Lawyer competence in domestic violence cases requires that attorneys understand both the substantive law related to a client’s legal claims and the dynamics and effects of domestic violence.1 A lawyer who possesses basic competence about domestic violence is more likely to adequately address client safety concerns when crafting legal strategy and resolutions, to identify or discover important evidence, and to help the trier of fact understand victim behavior that seems counter-intuitive or self-destructive when not properly contextualized. Competence also allows for legal outcomes that are safer and more effective in the long run and that don’t lead to unforeseen consequences.
- 1See generally Am. Bar Ass’n, Comm’n on Domestic & Sexual Violence, The Domestic Violence Civil Law Manual: Protection Orders and Family Law Cases (4th ed. 2017).