Steps Being Taken for a Long-Term Project

I have been working on a long-term project to create a basic layout of what to expect when defending someone in a domestic violence case. This "what to expect" information is geared towards probono lawyers who, domestic violence may not be their strong point. Because of the lack of understanding of domestic violence cases, I understand that I must cover a wide variety of information to include, without it being overwhelming.

The first step I took to tackle this project was to talk with both my boss and the woman who I am doing this for. Both told me basic things that should be included: frequently asked questions, what to expect before, during, and after court, questions to ask the defendant, etc.

Second, I began to brainstorm ideas of what should be included. I looked at it from a couple of different perspectives: someone who has no idea about domestic violence laws, someone who has worked with these cases a time or two, and those who are very familiar with domestic violence. I had to include a broad range of information so that it was not overwhelming, but gave a lot of information.

Third, I had to get a basic knowledge of the subject before I could really know what I wanted to look for. I received a couple brochures and handouts from RDVIC (Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center), and I also talked to my boss about where he goes to find information on subjects he's not sure of. He directed me to the West Virignia Benchbook website where I could find all the laws on domestic violence for West Virginia, which was a huge help.

I researched the West Virginia Benchbook for a couple of days to get all the information I could on the laws about domestic violence. After I had gathered all the information I thought was most important, I sorted through it all and grabbed what the most important and relevant information was. I decided what to pull from the conversations I have had with my boss and what he thought was helpful when he started doing probono work for domestic violence cases.

I decided to pull the most basic but relevant information for these cases. I pulled what the exact definition of domestic violence was and what circumstances it has. I also pulled the information on the difference between domestic violence and battery. I decided to include information about what to do after a hearing (i.e. getting an appeal).

After I pulled what I thought was most important to include, I emailed the woman I am working with to give her an idea of what direction I am going in and what she thought about it. While waiting for a response, I have begun creating different possible layouts that could be used to portray the information. Up until this point, I have done what I can until I receive some feedback. Once I have more direction, I will be able to complete this project successfully.

How To Write a Motion

Since I am working at a law firm, the documents created in this work place are much different than documents in other fields. The one I will be talking about is a Motion. A Motion is a document asking for something from the judge. There are three essential parts to a Motion: the list of people involved in the cases that the Motion pertains to, the actual Motion itself, and a certificate of service.

Motions can vary in length from 3 pages to up to 10. The first part of a Motion is the list of people involved and their case numbers. These are the cases that are involved with the Motion. This part is set up as follows:

PETITIONER

vs. CASE NO. 1234

RESPONDENT

Once the list is finished, the Motion itself is written. What is written will vary on what is being asked. For example, a Motion of Discovery is a document asking for evidence for the case against the Respondent. It simply asks for proof of why the Petitioner should be filing a case against the Respondent. Usually, Motions have a basic template and format to them. Depending on what you are asking, there is a different basic template that you may use. The information that changes are the specifics (i.e. Respondent and Petitioner's information, exactly what documents you want that could pertain to the case, etc.).

Once the Motion itself is written, you must also provide a certificate of service. This simply means a phrase verifying that on whatever date, you provided a copy for the involved parties. After the statement, you list exactly who you have provided a copy for. A certificate of service helps you to make sure others know that you provided everyone with copies and to whom exactly you sent copies to. And that's it.

Survival Skills

After reading Emily Sopensky and Laurie Modrey's, "Survival Skills for Communicators within Organizations," I began to think if I have had any occurrences with the scenarios they provide. The one scenario that most correlates with what I have been through is the first one. Working on a collaborative project, but not being able to get in contact with that person. In the scenario Sopensky and Modrey tell the story about a project involving two people who do not work in the same building. One person has begun the project, but needs more information from the second and is unable to get in contact with them. Sopensky and Modrey explain steps you should take to make the person respond to you. For example, if calling and emailing don't work, try leaving them a note on their office or on their car; get them donuts if they like donuts; ask someone who works with them to try and get in contact with them.

I thought about my situation and the only two outlets I have to reach my partner is by phone or email. We work in different businesses and across town from each other. We are working on a project together that needs to be finished at the beginning of May/end of April. I have done all I can until I get feedback from who I'm working with. I initially called her to let her know where I stood with the project and what I needed from her. I then sent her an email with attachments of the documents I have come up with and what I intend to do with them. Two weeks went by with no response. I sent her a follow-up email which got her attention. Another week is about to be over and I have not heard from her since. I know that schedules are busy and it can be difficult to cram in a project, especially if it's long-term (we can put it off for a longer period of time because we know we don't need it until the end of April). I must say, its still frusterating trying to come up with different directions this project could be taken in without the feedback of someone else.

However, even though I haven't had any feedback with this project, I continue to come up with new ideas on how we could lay out the information (i.e. in a brochure, in a two-fold, one sheet of paper, etc.), what, if any, kinds of images we would want to include, etc. Although I have been unable to get in contact with who I am doing this project for, that doesn't stop me from doing more research or coming up with new ways of explaining the information that needs to be explained, or the different kinds of layout that can be used to portray the information. It's a flexible enough project that I can do what I think is best, but having a direction to go in is always better than potentially running in circles.