The Association of American Law Schools (AALS), through its Pro Bono & Access to Justice Section, will soon release its third annual Pro Bono Honor Roll. This initiative recognizes students, staff, and faculty at law schools across the nation for their exceptional contributions to pro bono legal services.

It is my privilege to announce this year’s selectees for Marquette University Law School: Diego Romero, a second-year law student, Maggie Klatt, program assistant to the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics (MVLC), and Anne Berleman Kearney, director of clinical education and clinical professor of law. Each has been selected for outstanding dedication to pro bono service:

• Diego Romero, 2L, has become a key figure at the MVLC’s United Community Center (UCC) clinic. Over the summer and into the fall, he has committed to a weekly shift, where he has demonstrated both reliability and leadership. Diego handles a variety of essential tasks, including prescreening clients, determining the legal issues presented, and serving as a Spanish-English interpreter when needed. His dedication and skills make him an invaluable member of the MVLC team at the UCC.
• Maggie Klatt plays a critical role in the daily operations of the MVLC, ensuring that the program runs smoothly and effectively. As program assistant, Maggie coordinates the schedules of hundreds of volunteer attorneys and law students, facilitates clear communication, and ensures that any number of accounts or systems are properly managed. She offers direct support to clients by coordinating clinics at the Veterans Service Office and the Milwaukee Justice Center, as well as providing referrals to legal aid organizations. Maggie’s responsiveness and dedication ensure that both volunteers and clients receive the support they need.
• Anne Berleman Kearney has distinguished herself in two respects. One is her consistent advocacy for pro bono work as an integral part of students’ professional development and her commitment to educating students on the importance of such service. The other is her direct engagement in the work. Anne regularly volunteers for pro bono work herself. This fall, for example, she is supervising an adult guardianship forms clinic at the Milwaukee Justice Center, demonstrating her hands-on commitment to fostering access to justice—and helping people. She also serves as the vice chair of the Milwaukee County Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to Professor Kearney, Maggie, Diego, and all members of the Marquette community who embody the spirit of “Be The Difference” through their pro bono and public service efforts.

Read about past awardees here (2022) and here (2023).

Last year I had occasion to do a series of seven blog posts surveying some of the great work of our community, led by our Office of Public Service, in the realm of pro bono service. Without doubting that that number could be multiplied, here, by contrast, I will combine into one post a number of recent pro bono “happenings” that should be celebrated:

1. The Mobile Legal Clinic marked a decade of service this fall. Since its launch in 2013, 385 volunteer lawyers and law students have participated in the mobile model of service delivery. During this time, the Mobile Legal Clinic, a project of Marquette Law School and the Milwaukee Bar Association, has visited 54 host sites in 655 sessions and served 4,829 people. The tenth anniversary was celebrated on October 24 at the Milwaukee Bar Association. A number of those involved in envisioning and making possible the Mobile Legal Clinic—Frank Daily, Julie Ebert, Mike Gonring, and Angela Schultz—were recognized at the gathering.

2. Tara Kniep, a third-year student, was named as the Milwaukee Bar Association’s Pro Bono Law Student of the Year at the MBA’s State of the Court luncheon at the Wisconsin Club on October 11. The award recognizes her exceptional dedication to pro bono service and her remarkable work to technologically transform the client experience at the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics. In addition to schoolwork and a job, Tara made it her mission to serve her community through her pro bono efforts. To date, she has contributed over 170 pro bono hours to the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics. The processes that Tara has introduced have improved operational efficiency at both in-person and remote clinics, saving time for clients and volunteers alike.

3. The Pro Bono & Access to Justice Section of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) has released its second annual Pro Bono Honor Roll. This initiative invites law school deans to denominate a faculty member, a staff member, and a student for their outstanding contributions to pro bono legal services. This year, it was a privilege to honor Michael O’Hear, professor of law; Katie Mertz, director of pro bono and public service; and Heidi Maier, a third-year law student, for their significant roles at the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics over the past year. Professor Michael O’Hear, known nationally for his expertise in criminal law, has expanded his reach, in order to address common issues faced by family law litigants visiting the MVLCs. He holds a regular shift at the Milwaukee Justice Center and is a dedicated and valuable volunteer.

   Katie Mertz has demonstrated innovation in her administrative position by reviving estate planning clinics, creating a housing-referral tool for individuals dealing with eviction and other housing-related legal matters, and engaging students in the Wills for Heroes project in collaboration with Foley & Lardner, among other activities.

   Heidi Maier, in the midst of her studies, has contributed more than 230 pro bono hours, displaying remarkable dedication by consistently assisting at the United Community Center with a weekly shift throughout the summer, while managing a job in Brookfield, and this fall she has made a weekly commitment at the House of Peace. She is also an invaluable member of the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics’ student advisory board, adding value as a member of the leadership team.

Kudos and great thanks to all who seek to “Be The Difference” through their pro bono and public service work at Marquette University Law School.