Legal Assistance Committee presents the 2008 Pro Bono Award
for
a Legal Services Attorney of the Year Award to
Cynthia A. Lepkowski, Greendale
Cynthia Lepkowski, left, with Chief Justice Abrahamson.
The Legal Assistance Committee promotes the establishment and
maintenance of organizations that provide legal services to low- and
moderate-income populations; explores new ways to increase the
accessibility of legal services; provides encouragement and assistance
to local bar associations in improving legal services delivery; and
promotes pro bono service for Wisconsin attorneys.
Cynthia Lepkowski’s 25 year legal career has focused on
handling child abuse and neglect related cases. Since 1993, she has
served as a guardian ad litem on Chapter 48 cases for the Legal Aid
Society of Milwaukee at the Milwaukee County Children's Court. Prior to
that, she prosecuted Sensitive Crimes and Children's Court cases as an
assistant district attorney in Milwaukee and Kenosha counties. During
her career in public service, Lepkowski has participated in many jury
and court trials, evidentiary hearings, and related appeals.
A significant part of Lepkowski’s legal career has been
sharing her expertise in the areas of children’s legal rights and
child abuse and neglect. She has served on several state projects
including a legislative council committee on adoption law, and has
trained attorneys, social workers, and law enforcement. Lepkowski is a
mentor to the staff at Legal Aid, assisting attorneys, social workers,
and law students in the midst of heavy caseload responsibilities.
Lepkowski is president of the Wisconsin Professional Society on the
Abuse of Children, the state affiliate of APSAC, a mutidisciplinary
national organization. She has served on the State Bar Children and the
Law Section board, and is a longtime member of that group as well as the
Family Law Section. Lepkowski also belongs to the National Association
of Counsel for children.
Lepkowski graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law
School. She holds a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Marquette
University Graduate School; an M.A. degree from Columbia University; an
M.S. degree from U.W.-Milwaukee, and a B.A. degree cum laude from
U.W.-Madison.
