(Santa Clara, CA. August 23, 2007) - Pro Bono Project's Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation (DVLSR) program tonight held its first annual "DVLSR Honors" event at Santa Clara University's Adobe Lodge. The awards, presented by Dean Donald Polden of the School of Law, praised individuals and organizations whose work has assisted families affected by domestic violence.

DVLSR provides legal representation to low-income parties involved in domestic violence restraining orders in Santa Clara County. John Wehrli, a partner at Latham & Watkins in its Silicon Valley office, received the Advocate Award for his commitment and passion for providing pro bono legal services in domestic violence matters. Fenwick & West LLP was honored with the Foundation Award for their high degree of support to Pro Bono Project and DVLSR. The Vision Award was presented to the Honorable Mary Ann Grilli, Judge of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, whose leadership fostered the creation of the innovative program; she was also recognized for her years of dedicated service to families.

"Pro Bono Project is proud of the vital work of DVLSR and honored to present these awards to such highly deserving recipients. Each honoree exhibits a much-needed commitment to assisting families through a most difficult transition period in their lives," said Sharon Bashan, Director of DVLSR.

"Latham & Watkins is proud to support innovative pro bono programs like DVLSR. The efforts of John Wehrli and other Latham attorneys in Silicon Valley help to provide sensitive and high-quality legal representation to those affected by domestic violence issues," said Amos Hartston, Pro Bono Counsel at Latham & Watkins, a global law firm founded in Los Angeles in 1934.

"I am so honored to be receiving the Vision Award. The DVLSR program is the result of a large amount of work by a group of people dedicated to providing legal services to parties in domestic violence cases. This is a substantial need, since about 98% of domestic violence cases involve self represented parties," said Judge Mary Ann Grilli.

One of the first programs of its kind in the country, DVLSR is a grant-funded collaborative project created by Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley. Volunteer attorneys and certified law students represent petitioners and respondents in domestic violence restraining order hearings. Since the majority of the cases involve children, the attorneys also address collateral matters such as child custody, support and visitation. The volunteer attorneys and certified law students are trained to understand and recognize domestic violence issues. By providing each parent with free legal representation, family conflict is reduced and safety for victims and children is enhanced. The goal is to establish orders that enable a way for the family members to access appropriate resources and live free from violence.

Visit the website at www.probonoproject.com for more information.