VLS Recognizes Outstanding Attorneys with Annual Pro Bono Award Ceremony

On October 23, Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas gathered to celebrate the power of pro bono at the Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Awards Ceremony. The event recognized law firms and attorneys for their investment of time, legal expertise, and philanthropic resources to increase access to justice. This award ceremony is named after the Honorable Suzanne Covington, who began her judicial career in 1990. Judge Covington served in the 201st District Court in Austin for 15 years.

Prior to becoming a judge, a large part of her career was spent as a legal aid lawyer, working with top legal service providers such as DNA-People’s Legal Services in Arizona, Greater Boston Legal Services, and Legal Aid Society of Central Texas. Judge Covington also served as Director of the Children’s Rights Clinic at The University of Texas School of Law. She is a former member of both the VLS and TAJF board.

Specifically recognized at the reception were two individuals and one law firm that devoted an extraordinary amount of care and commitment to pro bono legal services.

The Susan P. Burton Award is given annually to a volunteer attorney who has been licensed for five years or less and who has demonstrated exemplary pro-bono service. The winner of the 2025 Susan P. Burton Award is Anne Derrig, an associate at Jackson Walker, LLP, with a practice focus on trial and appellate litigation. Since she began volunteering with VLS in 2020, she has dedicated over 120 hours to pro bono work, offering essential legal representation to low-income clients, particularly in housing and defense matters. Anne’s commitment to her clients is not only reflected in the number of hours she has devoted, but in the depth of care and advocacy she brings to each case.

(L to R): Jackson Walker Partner Michael Roberts, Jackson Walker Associate Anne Derrig, and VLS Executive Director Alisa De Luna.

The J. Chrys Dougherty Award is given annually to a volunteer attorney for exemplary dedication and commitment to the principle of access to justice for all people regardless of income. The winner of the 2025 J. Chrys Dougherty Award is Angie Marshall with Angie N. Marshall Law Practice. Angie believes deeply that everyone, regardless of income, background, or citizenship status, deserves equal access to justice. This commitment drives both her private practice and her exceptional pro bono service with Volunteer Legal Services (VLS). She has provided vital legal representation to community members on issues such as consumer protection, property rights, and landlord-tenant disputes– taking more than 20 cases, including over half a dozen each year for the past three years. In 2024 alone, she closed six cases, each one making a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients.

The Joseph H. Hart Award honors a firm that demonstrates integrity and commitment to providing legal assistance for the less fortunate—principles that former 126th District Court Judge Joe Hart has demonstrated throughout his legal and judicial career. The winner of the 2025 Joseph H. Hart Award is Sonnenschein Law. We are honored to recognize Sonnenschein Law for their extraordinary dedication to pro bono work through VLS. DeBorah and Alex Sonnenschein began volunteering through the NOVA program—an initiative of the Texas State Bar that allows attorneys licensed in other states or retired inactive attorneys in Texas to provide pro bono services—before they were even licensed in Texas themselves. They have been active and reliable volunteers since 2019. In 2024 alone, the Sonnenscheins participated in 20 in-person clinics and even signed up for the July phone clinic when in-person services were closed. DeBorah and Alex Sonnenschein embody the spirit of service, leadership, and generosity, and we are deeply grateful for the difference they make in the lives of so many.

(L to R): Haney Law Firm Senior Paralegal Amber Haney, DeBorah Sonnenschein, co-founder of Sonnenschein Law, Alexander Sonnenschein, co-founder of Sonnenschein Law, and Alisa De Luna.

VLS is fortunate to have the generosity of legal talent and financial support from so many members of the legal community. The Volunteer Legal Services board and staff salute these outstanding volunteers.