The Courtroom Advocates Project (CAP) trains and mentors law school students, summer associates, and law firm associates not yet admitted to the bar to advocate for domestic violence victims when they first enter family court seeking orders of protection.

Working in court, CAP participants educate victims about the remedies available, assist them with safety planning, help them draft petitions, and advocate on their behalf before judges.

Sanctuary’s CAP staff attorneys supervise law student volunteers, and assume representation of cases that are too complex for student advocacy. Staff attorneys also take a leading role in improving the response of New York City’s criminal justice system to domestic violence by providing trainings and conducting outreach to judges, prosecutors, advocates, law enforcement personnel, and counselors.

CAP provides services in New York City as well as in ten counties in New York State.

For more information about the Courtroom Advocates Project, please contact:

(212) 349 – 6009 x. 270
btsai@sffny.org