Wilkinson Stekloff Associates Mikaela Meyer and Anthony Ferrara recently obtained a civil protective order for a pro bono client who had been the victim of domestic violence by her husband.
After multiple other incidents, in October 2023, the client’s husband became enraged when hearing her speaking in Spanish to her grandfather about her mother’s then-recent stroke. The husband assaulted the client, causing physical injuries. The client quickly obtained a temporary restraining order, but the hearing for a long-term restraining order was delayed until December 16, 2024, due to a pending criminal case against the husband.
During the long-awaited hearing, Mikaela delivered the opening statement and expertly walked the client through her direct testimony. Anthony delivered closing arguments and handled three cross-examinations, effectively undermining the credibility of the husband’s case. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge granted the protective order, allowing the client to obtain justice for the abuse she suffered both in October 2023 and for earlier incidents.
In addition to Mikaela and Anthony, the Wilkinson Stekloff team also included Associates Alison Zoschak and Deon McCray.
Wilkinson Stekloff has maintained a deep and lasting commitment to providing pro bono representation. Since its 2016 founding, the firm has handled more than 100 pro bono matters, with the vast majority of its attorneys devoting significant time across areas including family law, immigration, post-conviction representation, appeals, and filing amicus briefs. Wilkinson Stekloff has been recognized by organizations including Chambers and Partners, Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, Law360 Pulse, and the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice for making this crucial work a central element of firm life.