Laura Hutchinson
Laura Hutchinson is Counsel in the Litigation and Healthcare groups. Her bio is available here.
Tell us about your pro bono experience.
I have been a committed supporter of the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) and Philadelphia VIP for many years, regularly participating in legal clinics and handling a wide range of pro bono matters. My work has spanned diverse legal issues, including Social Security appeals, SOAR applications, divorce proceedings, wills and estate planning, name changes, and birth certificate corrections.
I was first introduced to Philadelphia VIP through White and Williams and was immediately drawn to their mission and the breadth of services they offer. Their team—composed of knowledgeable staff attorneys and dedicated volunteers—has been an invaluable resource, providing guidance and support throughout each case. The clients are genuinely appreciative, and the experience is deeply rewarding.
My involvement with HAP began when a partner at White and Williams invited me to assist at a legal clinic. The individuals we served were seeking help with housing, vital records, and navigating complex government systems. The gratitude expressed by HAP clients is a powerful reminder of the impact legal advocacy can have. HAP is an exceptional organization serving Philadelphia’s homeless community, and it’s a privilege to contribute to their work.
Why is pro bono service important to you?
Volunteering and giving back to the community has been a deeply rooted value of mine since childhood, and pro bono work has become a powerful way to live out that commitment. It has been especially meaningful to contribute to the Philadelphia community by helping clients who need legal support but lack the resources to afford it. I find great fulfillment in working closely with individual clients, listening to their stories, advocating for their rights, and making a tangible, positive impact in their lives.
What value does pro bono service provide you and your clients?
Pro bono work plays a vital role in bridging the justice gap by providing underserved clients with access to legal services and resources they might otherwise be unable to obtain. It empowers individuals to pursue and achieve their legal goals—whether that means securing government resources or housing, navigating immigration challenges, or protecting their rights in court. Personally, pro bono service has given me the opportunity to take on a leadership role in advocating for my clients’ interests, often in deeply impactful and complex matters. It also allows me to collaborate with attorneys from partner organizations, which not only strengthens my professional network but also broadens my legal knowledge and perspective in ways that enrich my overall practice.
What advice do you have for lawyers who want to get involved in pro bono service?
Pro bono work can be a great way to explore your passions outside of your everyday legal practice. Engaging in pro bono work offers a meaningful way to support causes you care about while working directly with clients who truly benefit from your advocacy. It also presents valuable opportunities to broaden your legal expertise and strengthen business and client relationship skills beyond the scope of your everyday practice.
Also, don’t worry about being an expert in any particular area; many organizations offer training, resources, and mentorship to help you get up to speed. The key is to show up with a willingness to learn and serve. Pro bono work not only makes a tangible difference in people’s lives, but it also enriches your own practice by exposing you to new perspectives and challenges. Start small if needed but start somewhere—your skills can have a profound impact.