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Please celebrate 45 years of pro bono with us at VIP's Anniversary Gala on September 26. Tickets are now available here!
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Our Team

 

Grace Aitken

Pro Bono Case Manager

My role entails: connecting clients with volunteer attorneys
Alum of: Yale University
Outside of work, you can find me: going to the movies, trying new recipes, or perusing Facebook Marketplace

 

 

Jordyn Bernard

Homeownership Project Coordinator

My role entails: processing Tangled Title Fund applications and liaising between clients’ advocates and the Tangled Title Fund Advisory Committee
Alum of: Swarthmore College
Outside of work, you can find me: on the trolley or at home hanging out with my cat

 

Tom Chaykun

Administrative Assistant

My role entails: handling case intake and coordinating relations with clients and visitors
Alum of: Vassar College
Outside of work, you can find me: riding my bike, playing soccer, or at a game night with friends

 

Joe B. Durkin

Director of Outreach

My role entails: leading VIP’s volunteer engagement and external relations efforts
Alum of: Temple University
Outside of work, you can find me: riding my bike, testing out dessert recipes, and exploring Philadelphia’s karaoke scene

 

Kelly J. Gastley

Managing Attorney

My role entails: developing and refining the strategy for VIP’s legal program and managing VIP’s legal team
Alum of: College of William and Mary and William and Mary School of Law
Outside of work, you can find me: baking, walking (to work off those baked goods!), playing piano, relaxing with my husband, or – more likely than all of these – enjoying the joyous and hectic life of being a mother to two inquisitive, energetic children

 

Rida F. Haq

Executive Director

My role entails: having overall responsibility for VIP’s strategy and outcomes, including legal program, operations, and finances; fund-seeking; Board partnership; and external relations
Alum of: Lafayette College
Outside of work, you can find me: loudly watching Sixers games, barbequing, or in over my head on a home improvement project

 

Jennifer Hwang

Development Manager

My role entails: managing fundraising strategy and campaigns, donor relations, and supporting the Board of Directors
Alum of: Case Western Reserve University and The University of Texas at Austin
Outside of work, you can find me: being a butler to my cats, tending to veggies and fruits on the roof deck, and exploring Philly neighborhoods on foot

 

Mike Jones

Supervising Attorney

My role entails: helping clients get title to their homes, and supporting volunteers in the legal work to do so
Alum of: Temple University and Duquesne University School of Law
Outside of work, you can find me: running, crosswording, playing with my dog, and hate-listening to the Phillies

 

Denise Lynch

Supervising Attorney

My role entails: providing support to VIP staff attorneys, pro bono case managers, and volunteer attorneys with a variety of cases
Alum of: Temple University and Villanova University School of Law
Outside of work, you can find me: practicing or preparing to compete in Muay Thai, reading a fiction series, or hanging with my adorable pup, Nubia

 

Robin Miles

Small Business Coordinator

My role entails: serving as a liaison between volunteer attorneys and local nonprofits and small businesses
Alum of: University of Vermont and Temple University
Outside of work, you can find me: trying out a new recipe, hiking along the Schuylkill, planning my next trip, or attempting to entertain my cat.

 

May Murdoch

Pro Bono Case Manager

My role entails: connecting clients with volunteer attorneys
Alum of: Rice University
Outside of work, you can find me: on the tennis court, playing music, or sharing a meal with family and friends

 

Megan Schweiker

Pro Bono Case Manager

My role entails: connecting clients with volunteer attorneys
Alum of: Tulane University
Outside of work, you can find me: attending a workout class, playing the NYT games, thrifting for new clothes, or watching reality TV with friends

 

Vijaya Singh

Staff Attorney

My role entails: recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer attorneys in all VIP’s practice areas, including estate planning and guardianship; advising clients as needed and matching them with volunteer attorneys
Alum of: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law
Outside of work, you can find me: dancing in a Zumba class, stretching in a yoga class, or exploring Philadelphia’s restaurants

 

Benjamin Willis

Data and Contracts Manager

My role entails: implementing data and information practices for VIP, creating reports and analytics, and supporting VIP staff in technology and network services
Alum of: Bowling Green Technical College
Outside of work, you can find me: exploring my new city, hanging out with my cat, or listening to podcasts

 

Katherine Zain

Pro Bono Case Manager

My role entails: working up cases and matching clients with volunteer lawyers
Alum of: The University of Virginia
Outside of work, you can find me: watching college basketball, going for a hike or a long walk, or trying out local coffee shops