Jennafer Wagner (she/her): I am thrilled that Erin Smith has been selected to receive Family Violence Appellate Project's 2025 Volunteer of the Year award. Erin's unwavering dedication, time, and legal expertise, especially as FVAP's Co-Founder and Executive Director for 12 years, have helped transform the landscape of justice for domestic violence survivors. This award is a small token of our deep appreciation and recognition that Erin's contributions extend far beyond her tenure in that role. Since stepping down as Executive Director, Erin continued to be an extraordinary advocate, from urging the State Bar of California to formally recognize survivors of domestic violence as a critically underserved and underfunded population, to stepping in at a pivotal moment in our original writ petition to the California Supreme Court, Erin has shown what it means to be a true champion for systemic change. Erin's most recent efforts in the writ petition matter were especially impactful. She took the lead in soliciting and coordinating amicus support, and once the court granted review, worked with over 30 organizations and experts, resulting in 14 powerful briefs filed in support of the petition. This outcome simply would not have been possible without Erin's leadership, deep relationships, and unrelenting commitment to justice. Erin's advocacy exemplifies the lasting impact that committed individuals can have by partnering with FVAP. Erin has strengthened our movement and brought hope to countless survivors, and I am honored to present her FVAP's 2025 Volunteer of the Year award.
Erin Smith
for her leadership and support in addressing the court report shortage
Erin Smith, Esq.: Hi everyone, I'm Erin Smith, the Co-Founder and first Executive Director of Family Violence Appellate Project, and I'm so honored to receive the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award. When I stepped away from FVAP a couple years ago to pursue new opportunities, I knew I would stay involved with this incredible organization in some way, and volunteering on the legal work is a natural fit. The work is so interesting and important, and FVAP couldn't help nearly as many survivors without volunteer lawyers donating their time pro bono, so it was a no-brainer for me to continue to be involved in this way. It has been a real honor and joy to work alongside Jennafer and Cory and the team at Covington and Burling on the case in the California Supreme Court about the lack of court reporters and, therefore, any verbatim record of trial court proceedings that over one million Californians experience each year. Without a record, appeals are virtually impossible, which cuts off FVAP's ability to help many, many survivors who may have meritorious appeals. This is an issue I've been working on since day one at FVAP in 2012, and I'm so proud that FVAP is continuing to see it through with great determination, grit, legal acumen, and volunteer support. We're cautiously optimistic about a positive outcome in the court, but whatever happens, it has been a real honor to work on this issue. I sincerely regret that I can't be with you in person tonight to accept this award, as I had a preplanned trip this week, but thank you so much for this recognition of my time and energy. But the real thanks does go out to everyone at FVAP, for their tireless work on behalf of survivors and their pursuit of justice, and to all of you who support FVAP's mission. Thank you.
