About

The Family Justice Clinic provides survivors of domestic violence and stalking with no-cost representation in protective order cases in the Superior Courts of Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties. The Clinic also represents its protective order clients in their related domestic relations law cases such as divorce, legitimation, name changes, and stepparent adoptions. In addition to representation, the Clinic answers family law questions and provides free legal advice to survivors throughout Georgia. We also welcome calls from service providers, community members, and others concerned about providing justice for victims of abuse.

The Clinic is dedicated to the memory of Jane W. Wilson. Wilson, a resident of rural North Georgia, who was shot and killed in her early 30s by her husband of just three days during August 1976. Her two young children, aged 10 and 8, witnessed the homicide. University of Georgia School of Law Dean Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge  said the school is both humbled and honored to carry on Wilson’s legacy. “We will work hard to honor the memory of Mrs. Wilson and help those affected by domestic violence.”

The Clinic uses University of Georgia law students to deliver a full range of legal services to clients including but not limited to eligibility screening, in-person and virtual client meetings, case filing and investigation, hearing preparation, and courtroom representation. Students are supervised by the Clinic Director and post-graduate fellow, both of whom are licensed Georgia attorneys. The Clinic has at least one full-time staff member who speaks Spanish.

We recognize that domestic violence, abuse, and trauma are very complex. Almost always, when survivors have legal needs, they have many other needs that cannot be addressed in a courtroom. We work on a trauma-informed care model and believe strongly in the importance of holistic services. We can provide information about and referrals to community service providers that may be able to assist with non-legal needs such as financial assistance, emergency shelter, counseling, mental health services, and other aspects of case management.