UW Law partners to launch new Law Firm Giving Program.
University of Wisconsin Law School is excited to launch its Law Firm Giving Program, which aims to encourage the philanthropic spirit among UW Law alumni at individual firms and create friendly competition among the participating law firms.
The program’s inaugural year is underway, and gifts made by UW Law alumni at the participating firms through June 30, 2025, will count in this year’s challenge. Each firm’s participation can be tracked on the Law School’s website.
“I’m thrilled that so many wonderful firms are willing to support UW Law this way,” said Dean Dan Tokaji. “This program helps build Badger spirit within participating law firms, enhance our alumni network and provide much-needed support to UW Law School.”
Over the next year, participating firms will host events featuring UW Law faculty and leadership to support participation and engagement.
Dean Tokaji is looking forward to these opportunities.
“UW Law has some great new programs and initiatives that I think our alumni will be interested in learning more about,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to engaging with our alumni and law firms to learn more about the matters they face in today’s market and develop future partnerships.”
More information about the program can be found on the alumni website.
Habush, Habush & Rottier Gift Enhances Learning Environment in UW Law Library
One of UW Law School’s iconic spaces just received significant upgrades thanks to a generous donation from Habush, Habush & Rottier.
The picturesque views of Bascom Hill and the expansive space of the Habush, Habush & Rottier Reading Room have made UW Law Library one of the most sought-after locations to study on campus. It is so popular that during peak times of the semester, entrance is limited to law students and other individuals needing specific access to the library collection.
Thanks to the generosity of Habush, Habush & Rottier, their named reading room not only received a comfort upgrade due to the reupholstering of some of the soft seating, but it will also have greater seating capacity and more study space options, including new study privacy pods.
“We were excited to welcome students this fall to the newly enhanced Habush, Habush & Rottier Reading Room, which we believe will significantly improve the study and research experience at UW Law,” said Bonnie Shucha, associate dean for Library and Information Services.
Habush, Habush & Rottier has always been a “great champion” of UW Law School, said Dean Tokaji.
“I’m so honored they prioritize giving back to UW Law and they direct their giving to be so student-focused,” he said. “Their support not only provides much-needed physical upgrades but also demonstrates to our students the importance and impact of giving back.”
Class of 1984 Leaves Its Mark to Last Beyond Their Reunion
Every year, UW Law School welcomes back alumni to reminisce and reconnect with the school and their classmates during the reunions. This past year, for their 40th reunion, the Class of 1984 wanted to do something that left a lasting impact.
“Thirty years ago, our classmates gathered for our 10-year reunion to raise funds to name an interview room in the Office of Career and Professional Development. This year, our goal is to raise $198,400 to fund one or more scholarships for financially challenged students,” explained a letter from a committee of 1984 Law School graduates to their class.
To help meet this hefty goal, several members of the Class of 1984 have pledged matching funds for the first $90,000 raised. They are calling on their classmates to join them and double the impact of their gift.
“Scholarships are an invaluable tool we use to attract high-caliber students to UW Law,” explained Lori Hickman, assistant dean for Admissions and Financial Aid. “I’m grateful for the Class of 1984 for seeing the value of increasing access to legal education for those with financial barriers. Having access to resources like this ensures we can truly assist our students in managing educational expenses and get them started on their legal career without the burden of a large student debt.”
Visit our website to learn more about this and other UW Law giving campaigns.
Bankruptcy Law Firm Boosts, Supports Badger Moot Court
Attorney Michael P. Richman is so committed to growing the network of lawyers in the field of bankruptcy that he has dedicated time out of his busy practice to serve as an adjunct professor and teach Bankruptcy at UW Law School. He has also volunteered countless hours with his colleague and spouse, Claire Richman, to coach a moot court team to attend a bankruptcy competition.
Richman’s former firm, Steinhilber Swanson LLP, generously supported the team in the 2023-24 year by financing travel and competition costs to attend the Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition, hosted at St. John’s Law and the American Bankruptcy Institute.
“Participating in the Duberstein Bankruptcy Competition was one of my most memorable Law School experiences,” said Brooke Wiegert, Class of 2025. “The guidance from Professor Richman and his wife, attorney Claire Richman, was invaluable as we prepared for competition. Arriving at both the regional and national competitions, our team felt well-prepared to answer whatever was thrown our way.”
UW Law is grateful to Professor Richman, his former firm and his new firm, Richman & Richman, for their time, dedication and financial support, said Jini Jasti, associate dean for external affairs and alumni relations.
“Support like this ensures UW Law continues to provide these great opportunities for our students to thrive,” she said.