Volunteer Spotlight: Abigail McDonough
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on Junior Board member and volunteer attorney Abigail McDonough. Abigail brings a deep commitment to pro bono service shaped by her law school experiences and early legal career. From taking on child advocacy cases as a Guardian ad litem to deepening Volunteer Legal Advocates’ connection with her firm, Hughes Hubbard & Reed, Abigail exemplifies the compassion, leadership, and community-centered spirit that make our volunteer network so impactful.
Thanks so much for connecting with us, Abigail. Could you tell us about your background and what inspired you to get involved with Volunteer Legal Advocates?
I graduated from UVA Law in 2024 and joined Hughes Hubbard & Reed (HHR) as an associate later that year. While in law school, I took several courses that incorporated pro bono work, such as immigration law and a course that focused on constitutional law in the context of poverty. I also volunteered with the Eviction Legal Helpline at the Virginia Poverty Law Center and conducted pro bono legal research on the legal definition of a refugee. I knew that I wanted to continue pro bono work at a firm, so when I started at HHR, I was eager to take on pro bono matters. I had heard great things about Volunteer Legal Advocates, so I reached out, completed the training, and was able to start a case very quickly.
What has been your most meaningful pro bono experience so far?
The case that I just worked on with the Volunteer Legal Advocates was very meaningful, as it was my first time advocating for a child client. The case involved a child custody dispute and a teenage child, and two guardians ad litem were appointed to advocate for the best interest of the child. We met the child at his school and at his house and visited both parents at their homes. At the most recent hearing, the outcome furthered his best interests.
You’ve helped open doors at your firm for Volunteer Legal Advocates. Why was it important to you to bring us into that space?
Pro bono cases are great because they allow attorneys to gain valuable experience while advocating for those in need. After speaking with associates at my office, I knew there was some interest in working on pro bono cases based in DC or Maryland, so that attorneys could be more involved in site visits, court appearances, and more. I knew Volunteer Legal Advocates wanted to work with attorneys in the DC area, so I thought it would be a great fit. Their team was so easy to work with and came to our office for an excellent introductory presentation.
As a member of our Junior Board, what excites you most about being part of this next generation of leaders?
It has been a difficult year for many people in DC, and I’m excited to be part of an organization focused on community and on making a positive impact locally.
What advice would you give to other attorneys who want to dive into pro bono work?
Just do it! Even if you are not a total expert on topics like immigration law or child advocacy, the supervising attorneys are experts and so helpful and easy to work with. My guardian ad litem case with Volunteer Legal Advocates was one of the smoothest, most organized pro bono cases I’ve worked on, thanks to Nellie Phelan and the rest of the team at Volunteer Legal Advocates. They are experts and ready to help others who want to get involved!
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