Adreaynne N. Hutchison poses with LSBA President H. Minor Pipes III (’96) and Justice Jay B. McCallum (’85) at the 37th annual Pro Bono Publico & Children’s Law Awards Ceremony, which was held at the Louisiana Supreme Court on May 16.
Less than a week after Adreaynne Hutchison celebrated her graduation at the LSU Law Class of 2022 Commencement in late May, she was invited to the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans to be honored by the Louisiana State Bar Association as one of four recipients of its 2022 Law Student Pro Bono Award at the 37th annual Pro Bono Publico & Children’s Law Awards Ceremony.
“Honestly, I didn’t even know the award existed, it was all very surreal,” said Hutchison. “It felt like we were setting the stage to help others and it was a humbling experience.”
The LSBA annually awards the Law Student Pro Bono Award to those who demonstrate dedication to providing legal services to the impoverished by initiating a new program at their law school, being a model for other volunteers, becoming involved in one or more pro bono programs, providing leadership, or participating in other pro bono activities while earning a law degree.
Hutchison was recognized for her work with the LSU Law Parole and Re-entry Clinic, which included assisting clients of Parole Project, a Baton Rouge-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing public safety through advocacy, programming, and services for persons who have served long prison sentences so that they may reach their full potential. Specifically, Hutchison worked with Parole Project clients known as “10-6 lifers,” most of whom accepted plea agreements in the early 1970s that carried life sentences but allowed for parole eligibility after 10 years and six months—eligibility requirements that were were subsequently raised to 40 years before being eliminated entirely by 1979.
When Hutchison finished her coursework for the Parole and Re-entry Clinic, some of her clients’ cases had yet to be resolved, so she decided to continue working with the Parole Project as a pro bono volunteer. While Hutchison acknowledged her work with the Parole Project was nerve-wracking and scary at times, she said it was ultimately the most rewarding experience in her career to date.
“I initially shied away from criminal law, but throughout this process I found a love for post-conviction work and I was able to find a way for it to feel good. Even though a lot of times you don’t win your case, it’s always rewarding to do your best for your clients, and they are so appreciative of your help,” said the New Orleans native, who earned her undergraduate degree in 2018 at Southern University at New Orleans. “The whole experience was very eye opening, especially learning what you can do in practice to guide your next steps for pro bono work.”
Along with her clinic work, Hutchison served as the Pro Bono Committee vice chair in the Public Interest Law Society and was involved in the Black Law Student Association during her time at LSU Law. She is currently clerking for Judge Alvin Turner in the 23rd Judicial District Court, and she hopes to focus on criminal defense or post-conviction work in her career. Hutchison started at LSU Law as a mother of two children, Drew and Jamie, who are now 14 and 11. The challenges she faced and overcame as a law student and mother inspire her to continue volunteering her time to assist those who have not been as fortunate as her.
“The ability to go to law school, especially as a mom, is such a privilege, and I feel I owe a duty to those who don’t have the same privilege,” Hutchison said. “The outcome of the cases was the reward I needed.”
After two years of virtual celebrations to honor its annual award winners, the LSBA returned an in-person celebration for the 37th annual Pro Bono Publico & Children’s Law Awards Ceremony on May 26 at the Louisiana Supreme Court. And for the first time in the history of the ceremony, all seven Louisiana Supreme Court justices attended and presided over the ceremony from the bench in an official court session to demonstrate their fervent support for pro bono.
Along with Hutchison, six LSU Law alumni were honored with awards at the ceremony, and you can read more about them here.
