Advanced Topics for Guardians ad Litem
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Presented by AVLF (Learn more at www.avlf.org.)
3.5 CLE/0 E/0 TP/1 P
Dawn R. Smith, Smith & Files LLC, will be presenting Volunteer Guardians ad Litem as part of the Atlanta Bar Association Advanced Topics for Guardians class, where we will explore common, and often complex, issues that Guardians face when navigating sensitive custody cases. The course is intended to enrich your volunteer experience as a GAL in Atlanta. Topics may include children with special needs, child abuse, relocation, a GAL’s role in negotiations, religious and cultural considerations and more. The course will be taught by seasoned Atlanta attorneys and experienced GALS. For more information on Atlanta Bar Association Pro Bono March Madness, go to http://www.atlantabar.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=337
Ms. Smith is a former Deputy Director of Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation where she was responsible for administration of the city’s largest pro bono family law program. In this role, Dawn worked in partnership with the Judges of the Fulton County Family Court to provide trained Guardian ad Litems in contested custody matters. She has trained Guardian ad Litems throughout the state and has lectured on their role nationally. Dawn is frequently appointed by Courts to serve as Guardian ad Litem in family law cases. She also is a certified arbitrator and mediates family law cases.