The Dane County Bar Association (DCBA) has elected attorney Naomi Swain as its new President-Elect, marking a pivotal step for the organization as it aims to bolster mentorship, professional development, and local pro bono initiatives. Swain, a Senior Associate Attorney at Madison-based firm Hawks Quindel, steps into the leadership role with a clearly defined agenda that underscores the importance of community engagement and access to justice within the legal profession.
Swain's election follows years of prominent advocacy in the Wisconsin legal community. Specializing in workers' compensation and short- and long-term disability benefits, her practice centers on representing injured workers and individuals navigating denied disability claims. Peers and colleagues cite her track record of combining deep legal expertise with a structural focus on expanding access to justice, a combination that is expected to shape her tenure.
"I am honored to serve as President-Elect of the Dane County Bar Association," Swain said. "Our legal community is filled with talented professionals who are committed to serving clients and strengthening our community. I look forward to supporting attorneys while expanding opportunities for mentorship, education, and public service."
Under Swain's leadership, the DCBA aims to address several core areas impacting the regional legal ecosystem. These strategic priorities include strengthening structured programs to support attorneys at all stages of their careers, driving initiatives that help Dane County residents better understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and expanding collaborative public service programs to bridge gaps in legal access for underserved populations. The focus on pro bono work is particularly significant, as it directly addresses the growing need for legal representation among low-income families.
Swain's professional background is heavily defined by community-oriented legal work. A two-time graduate of the University of Wisconsin, her early advocacy included volunteering as a counselor at the Dane County Rape Crisis Center, assisting low-income clients via the University's Family Court Clinic, and traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border to provide legal rights education to asylum seekers. These experiences have shaped her commitment to systemic legal access, which recently earned her high-profile recognition.
In 2026, the State Bar of Wisconsin named Swain the Wisconsin Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, acknowledging her significant contributions to expanding legal representation for low-income families. She was also awarded the Individual Attorney Award at the DCBA's Pro Bono Breakfast for her localized volunteer efforts. These accolades highlight the impact of her work and set the stage for her leadership in the bar association.
Swain takes the helm at a time when regional bar associations face growing demands to address attorney wellness, structured mentorship, and community outreach. Her dual experience as a private practice litigator at Hawks Quindel and a dedicated pro bono advocate provides a distinct foundation for leading the DCBA's upcoming initiatives. "The legal profession is strongest when lawyers stay connected to their communities," Swain noted. "Whether through volunteer work, mentorship, or public education, we all have an opportunity to make a positive impact."
The implications of Swain's election are far-reaching. By prioritizing mentorship and pro bono work, the DCBA is positioning itself to address the challenges facing the legal profession, including burnout among attorneys and the need for greater access to justice. For the local community, this means increased opportunities for legal education and support, particularly for underserved populations. For the legal industry, Swain's leadership could serve as a model for how bar associations can foster a culture of service and collaboration.
