Judge Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law, and the first Black woman to serve as a judge. Appointed to the Domestic Relations Court by New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia in 1939, she served as a judge for 40 years. Judge Bolin was open in her rulings about the ways that then-current laws restricted her ability to provide necessary and equitable relief to the women and children who came before her seeking the support of the law, and frequently called on the legislature to amend the laws as needed, particularly around child support. She was a pioneer on child support, and her rulings set a standard for support based on parental ability to pay, regardless of gender.

Our January 2026 Newsletter stated an incorrect due date for Band Applications. If you are interested in Banding Together to End Domestic Violence, please fill out this application by March 8, 2026. Responses of “TBD” are welcome given the shorter timeline. 

FVAP is now accepting Board Member applications! We are seeking mission-driven leaders with expertise in finance, public health, or the technology sector, and strong Southern California networks to help strengthen our reach across the state to advance equal access to justice for survivors. Join us in strengthening governance, strategy, and impact across our growing organization.

For more information, check out the full FAQ on our website on current initiatives, committees, and commitments. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to dson@fvaplaw.org by April 15th.

FVAP Executive Director Deborah Son has joined the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC). Over a hundred legal aid nonprofits throughout California are members of LAAC, and the organization has worked closely with FVAP to push for expanded state funding to supplement the federal Victims of Crime Act funding that many domestic violence and legal aid organizations rely on, and our ongoing fight to allow electronic recordings of court hearings. (For more information, including our upcoming California Supreme Court hearing on the importance of a record to survivors, visit here)

“In an era when access to justice has never been more critical, serving on the LAAC board allows me to be part of a transformative movement—bridging legal aid across California to protect the rights of those who need it most," says Son. "A truly just society is built on the belief that legal aid isn't a privilege but a fundamental right. This is why I serve—because justice deferred is opportunity denied, and I am proud to be a part of the work that LAAC elevates today, and ongoing, to shape the version of California we want to see.” (Hear more from Deborah by adding her to your network on LinkedIn!)

Battle of the Bands is FVAP’s annual fundraiser held in San Francisco. Bands from Californian law firms and corporate legal teams compete for the title of Best Lawyer Band in The Bay—and, more importantly, to support survivors of domestic violence. 

While the competition is spirited, the mission is shared. The event raises critical funds for FVAP, the only nonprofit in California dedicated primarily to providing free appellate legal services to domestic violence survivors facing dangerous trial court decisions that put them or their kids at continued risk.

Applications are now open for bands interested in performing at this year’s fundraiser. A select number of bands will be chosen. Submit your application by Sunday, March 8, 2026, to be considered. Applicants are encouraged to review the rules and requirements prior to applying to understand eligibility and selection criteria.

Right now, so much feels unpredictable—but your support doesn’t have to be. Sustainers Circle members give on a recurring basis, creating a strong foundation that keeps life-saving legal services available to survivors, no matter what’s happening in the world.

Your ongoing support gives FVAP the freedom to focus on impact—not uncertainty.

Join the Sustainers Circle and make your support count every day of the year.