Volunteer Spotlight: A Hogan Lovells Cadwalader Team

We are grateful and excited to spotlight volunteer attorneys Hadley Dreibelbis, Colby Dickinson, and Matthew Marchiori, a talented team from Hogan Lovells Cadwalader (HLC) who recently took a case through our Immigration Program. We spoke with Hadley, Colby, and Matt about their legal backgrounds, their dedication to pro bono work, and their commitment to clients.

Tell us about your professional background and how you came to legal volunteer work.

Hadley: I am a Senior Associate in Hogan Lovells Cadwalader’s Intellectual Property practice. My commitment to pro bono service began in law school, where I saw firsthand the profound impact legal advocacy can have on individuals and communities. Since joining HLC, I have supported Afghan parolees and asylees—work that has become especially meaningful to me. It has been an honor to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of building new lives in the United States and pursuing greater opportunities for their futures.

Matt: I am a Senior Associate in Hogan Lovells Cadwalader’s Investigations practice. Although I value the analytical side of my practice, some of my most rewarding work involves representing pro bono clients. I particularly enjoy working directly with clients and helping them navigate complex government processes and court systems that might otherwise be difficult to manage on their own. Building those relationships and making unfamiliar processes more manageable for clients can be among the most meaningful parts of our work.

Colby: I am an Associate in Hogan Lovells Cadwalader’s Investigations practice. Before law school, I was a teacher. In both roles, I have found that the relationships I build with people are the most rewarding part of the experience. I value the opportunity to learn from each person, understand what matters to them, and work together toward a meaningful outcome.

How did you first connect with Volunteer Legal Advocates?

Hadley: I first connected with Volunteer Legal Advocates (VLA) while looking for an opportunity to represent an Afghan asylee. This was my first VLA matter, and the organization’s support and resources were outstanding throughout. Maddie [Glennie] and the entire VLA team are wonderful partners, taking the time to ensure that we are well prepared and able to put our client in the best possible position at each stage of the process.

Matt: I joined Hadley on the matter after she began working with VLA. This was also my first case working directly with VLA, and Maddie and the VLA team were a tremendous resource throughout the representation. Their guidance helped us better support our client as questions arose along the way.

Colby: I joined Hadley and Matt to support the client’s asylum application. This was my first VLA matter as well, and I share my colleagues’ appreciation for the VLA team. Their guidance and support were invaluable throughout the representation.

What was it like to work on a case together? Is there a particular moment that stands out?

Hadley: Working on this matter was a true team effort. We divided responsibilities based on our respective strengths and what would best serve our client at each stage. Submitting the asylum application was an important milestone, but the moments that have stayed with me most are the concrete signs of progress in our client’s life: watching our client’s son grow, learn English, and thrive in school, and celebrating when our client found their first job.

How have your past experiences in law informed the way you support clients today?

Hadley: My experience has taught me that effective legal advocacy begins with understanding the client. In my intellectual property practice, that means developing a deep understanding of a client’s business and objectives to address issues that are often critical to its success. Likewise, in my pro bono work, I strive to meet clients where they are, understand their individual circumstances, and help them navigate unfamiliar legal systems with confidence and clarity.

Matt: My investigations practice has taught me to navigate complex legal processes, organize and assess large volumes of information, and advocate for clients facing significant challenges. This representation reinforced that effective advocacy also requires patience, empathy, and trust. It underscored the importance of listening carefully, asking clear questions, and ensuring that the client understands each step of the process.

Colby: My legal experience has taught me how to understand complex processes and explain them in a way that is accessible to a non-lawyer. I have learned to listen carefully to each client’s needs, offer guidance where I can, and help the client feel supported and empowered throughout the legal process.

How has volunteering with Volunteer Legal Advocates shaped your perspective on the legal system and access to justice?

Hadley: This experience deepened our appreciation for how difficult the legal system can be to navigate without counsel. The asylum process is complex and time-intensive, and communicating through an interpreter requires careful coordination for every interaction. The experience also showed us how important steady legal support can be for someone facing serious personal and practical consequences. Throughout the representation, our client demonstrated remarkable strength, determination, and resilience.

What would you say to other attorneys who are considering pro bono work with Volunteer Legal Advocates, and what keeps you saying yes to this work?

Hadley: I would tell other attorneys that pro bono work is one of the most meaningful ways to use our training and experience. The time commitment is often far outweighed by the impact you can have on a client’s life, and VLA provides a strong framework for doing that work effectively.

What keeps me saying yes is the people—not only the deeper relationships I have formed with my colleagues and the people at VLA, but the meaningful connections I have built with our clients. Working with clients who are overcoming significant challenges is both humbling and inspiring, and it is incredibly rewarding to play even a small part in helping them achieve greater security, stability, and opportunity for themselves and their families.

Matt: I would encourage any attorney considering pro bono work with VLA to take the opportunity. VLA provides outstanding support, and Maddie was a wonderful resource for talking through the process and answering questions along the way. Working with Hadley and Colby also showed me how valuable it is to take on a matter as a team. Ultimately, what keeps me saying yes is the chance to get to know a client, build a relationship over time, and use my legal skills in a practical way that can have a meaningful impact.

Colby: I agree. VLA offers excellent, collaborative guidance while giving us an active role in an area of law outside our traditional practices. Most rewarding, however, is the opportunity to get to know our clients, who are among the most remarkable and courageous people I have met.

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Know someone we should feature in an upcoming post? Please email us at info@volunteerlegaladvocates.org

Inspired to get involved? Learn more at volunteerlegaladvocates.org/volunteer