The Dane County Bar Association (DCBA) has elected attorney Naomi Swain as its new President-Elect, a move that signals a continued emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and pro bono service within the Madison legal community. Swain, a Senior Associate Attorney at Madison-based firm Hawks Quindel, takes on the role with a clear agenda aimed at strengthening the regional legal ecosystem.
Swain's election follows years of prominent advocacy within 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.
"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: professional development and mentorship, public education, and pro bono and community engagement. Specifically, the association plans to strengthen structured programs to support attorneys at all stages of their careers, drive initiatives that help Dane County residents better understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and expand collaborative public service programs to bridge 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."
