Vilia Hayes to Receive 2025 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Second Circuit

Vilia Hayes, longtime Hughes Hubbard partner and current senior pro bono counsel, has been selected to receive the 2025 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Second Circuit.

This prestigious honor is awarded each year, in participating federal circuits, to a lawyer or judge whose life and practice display sterling character and unquestioned integrity, coupled with ongoing dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law.

Hayes is currently co-chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, where she litigates and supervises numerous pro bono matters in federal and state court in the areas of prisoners’ rights, voting rights, immigration, family law and housing, among others

Under Hayes’ guidance, the firm’s lawyers dedicated over 12,400 hours to pro bono matters in 2024, including working on 79 immigration matters. As a result, the firm was ranked in the Top 30 on AmLaw’s 2025 Pro Bono Scorecard and received Her Justice’s Firm Partnership Award for our summer associate pro bono program, which Her Justice views “as a model for a well-run, high-impact pro bono initiative.”

“Congratulations to Vilia on this well-deserved achievement,” said Neil J. Oxford, chair of Hughes Hubbard. “Beyond her outstanding career as a litigator, Vilia has been the heart and soul of the firm’s pro bono work for years. Her leadership and mentorship have made a lasting impact – not just on the firm and our clients, but on the communities we serve.”

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition, which wouldn’t be possible without the incredible commitment and dedication of my colleagues at Hughes Hubbard,” Hayes said. “I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish, assisting those who would not otherwise have access to justice.”

During her career, Hayes has served on numerous non-profit Boards. Hayes currently serves on the board of trustees for Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the board of Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert (JALBCA). Hayes is also on the Executive Committee of the Federal Bar Council and New York American Inn of Court, and on the Advisory Committee for Legal Momentum.