Shelby Hahn, a third-year law student, was honored with the Milwaukee Bar Association’s “Pro Bono Publico Award” earlier this week at its 16th Annual State of the Court Luncheon, which was held at the Wisconsin Club.
The award recognizes Hahn’s service contributions through the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic and its Student Advisory Board, the Wisconsin Law Journal announced last week.
Hahn pictured with Mary Ferwerda (left), Law ’11, executive director of the Milwaukee Justice Center; and Angela Schultz (right), assistant dean for Public Service for Marquette Law School.
A graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington, Hahn now works at the Milwaukee Justice Center, assisting clients on a number of different civil issues. As the intake specialist, Hahn helps potential clients get the representation they need in cases of landlord-tenant disputes, adult guardianship petitions and small claims files.
Located within the Milwaukee County Courthouse, The Milwaukee Justice Center is the largest clinic within the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic network.
As an involved member of the MVLC’s Student Advisory Board, Hahn can also be found at the Justice Center every Friday morning setting up the clinic. There, Hahn assists with complex-issue research, supports volunteer attorneys and law students, and works with the clinic facilitator.
“Pro bono has revealed to me the ‘other’ Milwaukee,” Hahn said, “I go into the clinic because, having seen the need for free legal services in this city, I didn’t feel it was a call I could ignore.”
After spending her summer working for the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C., Hahn extended her work to a more permanent position. She is currently a consultant for the DNC’s Voter protection and Civic Engagement Department. Hahn says she plans to continue working for the DNC after she graduates, though she will go wherever she is needed.
“To be recognized for such necessary work seems odd – though I am thankful, nonetheless,” Hahn said. “I appreciate each person who has volunteered in our clinics. Together, every day, we are furthering our goal of expanding access to justice.”