ACS Panel Explains Voting Rights Litigation in Wisconsin

img_5794-meOn October 20, I had the honor of moderating a panel discussion at the Law School devoted to Voting Rights Litigation in Wisconsin.  The event was co-sponsored by the Marquette University Law School Student Chapter of the American Constitution Society and the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Constitution Society (ACS). A crowd of approximately 60 persons witnessed a lively presentation on the right to vote under the U.S. Constitution, recent legislation in Wisconsin that places burdens on the ability of some people to vote in our State, and the status of litigation in the federal courts challenging these state laws.

The event began with a welcome from the Chair of the Milwaukee Chapter of the ACS, Attorney Craig Mastantuono.  Attorney Mastantuono began with a description of the mission of the American Constitution Society and the benefits of membership.  He also noted the excellent timing of the day’s event, given the attention currently being given to the integrity of the American voting system.  Then Attorney Mastantuono introduced the Mayor of Milwaukee, the Honorable Tom Barrett.

Mayor Barrett began his remarks by providing the Marquette University law students in attendance with a bit of career advice: namely, the importance of being nice to your colleagues in the workplace.  Turning to topic of the federal judiciary, Mayor Barrett criticized lawmakers who impose litmus tests on judicial appointees, in a misguided attempt to ensure that there is “only one type of thinking in our court system.”  Mayor Barrett also expressed his disappointment in the fact that Wisconsin is no longer a national leader in ensuring access to the ballot, and criticized recent state laws that have made it more difficult to vote in the City of Milwaukee.  Finally, while he touted the benefits of early voting as a means of improving ballot access, the Mayor explained that there are limits to the City’s ability to expand the early voting process due to the City’s interest in maintaining a well-administered voting process.

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Welcome October Bloggers!

It’s time to welcome our guest bloggers for the month of October.

Our Alumni Blogger of the month is Jacques Condon of the Condon Law Firm in Thiensville. His practice focuses on problem solving in the areas of business law, civil and commercial litigation, and the handling of individual and business disputes. After graduating from Marquette University law School in 1999, he clerked for United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller.

Our Student Blogger of the month is Nicholas Ramos. Outside of class, he is a member of Phi Alpha Delta and is currently serving as a Voter Protection Fellow with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. He is a graduate of Miami University in Ohio.

Continue ReadingWelcome October Bloggers!

Congratulations to AWL Scholarship Winners Dockendorff and Roelandts

005571233005856550Today, September 27, 2016, the Milwaukee Association for Women Lawyers (AWL) Foundation honored two Marquette University Law School students with scholarships.

Hannah Dockendorff, 3L (pictured at left), received the AWL Foundation scholarship. The AWL Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a woman who has exhibited service to others, diversity, compelling financial need, academic achievement, unique life experiences (such as overcoming obstacles to attend or continue law school), and advancement of women in the profession. Dockendorff’s history of serving others began with her father, a U.S. Army sergeant in the Gulf War. She has provided legal assistance for the Milwaukee Justice Center, the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic, and Catholic Charities immigration services. In Washington, D.C., on a National Day of Service, she worked with the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington to integrate recently released convicts into the community by going to their group home to help them build their meals. In addition to her volunteer work, her school work, and her work this semester with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division, Dockendorff is the main caretaker for her mother, who has cancer.

Courtney Roelandts, 2L (pictured at right), received the AWL Foundation’s Virginia A. Pomeroy scholarship. This scholarship honors the late Virginia A. Pomeroy, a former deputy state public defender and a past president of AWL. In addition to meeting the same criteria as for the AWL Foundation scholarship, the winner of this scholarship must also exhibit what the AWL Foundation calls “a special emphasis, through experience, employment, class work or clinical programs” in one of several particular areas:  appellate practice, civil rights law, public interest law, public policy, public service, or service to the vulnerable or disadvantaged. Roelandts, who is from a law enforcement family, received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology and went on to receive a master of social work degree. She hopes to combine law and social work in pursuit of social justice. She consistently works with three area pro bono legal clinics assisting with court forms, immigration issues, and domestic violence injunction hearings. She has already completed more than 100 hours of pro bono service and was inducted into the Pro Bono Honor Society in her 1L year. In addition, she is a member of the Marquette Law Review, president of the student American Constitution Society, and an original board member and current secretary for the Organization for Student Wellbeing.

Congratulations to both women for outstanding service and for their representation of Marquette University Law School.

Continue ReadingCongratulations to AWL Scholarship Winners Dockendorff and Roelandts