Wheeling, W.Va. — Spilman Thomas & Battle (Spilman) announced that attorney Lisa M. Hawrot received the 2025 Distinguished Pro Bono Award from Legal Aid of West Virginia in recognition of her exceptional commitment to pro bono service.

The Distinguished Pro Bono Award recognizes a lawyer or law firm whose pro bono efforts in a given year have gone “above and beyond” the call of duty and are deserving of special recognition. Hawrot was selected in part for the significant role she played in Legal Aid’s Solid Foundations project, where she helped train and educate attorneys across West Virginia on adoption law.

“While the process can be complex and emotionally challenging for families, the moment a child officially becomes part of a forever family is incredibly powerful,” Hawrot said. “Being able to help make that moment possible is truly rewarding.”

“There is a tremendous need for attorneys willing to share their time and knowledge, and I encourage lawyers across the state to get involved in pro bono adoption work whenever they can,” she continued.

At Spilman, Hawrot’s law practice focuses on complex domestic relations, minor and adult guardianships and conservatorships, real estate law, and general litigation matters. She serves as Co-Chair of Spilman’s Family Law Practice Group and has extensive experience representing families in adoption proceedings.

“Lisa’s dedication to pro bono service reflects the very best of our profession,” said Michael J. Basile, Spilman’s Managing Member. “We are incredibly proud to see her recognized for this important work.”

Pro bono service has long been a cornerstone of Spilman’s culture. As a firm, Spilman previously received the Distinguished Pro Bono Award from Legal Aid of West Virginia in 2022 and 2016.

“Giving back through pro bono work has been part of Spilman’s DNA since our founding in 1864,” Basile added. “We are committed to supporting our team as they engage in meaningful service within the communities we serve.”

About Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC
Spilman Thomas & Battle is a full-service, super-regional law firm serving local, regional, national, and international businesses. Founded in 1864, Spilman has offices in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Wheeling, West Virginia; Roanoke, Virginia; Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Jacksonville, Florida.