May 27, 2026 – For Naomi Swain, pro bono service is both a way to give back and a way to grow as a lawyer. Swain’s work with local legal clinics has deepened her empathy, sharpened her listening skills, and reinforced the difference lawyers can make for people who may otherwise struggle to access help.

Naomi Swain is senior associate with Hawks Quindel, S.C., in Madison. She is also the recipient of this year’s Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award.

The award, presented by the State Bar’s Legal Assistance Committee, recognizes dedication to the development and delivery of legal services to low-income individuals or those who develop innovative ways to deliver volunteer legal services.

Swain is one of 221 Wisconsin lawyers who did 50 hours or more pro bono work in 2025, who are members of the State Bar Pro Bono Honor Society. Members of this year’s Honor Society donated more than 22,323 hours in 2025.

Swain currently volunteers with the Dane County Bar Association Family Law Assistance Center and the Sunshine Legal Clinic, “where she provides compassionate, practical legal help to individuals facing difficult and often overwhelming circumstances,” said the committee. “She approaches this work with empathy, patience, and a deep respect for the people she serves.”

Pro Bono

Swain uses her pro bono work to keep up her skills in areas no longer in her day-to-day practice, and also to gain experience in new areas of the law.

Swain’s current practice involves the plaintiff side in worker’s compensation, employee benefits, and long-term disability insurance. “Earlier in my career, I also practiced family law for a number of years, which continues to inform how I approach client advocacy today,” Swain said.

Although she no longer practices in that area, Swain’s pro bono work primarily focuses on family law, “as that’s where the biggest need is. There is a significant need for Spanish-speaking volunteers at local clinics such as the Dane County Family Law Assistance Center (FLAC) and the Sunshine Legal Clinic,” she said.

FLAC shifts are 2.5 hours, “making them a great way to dedicate a meaningful block of time,” while Sunshine offers more flexibility with 30-minute phone appointments “that allow you to provide assistance in shorter, more manageable increments.”

Swain recently is also volunteering with the Small Claims Assistance Program in Dane County. This work “has reinforced how easily we can build on our existing legal skills to step into new areas and still make a meaningful difference for others.”

An Inspiration

That commitment was shaped early on by a mentor, Marsha Mansfield, who developed and ran the family law clinic at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Swain participated in 2019. “She modeled what it looks like to use legal skills in service of others and had a lasting influence on how I approach this work.

“As lawyers, we are in a uniquely fortunate position, what may feel routine or straightforward to us can be overwhelming or completely out of reach for someone else. Pro bono work is a reminder not to underestimate how much we can give back, and how meaningful it is to use skills that come relatively easily to us to help others navigate difficult situations,” Swain said.

Pro Bono Boosts Practice Skills, Makes a Lasting Impact

Fluent in Spanish, Swain makes a point to use her language skills to make the legal system more accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to be heard or understood.

Through her pro bono work, she experiences how vital it is to meet clients where they are, both emotionally and practically. “It has deepened my sense of empathy and improved my ability to listen, which ultimately makes me a more effective advocate in all areas of my practice.”

Pro bono work is a reminder of the real impact legal services can have on people’s day-to-day lives. “Even a short consultation can provide clarity, confidence, and relief during a stressful time,” Swain said. “It also reinforces how fortunate we are, as attorneys, to have the training and ability to quickly understand the law and apply it in a way that can genuinely help someone.”

“Giving back in this way is both accessible and deeply meaningful, especially when serving underserved communities,” Swain said. “I strongly encourage other attorneys to find ways to get involved, and if you don’t know where to start, check with your county bar association, or the State Bar!”

Where to Start Pro Bono

The State Bar offers members opportunities to provide pro bono legal services. Attorneys may claim up to 6 hours of pro bono CLE credits per reporting period.

For more information and for ideas on where to start, including a list of qualified pro bono programs across Wisconsin, find available cases on the Pro Bono Paladin Portal. The State Bar also maintains a list of training programs, clinics, and webinars related to pro bono.

Join Us at the Annual Meeting & Conference in June in Green Bay

Want to celebrate a friend, family member, or colleague being honored at the Member Recognition Celebration? Join us for this free event from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, in La Crosse.

The celebration takes place at the State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference, June 11-12, 2026. Register now to choose from CLE sessions covering top trends, hot topics, and enduring advice for today’s lawyers.

In addition, featured plenary speakers, the Legal Expo, networking luncheons, and the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony will help you connect, learn, and relax.

Reserve your spot today!

About the Pro Bono Honor Society

The Pro Bono Honor Society recognizes Wisconsin lawyers who volunteer at least 50 hours of their time annually to help expand access to justice for low-income Wisconsin residents.

If you donate more than 50 hours of pro bono services in 2026, the State Bar of Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society would like to recognize your service and inspire more lawyers to follow your example.

Join the Honor Society by completing the certification form on the Pro Bono Honor Society webpage on WisBar.org at the end of the year, and sending it to the State Bar no later than March 1, 2027.

Eligible pro bono legal services for this program means the direct provision of legal services without fee or expectation of fee, or at a substantially reduced fee, to:

• persons of limited means;

• organizations in matters that are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means; or

• charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, and educational organizations in matters that are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means.

To find out more information about your practice and pro bono, read the full Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule, SCR Chapter 20, on voluntary pro bono publico service.

Thank You, Pro Bono Lawyers

Congratulations to these 221 Wisconsin lawyers, listed here with their Wisconsin county or as members of our Nonresident Lawyers Division (NRLD), recognized as 2025 Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society members: