Timothy McHugh Secures Pro Bono Victory for Veterans
Advisor - People | Jun 13, 2025 | Troutman Pepper Locke, LLP
Timothy McHugh, a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke, has been awarded the 2025 Military and Veterans Law Pro Bono Award by the Virginia State Bar's Military Law Section Board of Governors. This recognition is for his exceptional dedication and influential work advocating for U.S. veterans. McHugh, alongside David DePippo of Dominion Energy, achieved a landmark U.S. Supreme Court triumph in the case Rudisill v. McDonough, effectively restoring billions in educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for approximately 1.7 million veterans. This decision transforms the lives of veterans by providing access to educational opportunities that were formerly inaccessible. The award ceremony acknowledged McHugh's commitment over nearly a decade to this case, exemplifying impactful advocacy and steadfast commitment to veterans. Troutman Pepper Locke dedicates vast pro bono hours annually to various causes, including support for military veterans, civil rights, and social justice initiatives.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Military and Veterans Services
Geography
- United States – The legal victory and award pertain to U.S. veterans and the work of a U.S.-based law firm.
- Virginia – The award was presented by the Virginia State Bar, indicating regional significance.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article highlights the work of a law firm and the impact of legal advocacy on veterans' rights and pro bono services.
- Military and Veterans Services – The focus of the article is on legal work that benefits military veterans, specifically regarding educational benefits.
Financials
- Billions – Estimated value of educational benefits restored under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troutman Pepper Locke, LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | A major law firm known for its extensive pro bono service and sectors like energy and financial services. |
| Timothy McHugh | Awarded Partner | Person | A partner at Troutman Pepper Locke who received the 2025 Military and Veterans Law Pro Bono Award. |
| David DePippo | Collaborator on Case | Person | An individual from Dominion Energy who worked with McHugh on the landmark case. |
| Dominion Energy | Collaborator | Company | An American power and energy company involved in the veterans' educational benefits case. |
| Virginia State Bar | Award Presenter | Government | The legal organization that awarded McHugh for his pro bono work. |