Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP recently helped bring awareness to survivors of gender-based violence with their “Domestic Violence Awareness Week”. During the week of June 21-26, 2021, Skadden Pro Bono Coordinator, Eddie Houlihan, and Khadija Lalani, Skadden associate and Vice-Chair of Administration on Ascend Justice’s Young Professionals Board, facilitated Skadden’s participation in Ascend Justice’s Remote Emergency Order of Protection Hotline. Skadden attorneys paired with summer associates to work directly with survivors of gender-based violence seeking an Emergency Order of Protection (EOP). Volunteers worked with survivors to fill out the court pleadings and affidavit necessary to file for the EOP. Since volunteering in June, the attorneys and associates who volunteered have signed up for additional dates beyond the weeklong obligation.
Shiva Kooragayala, a Corporate Restructuring associate shared that “Volunteering with Ascend Justice is providing me with a platform to use my legal education and training to advocate for the most vulnerable in our community. Particularly, participating in the Remote Order of Protection Program has been an innovative and efficient way to provide immediate direct services to individuals facing gender-based violence during the pandemic when the incidence of domestic violence has been particularly high. Going forward, I see Skadden lawyers getting increasingly involved with Ascend Justice’s programs and broader mission–the past month of working together is likely just the start of a long-term partnership.”
