Judith Heumann, often called the mother of the Disability Rights Movement, once said:
"I wanna see a feisty group of disabled people around the world… if you don’t respect yourself and if you don’t demand what you believe in for yourself, you’re not gonna get it."
Her words remind us this July - Disability Pride Month - that demanding respect and rights is a radical act of self-love—especially for those whom systems have tried to silence. For survivors of domestic violence, and for anyone navigating unjust systems, this quote may stir a complex response. It’s not a directive to “just be stronger”—it’s a recognition that asserting your worth is powerful, and systemic change requires both individual voices and collective support.
As legal advocates, allies, and survivors, may we keep building spaces where that demand for dignity is not a burden placed on individuals alone—but a shared responsibility.
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- A Night to Remember: Battle of the Bands Brought Down The House
- Staff Spotlight: Jodi Lewis Is Elected to the Partnership Board
- National News: FVAP at the National Conference on Domestic Violence
- ICYMI: Our Fight for Fairness in California Courts
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A Night To Remember:
Battle of the Bands Brought Down the House |
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photo by Cathy Breslow/Breslow Imaging |
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FVAP'S 13th Annual Banding Together to End Domestic Violence was held on June 26th and was a smash success, raising over $124,448 to support FVAP's work. Six bands representing eight law firms competed for the title of Best Lawyer Band in the Bay. Over 300 supporters packed the Chapel in San Francisco to cheer on the bands and raise money to end domestic violence. |
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Papa Gibson and the Writs of Replevin (Gibson Dunn) rocked their way to first place, raising an incredible $29,050 for FVAP!
The R-23’s (Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein) followed closely in second with $28,387, and Cov'R Band (Covington & Burling) took third with $22,306. -
A special shoutout to The Soul Practitioners (Cooley and Schaerr Jaffe), who won the Judge’s Choice Award!
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Awards for Volunteer, Pro Bono, and Advocacy Champion of the Year were presented to Erin Smith, Covington and Burling, and former Senator Susan Eggman. Watch the award videos for more information!
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You can learn more about the event, and browse a gallery of pictures and videos (coming soon), at the dedicated webpage. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, and sponsored to make the evening such a raucous success! |
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Staff Spotlight:
Jodi Lewis Is Elected to the Partnership Board
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FVAP Senior Managing Attorney Jodi Lewis has been elected to the Board of Directors for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) — a vital partner in our mission to end domestic violence. The Partnership is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition, representing over 2,000 advocates, organizations and allied groups throughout the state.
Congratulations, Jodi, on this well-deserved honor! |
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National News:
FVAP at the National Conference on Domestic Violence
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Are you planning to attend the National Conference on Domestic Violence this October? Don’t miss Jennafer Dorfman Wagner, FVAP’s Director of Programs, as she co-leads a workshop with Carmen E. McDonald from Survivor Justice Center on current legal issues impacting survivors, advocates, and non-profits.
The conference will take place October 27–29 in Kansas City, MO.
Learn more and register here! |
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ICYMI:
Our Fight for Fairness in California Courts
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New to our newsletter? Catch up on FVAP’s landmark case before the California Supreme Court addressing the state’s court reporter shortage—a critical issue affecting access to justice for low-income litigants.
In this ongoing case, our legal challenge addresses a constitutional crisis and has drawn strong amicus support from across the legal profession including constitutional experts, and even the California Attorney General.
Explore the case, legal documents, and media coverage at fvaplaw.org/court-reporter-shortage.
You can also follow the case on the California Supreme Court’s online docket (Case No. S288176), where you can sign up for email alerts. |
Our Generous Battle of the Bands Sponsors
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Right now, nonprofits across California are experiencing major declines in giving. By joining FVAP’s Sustainers' Circle, you can make a powerful, lasting impact.
Sustainers give monthly or weekly, helping ensure survivors have consistent access to legal protection—regardless of income. Your ongoing support gives FVAP a reliable funding stream, so we can focus more on serving survivors and less on fundraising.
If you aren't already, join the Sustainers’ Circle today and stand with us year-round. |
Be Part of the Change. Support Justice. Your gift helps us provide steady, life-saving legal aid to survivors.
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