Schieber fulfills cane prediction

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A University of Wisconsin Law School tradition holds that students run down the field at Camp Randall Stadium and toss canes over the goal post.

The legend has it that the students who catch their canes will win their first cases.

Hannah Schieber caught her cane.

Six months later, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals sided with her client in State v. Demonte Miller. The court held that police did not have reasonable suspicion to stop her client on foot and frisk him for weapons after they saw him touch his side. The prosecution promptly dismissed the case.

It was Schieber’s first appeal since joining the Public Defender’s Appellate Division after her 2011 law school graduation.

“The Fourth Amendment is something I’m particularly passionate about,” she said. “It’s not as respected, in my opinion, as it should be.

“To advocate for someone who was really unfairly targeted meant a lot to me, and it was nice to see that reflected in the court’s discussion.”

Not long after that case, Schieber gave her first appellate oral argument in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She was just 25 years old, and she did not win.

But, she said, she relished the experience and is getting ready to do it again. In fall, she will argue Milwaukee County v. Mary F-R, a case involving jury trial rights in involuntary commitments.

What is the best part of your job?

The ability to advocate for people who truly are up against very difficult odds

What is the hardest part of your job?

Recognizing and accepting that appeals are often a very slow process

Where would you like to be in five years?

I’ll still be in the Public Defender’s Office, hopefully in a more senior position. And, ultimately, I’d like to be an appellate judge in Wisconsin.

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

‘Hypnotized,’ by The Notorious B.I.G.

What can you spend hours doing that’s not law-related?

My fiancé recently gave me a drum machine to make hip-hop style beats. I can spend hours on it.

What was your favorite toy as a child?

Ninja turtles figurines

What famous person would you most like to have a drink with?

Alfred Hitchcock

What is your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?

To relax on one of our lakes: Mendota, Monona or Michigan