As Madeline Hueske JD’24 prepares to face the rigors of the bar exam this summer, she’ll have a strong community of supporters cheering her on. Madeline built a record of achievements during her time at the College of Law: serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Willamette Law Review, helping plan an on-campus symposium, and securing a prestigious federal clerkship. Reflecting on her experience at Willamette, Madeline knows that she wouldn’t have been able to do it alone.
“The Willamette community and alumni network has helped me accomplish so many of my goals,” Madeline says. “This includes the generosity of scholarship donors, the guidance of faculty, and the genuine relationships I’ve fostered with Willamette alumni out in the community. At every challenge throughout law school, I never thought I was facing it alone.”
Madeline’s Willamette experience was shaped by a wide variety of brilliant faculty mentors she encountered inside and outside of the classroom. During her Legal Research & Writing Course, Assistant Professor of Law Kelly Gamble challenged Madeline’s professional growth and made her “think like a lawyer.” Dean Brian Gallini guided her through the arduous clerkship application process. She also benefited from the intellectual rigor of courses with Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Jeffrey Dobbins, Associate Dean for Strategic Affairs David Friedman, and Ken and Claudia Peterson Professor of Law Norman Williams.
“At every challenge throughout law school, I never thought I was facing it alone.”
“I have had the privilege of developing close relationships with many of my professors, who are incredible mentors, sounding boards, and resources throughout law school,” she says. “Without their support and investment in me, I wouldn’t have nearly the same professional and personal opportunities that I have upon graduation.”
Now, Madeline will focus on giving back to the legal community of her beloved Pacific Northwest. This fall, she will work as an associate in the labor and employment group at Stoel Rives — an opportunity that grew out of a rewarding experience at the firm earlier in her law school career. Then, Madeline will achieve one of her long-held professional dreams when she begins as a clerk for the federal Judge David Estudillo in the Western District of Washington. “I am so excited to start both adventures and contribute to the development of the law in the Pacific Northwest,” she says.
As she takes the next step in her career, the Willamette College of Law community will not be far from her mind. She hopes to give others the same opportunities and support she received during her time in Salem.
“The Willamette community has a real ‘pay-it-forward’ mindset that has transformed me professionally,” Madeline says. “I feel lucky to be joining the ranks of a tight-knit, supportive community of Willamette grads and I hope to continue to give back to other law students figuring out their paths.”
Read more featured graduate stories
Madeline is one of Willamette University’s 2024 featured graduates. To read more inspiring stories about our graduating students, click here. From student athletes and scientists to aspiring artists and attorneys, these students represent just a few of the incredible members of our Willamette community.
Please join us in congratulating the entire Willamette University class of 2024 for their accomplishments! Learn more about Willamette's 2024 commencement ceremonies.
Photo Credit: Mario Gallucci MFA'14
