Volunteer Spotlight: Blair Decker

As Pro Bono Counsel at Hogan Lovells and a dedicated member of Volunteer Legal Advocates’ Junior Board, Blair Decker is a steady force in expanding access to justice for survivors and children. She brings both deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to client-centered advocacy. We sat down with Blair to learn more about her professional path, what drives her dedication to survivors, and the lessons she’s carried forward from more than a decade of pro bono work.

Thank you so much for talking with us, Blair.

Could you share a brief overview of your professional experience?

I’ve spent the past 12 years working in the Pro Bono Department at Hogan Lovells, growing from a coordinator role to my current position as counsel. Throughout that time, I’ve built deep experience managing a substantial caseload—typically supervising 10–15 matters at once, most of which are Volunteer Legal Advocates cases. In addition to my casework, I help lead our pro bono team and play a key role in overseeing the onboarding process for all U.S. pro bono matters.

How did you learn about Volunteer Legal Advocates, and what motivates you to stay engaged in your junior board service?

When I joined Hogan Lovells, I knew I wanted to focus on serving survivors of domestic violence. In law school, I founded an organization in DC that helps survivors find temporary shelter for their pets, because abusers often use pets as a means of control, and the lack of pet-friendly shelters can prevent survivors from leaving unsafe situations. Given that background, Volunteer Legal Advocates’ mission was a natural and deeply meaningful fit for me.

Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of Volunteer Legal Advocates matters: Civil Protection Orders, custody and divorce cases, immigration, and Guardian ad litem (GAL) work. Thanks to my role and the incredible team of volunteers we’ve built at Hogan Lovells, I’ve been able to take on dozens of new Volunteer Legal Advocates cases each year. The clients are truly inspiring, and the support Volunteer Legal Advocates provides to volunteers is exceptional. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this organization. The supervisors at Volunteer Legal Advocates trained me to be the lawyer I am today, and I’ll always be grateful for that. It’s an honor to now serve on the junior board and help advance a mission I care so much about.

What have you learned from the survivors or children you’ve worked with?

Working with survivors and children has taught me how to truly listen and tailor my approach to each client’s unique goals and circumstances. No two cases are the same, and it’s critical to meet clients where they are, understanding their priorities, the barriers they’re facing, and what a “win” looks like from their perspective. That’s helped me become a more thoughtful and effective advocate, and it’s a lesson I carry with me in every case I take on.

How do you think Volunteer Legal Advocates’ work makes a difference in the broader community?

Volunteer Legal Advocates plays a critical role in bridging the gap between legal expertise and community need. Its unique co-counsel model empowers lawyers to take on cases they might otherwise avoid due to a lack of experience. By offering hands-on support at every stage, Volunteer Legal Advocates makes it possible for more attorneys to step up and serve survivors and vulnerable children with confidence.

Volunteer Legal Advocates’ GAL work, in particular, has had a life-changing impact on children. It gives judges access to vital information they wouldn’t otherwise have, helping them make informed decisions that truly reflect the child’s best interests. Judges often say that having a GAL is critical to their ability to make the best decision in these cases.

What advice would you give to attorneys considering volunteering?

Don’t hesitate—Volunteer Legal Advocates is hands down one of the best organizations to volunteer with. They provide outstanding training and hands-on support through their co-counsel model, so you’re never handling a case alone. Even if this isn’t your area of expertise, don’t let that stop you. At Hogan Lovells, I’ve seen hundreds of first-year associates successfully lead Volunteer Legal Advocates cases and win.

Beyond the legal experience and skills you’ll gain, the most meaningful part is knowing you’ve helped someone navigate an overwhelming legal system to find safety, stability, and a path forward. It’s some of the most impactful work you can do as a lawyer.

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