RISING YOUNG LAWYER – Emma Jewell – Godfrey & Kahn

Listen to this article

Arguing her first case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorney Emma Jewell felt like she was competing on a big stage.

“It was intimidating at first, but I felt very prepared and supported thanks to my colleagues at Godfrey & Kahn — my team,” said Jewell, an associate in the firm’s Milwaukee office who won the case in just the second year of her practice.

Jewell represented a pro-bono client on a criminal appeal on behalf of the Appellate Division of the State Public Defender’s Office before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. This included a successful argument before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She spent nearly300 hours of time on the case.

She maintains a dedicated pro-bono practice, including representing clients in post-conviction and federal habeas proceedings in addition to her regular caseload.

“I continue to work on pro-bono matters at the appellate level. It is rewarding to see our clients’ rights vindicated, even years after judgment or conviction,” Jewell said.

Her pro-bono work was recognized by the Milwaukee Bar Association with its 2021 Pro-Bono Publico Award for an Individual Attorney.

“Emma Jewell is revered throughout the firm for her skills as a litigator and her pro-bono service,” said Emily McKeown, business development director for Godfrey & Kahn. “She has a balance of innate ability and natural talent, and a drive to always continue improving as a lawyer and a willingness to take on difficult tasks,” McKeown added.

A competitive swimmer growing up and through college, Jewell admitted to having a competitive edge, which drew her to practicing litigation.

“I feel litigation mirrors a lot of what I loved about swimming,” Jewell said. “It’s a team sport and you’re always working towards a big event,” she added.