The Dane County Bar Association (DCBA) has elected attorney Naomi Swain as its new President-Elect. Swain, a Senior Associate Attorney at Madison-based firm Hawks Quindel, steps into the leadership role with a defined agenda focused on expanding mentorship, enhancing professional development, and strengthening local pro bono initiatives. Her election follows years of prominent advocacy within the Wisconsin legal community, specializing in workers' compensation and short- and long-term disability benefits. Peers and colleagues cite her track record of combining deep legal expertise with a structural focus on expanding access to justice.
"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, including professional development and mentorship, public education, and pro bono and community engagement. These initiatives are designed to help Dane County residents better understand their legal rights and responsibilities while bridging gaps in legal access for underserved populations.
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. Her focus on systemic legal access recently earned 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.
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."
Hawks Quindel, S.C., where Swain practices, is a Madison, Wisconsin-based law firm known for its client-focused approach to legal representation. The firm's team advocates for the rights of Wisconsin workers and individuals facing complex legal challenges, with a strong emphasis on helping clients recover benefits after workplace injuries and resolving short- and long-term disability claim disputes. By prioritizing responsive communication, practical solutions, and compassionate advocacy, Hawks Quindel helps individuals navigate periods of financial uncertainty and secure the resources they need to move forward with confidence.
