MEET CFJ's NEW DVP DIRECTOR
by William Winslow

Counsel For Justice is pleased to announce the elevation of Attorney Catherine Hoffman to the post of Project Director at the Domestic Violence Legal Services Project (DVP). The mission of the DVP is to provide access to the protections of the civil legal system by serving as a link between survivors of violence and the members of the Los Angeles legal community. With an impressive legal services record, Hoffman brings a wealth of experience to the position. 

“Catherine's devotion to serving the public and her personal background motivate her to leave a lasting impact on the Los Angeles community,” said Colleen Hart, President of the Board of Directors at Counsel for Justice. “Her mental fortitude and leadership skills will be invaluable in the fight for justice, and the vulnerable population served by DVP will reap the benefits of her contributions.”

Prior to joining the DVP, Hoffman worked as a staff attorney at Bet Tzedek Legal Services, a non-profit human and poverty rights organization based in Los Angeles, where she also clerked during law school. She coordinated the creation of the first Medical Legal Partnership at Harbor UCLA Hospital. In April of 2020, Ms. Hoffman’s article entitled "Medical-Legal Partnerships: Supporting the Legal Needs of Women in Their Perinatal Cases" was published in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

In Hoffman's application for the DVP directorship she expressed her fundamental commitment: "I have devoted my career to public service."  Reflecting on her choice of the field where her service is focused, she explained: "My family is from Guatemala. Unfortunately, domestic violence is still common there. The problem of excessive 'machismo' has not gone away. I hope to make an impact in my community that has a generational effect." 

A Southern California native, Hoffman was born in Torrance and grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated from Pepperdine Law School and was admitted to the bar in 2016. While still a Pepperdine Law student, she clerked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney in the "Victim Impact" unit, which specializes in prosecuting crimes involving children, the elderly, sexual abuse and domestic violence, including homicide. 

The legal system is not designed to be navigated by people without legal training. Yet, survivors of domestic violence are expected to advocate for themselves in an unfamiliar setting while facing life-altering consequences. Through its team of trained volunteers, the DVP strives to make the justice system more accessible for survivors who come to court for protection.  Their new director, Catherine Hoffman, has the moral courage to lead in this struggle for justice.