WMLS Attorney Pamela Hoekwater Named by Michigan Lawyer's Weekly
Western Michigan Legal Services - 02/05/2004
Attorney Pamela Hoekwater, an attorney with Western Michigan Legal Services since 2001, has been named by Michigan Lawyer's Weekly as one of its 10 lawyers of the year 2003. According to the articles in Michigan Lawyer's Weekly in November 2003,
"Every day, the more than 30,000 practicing lawyers in Michigan contribute to the profession in one way or another, largely without recognition.
In this special issue, Lawyers Weekly has selected 11 Michigan attorneys who stood out from the crowd during 2003 — by winning important cases, being involved in matters that raise challenging legal issues and otherwise furthering the profession's commitment to the rule of law and concept of justice."
Ms. Hoekwater, a 2001 graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School, gained attention for her work on a recently decided case in the Michigan Supreme Court, Kaiser v Kaiser.
"Many students begin law school knowing what area they wish to pursue, but find themselves changing their mind by their third year. Some have no idea what area they want to practice in. Grand Rapids attorney Pamela Hoekwater, though, attended law school knowing full well what she wanted — a career in legal aid. Upon graduation, she held true to her passion.
Hoekwater, who currently works for Western Michigan Legal Services, said she intends to remain in legal aid for a long time.
With an undergraduate degree in social work and a compassionate heart, it's no wonder Hoekwater has devoted her career to helping those less fortunate.
In the process, it didn't take long for the young attorney to get involved with a significant issue in Michigan family law."
(For details on this story and other honorees, link to Michigan Lawyer's Weekly.)
Attorney Mary L. Benedict, 2011 Mike Barnes Award Recipient
