Riker Danzig was pleased to achieve an excellent result for a pro bono client in conjunction with Partners for Women & Justice ("PFWJ"), protecting a domestic violence victim by securing a Final Restraining Order ("FRO"). Riker Danzig partner Diana Katz Gerstel and associate Iryna Kastsiuk, members of the Firm's Products Liability, Toxic Tort and Mass Tort Practice Group, represented the plaintiff, who had been repeatedly assaulted by the defendant, her former partner. Despite having previously secured a Temporary Restraining Order against the defendant, the plaintiff was repeatedly pushed and shoved by the defendant, had a knife put to her throat, had objects thrown at her, and avoided an attempt at being scalded by hot water.
Our team prepared the plaintiff for the in-person hearing on the FRO, a much more complex and often permanent replacement of the TRO, and Iryna argued for the FRO at the hearing. In a decision providing great relief and satisfaction, the judge granted the FRO.
Riker Danzig has long been committed to pro bono efforts and community service, and encourages active engagement in pro bono cases by its attorneys. Riker Danzig counsel Anne M. Mohan serves on the Board of Directors for PFWJ, whose mission is to provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence who cannot afford an attorney but whose income disqualifies them from using Legal Services. Riker Danzig attorneys have handled multiple cases for PFWJ.