Jackson Walker is proud to announce that Anne Derrig has been selected to receive the Susan P. Burton Award at this year’s Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Awards presented by Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The Susan P. Burton Award recognizes an outstanding early-career attorney who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to pro bono service. Anne is being honored for her impactful advocacy in multiple landlord–tenant matters, where her work has helped safeguard housing stability and protect the rights of vulnerable Central Texans.

“Receiving the Susan P. Burton Award is an honor, and I’m grateful to VLS and our clients for their trust,” said Anne. “In landlord–tenant matters, even small wins can keep families housed and stabilize lives. This recognition reflects the collective effort of the VLS team and my Jackson Walker colleagues who show up, case after case, to protect the rights of our neighbors.”

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of the VLS team and my Jackson Walker colleagues who show up, case after case, to protect the rights of our neighbors.”

The ceremony will also celebrate attorneys whose dedication advances access to justice across our community. Michael C. Roberts and Jack E. Skaggs will be recognized with Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Awards for each handling five or more pro bono cases over the past year, demonstrating the sustained service and leadership that strengthen our pro bono network.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside so many lawyers who step in when it matters most,” said Michael. “VLS removes barriers to justice by empowering attorneys to serve, and I’m proud to be part of that mission. The real credit belongs to our clients, whose resilience inspires us to keep taking on the next matter.”

“VLS removes barriers to justice by empowering attorneys to serve, and I’m proud to be part of that mission.”

“Pro bono work is about showing up, listening closely, and solving problems with care,” said Jack. “The Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Award is a reminder that steady, sustained service strengthens our community. I’m thankful to VLS for the partnership and to my Jackson Walker teammates for championing this work every day.”

“Pro bono work is about showing up, listening closely, and solving problems with care.”

Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas (VLS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to civil justice for low‑income clients by connecting them with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal advice and representation, and by supporting and training those attorneys.

Jackson Walker is dedicated to ensuring equal access to justice for all. Our Pro Bono program continues to support attorneys’ efforts in providing legal services to those in need. To learn more about the firm’s efforts to help ensure equal access to justice, visit our Pro Bono page.

Meet Anne

Anne Derrig is a trial and appellate attorney in Jackson Walker’s Austin office. She devotes a significant portion of her practice to eminent domain, representing condemning authorities across Texas and appearing in special commissioners’ hearings to secure property rights for gas pipelines, water lines, and electric transmission lines. She also maintains a broader litigation practice, representing condemning entities, employers, and entrepreneurs.

Meet Michael

Michael C. Roberts is a commercial litigator with a focus on construction and insurance matters. He represents owners throughout the project lifecycle—from contract negotiation to trial or arbitration—and has negotiated more than $25 million in construction and related design contracts for major Austin developments. Michael also advises general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and architects, bringing multi‑perspective insight to coverage issues and claims involving defects, delays, and mechanic’s liens. His transactional depth enhances his advocacy in the courtroom and in arbitration; notably, he tried a week‑long jury case in January 2022 that culminated in a $6.5 million settlement against an international company.

Meet Jack

Jack E. Skaggs is a trial lawyer with a proven record across litigation, arbitration, administrative hearings, and negotiations. He focuses on two core areas. First, he represents long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice, home health, and other healthcare providers in matters involving HHSC and CMS, including surveys, reviews, and enforcement actions. He advises on compliance and licensure, has resolved numerous RUG audit appeals, defended licensure actions, and negotiated favorable reductions of Civil Money Penalties. Second, Jack represents landlords—commercial, residential, and manufactured home communities statewide—in lawsuits, regulatory issues, evictions, and appeals, drawing on nearly two decades of tenancy experience. He also volunteers monthly with Volunteer Legal Services to assist indigent tenants.