George H. Hettrick
Hunton & Williams LLP
Richmond
Title: Chair, Pro Bono Leadership Committee
Birthplace: Lynchburg
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Cornell University; law degree, Harvard University
Current professional activities: Lawyers Helping Lawyers, Greater Richmond Bar Foundation
Wife: Lee Ann Hettrick
Children: Heather Brugh, 44; Edward Hettrick, 43; Lauren Rosati, 24; Christopher Rosati Jr., 21
First job as a lawyer: An associate with Hunton & Williams LLP, then called Hunton, Williams, Gay, Powell & Gibson
Favorite vacation spot: Hatteras Island
Recently read: “Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party” by Max Blumenthal
Career mentor: George D. Gibson
Why is it important for lawyers to perform pro-bono work?
“There is a vast need for solving personal legal problems for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and we have a monopoly on the professional skills needed to solve basic, simple legal needs. Examples of those needs include: divorce; adoption; name change; landlord/tenant disputes; Social Security, disability and unemployment claims; domestic violence and ensuing custody and support matters; and simple wills with powers of attorney and advance legal directives.”
How did you become involved in pro bono legal services?
“The leadership of my firm asked if I would undertake the assignment to institutionalize pro-bono practice for the firm.”
Just wanted to first commend your efforts to help those who are less fortunate and second pose a quick question. I am currently trying to start my own business and have come to the part where we need legal support, unfortunately we currently lack the funds to afford good legal assistance. The question is does such a program exist for business start ups that provides pro bono legal services with the intent to possibly recoup compensation for services rendered at a later agreed upon date?
--Dwyane Roberts of Newport News VA
Jan. 20, 2011 at 02:38 AM