May 4, 2022 – Maggie Niebler-Brown of Legal Action Wisconsin, Inc. has been named the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.

“I feel like this award was really earned by a whole group of people collaborating to meet the needs of people of low income people in Wisconsin,” said Niebler-Brown, Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Volunteer Lawyer Project Coordinator.

“At Legal Action we have a big team that coordinates the volunteer lawyers project. It’s also an incredible recognition of the volunteer attorneys who have put so much time in representing our clients.”

Niebler-Brown (Rutgers, 2005) is scheduled to receive her award on Thursday, June 16 at the Member Recognition Celebration, held during the State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva.

She said Legal Action Wisconsin focuses the work of its volunteer lawyers on eviction defense; clearing criminal records and restoring driver’s licenses to remove barriers to employment; and bankruptcy and consumer debt. The easing of the pandemic won’t mean a drop in the need for Legal Action’s services, Niebler-Brown noted.

The end of temporary benefits enacted at the beginning of the pandemic and the lifting of debt collection moratoria are two reasons why Niebler-Brown predicts that pro bono attorneys will stay busy during 2022.

Case backlogs – the backlog in Milwaukee County alone is 5,000 cases – are a third reason. “As we come out of the pandemic and people are seeking employment, they’re still going to deal with that debt that wasn’t being collected,” Niebler-Brown said.

“We anticipate a lot of issues accessing the court system, defending those cases and just trying to navigate the system.”

Find out more about the State Bar lawyers and legal professionals we are celebrating this year, in “Super Stars: 14 State Bar Award Recipients Demonstrate Outstanding Service,” InsideTrack, April 20, 2022.

Join Us at the Annual Meeting & Conference in June in Lake Geneva

Want to celebrate a friend, family member, or colleague being honored at the Member Recognition Celebration? Join us on Thursday, June 16, at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva. Conference registration is not required to attend.

The celebration takes place in conjunction with the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Annual Meeting & Conference. Register now to choose from more than 26 CLE sessions covering top trends, hot topics, and enduring advice for today’s lawyers.

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

Reserve your spot today!