Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month – August 2022

Vanessa Turley of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders

Vanessa moved to Las Vegas in 2010 to pursue a master’s degree in social work. After she graduated, she worked as a social worker in the healthcare setting for nine years. In 2016, Vanessa obtained her law degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law. She went on to work in commercial litigation handling a large caseload of general liability defense matters and claims involving medical malpractice. In 2022, she started working in consumer financial services representing banks and mortgage services in foreclosure lawsuits.

Vanessa started volunteering with Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada in 2018 when she took her first Children’s Attorneys Project “CAP” case. She’s also taken pro bono cases in divorce/custody and guardianship. In addition to handling cases, Vanessa volunteers in our Small Claims Ask-A-Lawyer and mentors a law student in our Partners in Pro Bono program, where she is working with a law student to work on an adoption case. Vanessa feels very fortunate that her firm supports her Pro Bono work.

When asked why she does pro bono work. Vanessa indicated that she likes to get involved with the community and connect with the clients of Legal Aid Center. She wants to promote the Legal Aid Center’s mission of providing access to justice to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

One of Vanessa’s most memorable cases was a CAP case. Vanessa represented two siblings in foster care. The children stayed with a great family who eventually adopted the two children. Vanessa said she advocated for their desires regarding where the minor clients wanted to be placed and provided the children a voice in court.

For her continued commitment to Pro Bono and helping those most in need, we honor Vanessa as the August 2022 Volunteer of the Month.