For Joshua H. Hernandez, L ’22, access to justice begins with empathy. “The legal profession can sometimes distance us from the everyday realities people face,” he says. “My hope is that students develop empathy by meeting clients where they are and understanding the barriers many individuals encounter when seeking justice.” That belief is what drew Hernandez back to Marquette University Law School in the summer of 2026, this time not as a student or volunteer, but as the assistant director of the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics, which is a part of the Office of Public Service. Having experienced the Office of Public Service as both a Marquette law student and a volunteer attorney, he now has the opportunity to help advance its mission while mentoring the next generation of Marquette lawyers in service.
Hernandez joined Marquette after four years as an employee benefits associate at a law firm. Although Hernandez enjoyed his years in private practice, he realized the work that energized him most was engaging directly with the members of the Milwaukee community who the MVLCs represent.
“Joining Marquette University Law School aligns my passion for public interest work with my strengths and values,” he says. “The opportunity to join such an amazing group in the Office of Public Service truly feels like the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Hernandez believes the MVLCs offer something invaluable to everyone involved. He hopes every law student, regardless of career goals, will discover the rewards of serving clients, developing practical legal skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the people behind every legal issue. He is equally committed to supporting the volunteer attorneys who make the MVLCs’ work possible and ensuring every community member who walks through the clinic doors feels welcomed, respected and heard.
For Hernandez, that commitment is deeply personal. Volunteering at the MVLC has always been the most rewarding part of his legal career. “Clinic has always been a place where I can turn off the outside world and connect with people,” he says. “No matter how difficult a volunteer shift may be, I leave feeling rejuvenated.”
Hernandez credits his years in private practice with strengthening his attention to detail and reinforcing the importance of continuous learning. He also lives by a simple philosophy: “If not me, then who?” Whether serving clients, mentoring students or building community partnerships, he believes meaningful change begins when people are willing to step forward. He continues to draw inspiration from advice he received during law school from former Associate Dean Anna Fodor: reread your personal statement whenever you need to remember why you chose this profession. “That advice helped me stay authentic to myself,” Josh says, “and continues to remind me of the lawyer and person I want to be.”
A 2025 recipient of the Jon Allen Pace Setter Award for Attorney Volunteer of the Year, Hernandez earned his J.D., magna cum laude, and an MBA from Marquette University, along with the Sports Law Certificate from the National Sports Law Institute. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association and Literacy Services of Wisconsin. Outside of work, Hernandez says his greatest joy is his family. “My wife and our young son keep life exciting, and I treasure the little moments we spend together.” He also enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, discovering new restaurants around Milwaukee, tackling the occasional home improvement project and staying involved in the community. If you see him around Eckstein Hall, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. He’s always happy to meet another member of the Marquette community.
