Lauren J. Hofmann, Esquire
A Volunteer Child Advocate

Lauren J. Hofmann is an associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. She has been a volunteer attorney since 2004.

Q:  What do you do when you are not volunteering with the Support Center for Child Advocates?

A. I am an associate in the Business and Finance Department, bankruptcy practice group, of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Q:  How did you get involved with Child Advocates?

A. Upon graduating from Villanova University School of Law, colleagues suggested to me that if I was interested in pro bono work I should incorporate that interest immediately as a practicing attorney, as it is more difficult to do so as the years go on. I researched various pro bono opportunities and thought that Child Advocates would be a good fit in light of my background and areas of interest. I participated in the Child Advocates training during my first month as a practicing attorney, and a few months later, received my first case. Child Advocates was well-organized, making it easy to volunteer. After being trained, I was paired with a social worker and consulting attorney who offered me their experience and expertise. I felt immediately supported while being given the autonomy to advocate for my client. 

Additionally, my former law firm has a Child Advocates' practice group, which is comprised of Child Advocates' volunteer attorneys who meet monthly to discuss dependency law and challenging cases.  Morgan Lewis also has a Child Advocates practice group and leader available to assist with obtaining new cases or identifying case coverage for members, when needed. Both firms strongly encourage pro bono service with Child Advocates, among other public-interest groups.

Q:  What does being a volunteer attorney mean to you?

A:  My role as a volunteer attorney fulfills a sense of social responsibility. It’s incredible to witness the impact that your advocacy has on a child’s life. Additionally, volunteering with Child Advocates has allowed me to learn about areas of law that I would not usually encounter in my day-to-day practice, as well as develop skill sets that are applicable to practice areas. In particular, I have become more familiar with dependency and education law.

Q:  How have your clients’ lives changed since you’ve been involved?

A:  Their personality changes are most notable. I worked with one child client who was diagnosed with a significant learning disability. Over time, our Child Advocate team discovered that this child had not been placed in proper learning environments and was not receiving any stimulation at home. After a few months of working with this particular child, we saw a dramatic change in his personality and his intelligence became apparent. The child is now doing quite well!

Another child client wanted to testify against her perpetrator but was not supported by her family. Once we stepped in, she was able to have a voice. Similarly, we worked very hard to advocate for this child at school so that she received a meaningful education and didn’t fall behind. 

Kids thrive when someone steps up for them and gives them a voice. Their lives change dramatically!  

Q:  What has impressed you most about your volunteer experience at Child Advocates?

A: Watching a child regain hope has been an incredible experience. When Child Advocates opens up a new case, the child may have never known what it is like to have options or opportunities and may have entered a period where he or she has little hope. I saw one client in particular transform from being very unwilling to discuss the future to opening up tremendously and bubbling about specific goals that now seemed attainable. That was an incredible change!

Q:What would you tell people who were thinking about becoming a child advocate?

A: Do not hesitate another day. Attend the next training and get started! Do not be limited by your schedule. You will always be busy, but Child Advocates makes it easy to get involved. You will have staff resources and a tremendous amount of guidance and support. I have experienced very little difficulty incorporating my Child Advocates cases into my work life and schedule. It is an amazing opportunity.

Lauren J. Hofmann is an Associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. She has been a volunteer attorney since 2004.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer attorney or need more information, please contact Jodi E. Schatz, Esquire, Pro Bono Coordinator & Intake Attorney, at jschatz@advokid.org or (267) 546-9228.