NGI Pro Bono Partnerships – Legal

Survivors who flee internationally with their children to escape violence may be faced with a petition filed by their abuser under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction seeking to force the return of their children. Survivors are not entitled to free court-appointed attorneys in these consequential cases. The NGI works with pro bono litigation teams across the country to provide survivors with the legal representation they deserve. We primarily, although not exclusively, partner with pro bono attorneys on Hague litigations in federal court.

Pro bono attorneys who represent survivors in Hague cases can expect to:

• Gain invaluable federal trial experience in a compressed timeline;
• Become experts in an interesting area of international jurisdictional law;
• Build a deeper understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence;
• Develop strong trauma-informed lawyering practices;
• Foster deep attorney-client connections; and
• Make a strong impact during a truly pivotal time in their client’s lives.

Pro bono attorneys who partner with the NGI can expect robust support. We guide pro bono attorneys through the Hague litigation process, providing them with mentorship; resources such as trainings, a Practitioner’s Guide, relevant case law, domestic violence resources, and sample pleadings; and offering weekly strategy calls and connections to the NGI’s extensive network of external partners and referrals.

Learn more about some of our amazing pro bono partners’ achievements:

• Weil, Gotshal & Manges Team Steers Survivor Through Complicated Hague Case >

• Advocating for Survivors Before the U.S. Supreme Court >

• Paul Weiss & Morvillo Abramowitz Team Achieve Groundbreaking Supreme Court Victory >

• Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP Represents Survivor in International Child Abduction Trial Victory >

• Skadden Team Wins Landmark International Child Abduction Case for Sanctuary Client >