In the legal world, a successful outcome is often defined by a favorable ruling or a closed file. At TIP, we know a closed case is actually just the beginning.
When a volunteer attorney steps into a courtroom, they aren’t just resolving a legal matter—they are opening a door. Success here looks like the moment a student finds the confidence to return to school. The day a family finally feels seen and supported, rather than penalized. The proud walk across the graduation stage toward a future that once felt out of reach.
Unlike many organizations, we don’t just invite volunteerism; we rely on it as a foundation of our mission. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we’re looking at the unique qualities that make our volunteers the heartbeat of this mission.
A Legacy of Dedication
What truly sets TIP’s “village” apart is its deep-rooted passion and commitment. Our volunteers don’t just take a case; they join a cause, often staying with us for years or even decades.
Take Adj Awotwi, General Counsel at Locum Tenens and a TIP Board member, who has spent over 20 years serving as a role model for the young people she represents. Her mentorship recently helped a student find her voice in the Fulton REACH program, proving that when a student sees a leader in their mentor, they begin to see a leader in themselves.
Colin Kelly’s story is also a testament to what two decades of dedication looks like. Since joining TIP in 2002, Colin has represented more than 50 students in court, sponsored outreach programs, and faithfully shown up for holiday gift drives year after year.
Turning Lived Experience into Advocacy
For some volunteers, the work reflects their own journeys. Tasheika Hinson’s first time in court wasn’t for a corporate client; it was for a child. Having faced her own attendance hurdles growing up, Tasheika used her lived experience to navigate the complex layers of absenteeism—supporting families through special education hurdles and financial instability with a level of empathy that can’t be taught in law school.
For Them, It’s Personal
TIP volunteers don’t just represent “clients”—they get to know the children behind the files. Daniel Murphy has been a steady presence since 2010, and his impact is felt in the personal details. Whether he’s gifting a favorite team’s jersey to help a student regain their confidence after being bullied or ensuring a student doesn’t miss out on a school trip to Europe, our volunteers remind students that they aren’t just a case number. They are seen.
Passion That Never Retires
Not all of our volunteers “graduate” from TIP when they retire from their day jobs. We are honored to have advocates like Andrea Bowman, who recently retired from Delta Air Lines but continues to dedicate her time and sharp legal mind to our cause. For our volunteers, the passion for justice doesn’t have an expiration date.
They Go Far Beyond the Courtroom
The advocacy often starts at the bench, but it doesn’t end there. Volunteers like Erin Payne exemplify the “Above and Beyond” spirit—organizing school supply drives, personally funding scholarships, and leading holiday gift donations. They understand that for a student to succeed in the classroom, their basic needs and sense of belonging must be met at home.
They Represent Some of ATL’s Sharpest Legal Minds
Our volunteers aren’t just passionate; they are among the most respected professionals in the state. Leaders like Andrew Hatchett, a Partner at Alston & Bird and nationally recognized litigator, bring the same rigor to a truancy case that they bring to complex law. By providing this level of pro-bono representation, they ensure that vulnerable youth have access to the highest caliber of legal rights and support.
Their Leadership Drives Us Forward
Besides our volunteer attorneys, our Board of Directors also models a spirit of service!
As volunteers themselves, they serve as our strategic compass, providing the vision and governance that allows TIP to remain a steadfast support system year after year.
They Show Us What Servant Leadership Truly Looks Like
In the 2024-2025 school year alone, our volunteer attorneys donated over 250 hours to support truancy cases.
To every attorney, board member, and volunteer who shows up for Georgia students—thank you! You aren’t just volunteering; you are defending futures.
Join the Legacy
There is a seat at the table for you! Whether you are an attorney or a community member, you can help us turn the tide for Atlanta’s students.
Click here to fill out the volunteer interest form!