Changing Lives: Lawyers Fighting for Children demonstrates the critical role that attorneys play in changing the life courses of our most at-risk children. Each chapter portrays a real-life case of a child in crisis and describes in detail the lawyering that was brought to bear to achieve the best outcome for that child. In describing these cases, the authors share a wealth of valuable information—including primers on relevant statutory and case law, tips on conducting investigations, advice on utilizing experts, guidance on including social workers and other child-serving professionals on the legal team, and multiple checklists for motion practice and trial advocacy—that will assist practitioners in various areas of the law, including:

• Child welfare (abuse and neglect)
• Juvenile delinquency
• Transfer (waiver) from adult criminal court
• Immigration
• School discipline
• Special education
• Mental health
• Runaway and homeless youth
• Impact litigation to promote systemic reform

The authors hope to raise awareness about the need for legal representation for children and to encourage and support attorneys who advocate for children, both those who do this as a full-time vocation and members of the private bar who undertake pro bono representation.