY WE EXIST
Changing the law for survivors
The dynamics and root causes of family violence are complex, and the existing law often does not provide adequate protections and safety for survivors.
From a lack of legal representation for survivors, to biases driven by myths and stereotypes about survivors and a lack of sufficient expertise about adult and child abuse, there are many reasons for why the law is failing survivors. DV LEAP uses appeals, training and consultations, and policy advocacy to change that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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An appeal is a request for a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. Appeals generally focus on whether the lower court made a legal error, rather than starting the case over or presenting new evidence.
Appeals can be complicated and often have strict filing deadlines. If you are considering an appeal, it is important to understand the rules and deadlines that apply to your case.
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Do not wait for a response from DV LEAP before taking steps to protect your legal rights.
Appeals often have strict deadlines, and submitting an application to DV LEAP does not pause or extend them. You are responsible for identifying and meeting any applicable deadlines, including deadlines to file a notice of appeal or respond to an appeal.
If you are unsure about your deadline, consult the applicable court rules or seek advice from an attorney in your jurisdiction as soon as possible.
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Yes. DV LEAP is a national project of Volare that works with survivors across the United States. We consider certain appeals involving domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, child abuse, and related issues.
Our ability to assist depends on the nature of the case, the legal issues involved, and available resources.
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DV LEAP generally focuses on appeals of final court decisions, rather than ongoing trial court proceedings.
If your case is still pending, you may not yet be eligible for appellate representation. However, if your case involves a civil legal matter in DC, you may be able to get information about appellate options through Volare's Appeals Clinic for DC Survivors.
The clinic and DV LEAP's national appellate representation program have different services and eligibility requirements.
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No. Submitting an application does not create an attorney-client relationship with DV LEAP or Volare.
Our team must first review your request and determine whether we can offer assistance. Unless we have formally agreed to represent you, DV LEAP is not responsible for providing legal advice, preparing or filing court documents, or monitoring deadlines in your case.
Request Help With an Appeal
If you are considering an appeal or responding to an appeal, you can submit an application for DV LEAP to review.