by Bobby Larsen
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To learn more about the role lawyers play in combating domestic violence, we reached out to Nebraska College of Law alumnus Carly Beusch, a 2004 graduate. Ms. Beusch works as an Immigration Project Attorney at the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
What path did you take to reach your position with the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence as Immigration Project Attorney?
I originally started with the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence as the administrator of a civil legal assistance project called Nebraska LAPTOP, which served victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The civil legal cases included protection orders, divorce cases, custody cases, etc. I did provide some direct representation at that time, but my primary role was as an administrator and training facilitator. When the Nebraska Coalition lost some funding for a satellite office which handled immigration matters, the Legal Director, Robert Sanford, and I took over the immigration case load. I discovered that I loved the practice of immigration law, specific to the humanitarian remedies. I have been in that role since December 2011.
What do you do in your current position?
In my current position, my main priority is to provide humanitarian immigration legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human sex trafficking. The cases with which my office can assist can include Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions, U visas, T visas, VAWA removal of conditions, as well as other related cases. In addition to direct representation, I provide information and training to different professionals, including advocates, county attorneys, law enforcement, and many others, specific to the unique issues facing immigrant survivors.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What is something you wish more people knew about domestic violence in the United States?
Domestic violence (and sexual violence for that matter) is a pervasive public health issue. Multiple sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Justice, have published statistics that indicate that approximately 1 out of every 3 or 4 women, and approximately 1 out of every 9 men, experience physical violence perpetrated against them by an intimate partner at one point in their lives. And whether or not someone experiences domestic violence themselves, there are far reaching consequences to the community, including lost productivity and days of work for victims, rising health care costs, etc. There is also a significant correlation between the perpetration of domestic violence with other types of crimes, including child abuse, animal abuse, and mass shootings. Domestic violence really does affect everyone.
Your area of law involves working with people who are suffering through tragic situations; how do you maintain your ability to be a strong advocate for them?
Sometimes that is easier than other times. Over the years, I have had to set boundaries between my personal and professional lives. To the extent possible, I try to leave work at work. This is not always possible, but I have to try. I also try to make sure that I give adequate attention to my personal life and enjoy time with family and hobbies.
National Pro Bono Week is also during October. Why do you believe it’s important for attorneys and law students to dedicate time to pro bono work?
From a professional perspective, attorneys are encouraged to do pro bono work under the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct. While it may not be a professional obligation, it is also an opportunity to give back to your community. It’s an opportunity to provide equal access to good, quality legal representation to those who would otherwise not have the means to obtain it. It is also a great opportunity to use your education and expertise to assist a deserving person or a charitable/religious cause you care about. Plus, there is a certain satisfaction in a job well done for someone who desperately needed your help.
What advice would you have for a student who wants to work in public interest law but has concerns?
The advice that I would give is advice I would give to anyone, whether they were looking at a job in public interest law or not. A job is something you do to sustain a life. I would encourage new graduates to examine their areas of strength and passion, and determine their best fit professionally. New graduates will spend most of their waking time at work, so it makes life a lot more pleasant if they enjoy that work and feel like they are contributing in a meaningful way, no matter what capacity it is. New graduates also have their whole careers in front of them, and that offers a lot of opportunities for different types of law and areas.
What advice would you have for a student who is NOT pursuing public interest law but still wants to use their legal education to take the occasional case to help someone in need?
There are many ways that students, both as current students and future lawyers, can help! As a law student, take part in one of the clinics and provide direct representation to indigent clients. Further, students can join various clubs or groups which expose them to different causes. As for attorneys, pro bono representation is one way to help, but there are many other ways. Attorneys can seek out opportunities for mentorship in other areas of the law, support organizations providing legal assistance to indigent populations, serve on the boards of nonprofit organizations working with indigent and other marginalized populations, and consider developing a law firm policy regarding pro bono work and/or financial support of organizations which provide legal assistance. For anyone, I would recommend getting involved with community organizations, volunteering at your local food bank, or donating toward worthy causes.
Bobby Larsen is a second-year student at the University of Nebraska College of Law and a contributing writer for JDs Advancing Justice. Bobby also serves as Vice President of the Equal Justice Society, Community Legal Education Project and American Constitution Society and on the Student-Faculty Honor Committee, Student Faculty Committee and Pro Bono Committee. He is the college's Equal Justice Works Student Representative and an ex officio member of the Nebraska State Bar Association's Legal Services Committee.