Troutman Pepper Locke Attorneys Recognized by Support Center for Child Advocates

PHILADELPHIA – The Support Center for Child Advocates (Child Advocates) has recognized Sara Richman, chair of pro bono at Troutman Pepper Locke, as one of the 2025 Distinguished Advocates for Children. Additionally, Nicole ElMurr, an associate in the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Practice, has been named the recipient of the Child Advocates Rising Star Award.

Every year, the center nominates attorneys, policymakers, and other collaborators who exemplify what it means to advocate for youth in the child welfare system. As Troutman Pepper Locke’s first full-time pro bono partner, Richman works closely with community partners to support pro bono efforts across the firm. Richman’s personal pro bono practice focuses on issues of social equity, election integrity, and protections for children. She regularly serves as a volunteer attorney with the Child Advocates to represent children in the foster care system.

“This work is sometimes gut-wrenching, sometimes heartwarming, but always worthwhile and rewarding. It’s an honor to work with the Support Center and its team of social workers to advocate for our clients and to be a glimmer of light and stability as they navigate very difficult situations,” said Richman. “I am in awe of how strong and resilient our clients can be. And, I am grateful for the commitment and dedication of the Child Advocates team, which supports our most vulnerable Philadelphia kids every day.”

The Child Advocates Rising Star Award recognizes a new volunteer attorney who has gone above and beyond to support a child client by providing outstanding legal representation. ElMurr has worked with Child Advocates since 2022. In her legal practice, she represents clients in financial services litigation and real estate matters. ElMurr has extensive experience working in multiple district attorneys’ offices, focusing on the emerging adult and juvenile units.

Founded in 1977, Child Advocates is the nation’s leading pro bono legal and social service advocacy organization serving children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The organization has served more than 11,000 children and trained more than 8,000 volunteer attorneys and allied professionals.

Both Richman and ElMurr were honored at Change the Story: An Evening for Child Advocacy on April 24 in Philadelphia.

Each year, Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys dedicate thousands of pro bono hours in support of nonprofits, immigrants, military veterans, children, the wrongfully convicted, civil rights and social justice initiatives, and so many other causes. Learn more at troutman.com/pro-bono.

Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.