Abby Hauer
Who I was then: I graduated from Gettysburg College summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematical economics and public policy. I loved my time at Gettysburg, especially my semester abroad in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Amazing law school class: It’s impossible to pick just one! I particularly enjoyed clinic work. The Criminal Defense Clinic and Federal Criminal Sentencing Advocacy Clinic are run by amazing practitioners and provided me with so many invaluable experiences, including conducting my first state-level criminal trial and arguing on behalf of a client at his sentencing hearing before the Western District of Virginia. Two experiential classes taught me practical skills that helped me succeed in my clinics: Professor Alexia Morrison’s Trial Advocacy and Professor Molly Bishop Shadel’s Hallmarks of Distinguished Advocacy. While I loved these hands-on classes and clinics, I would be remiss if I did not mention a few of my favorite doctrinal classes: Civil Rights Litigation with Dean John Jeffries, Legislation with Dean Michael Gilbert and Constitutional Law: Survey of Civil Liberties with Professor Scott Ballenger.
Outside class: I was the editor-in-chief of the Virginia Journal of Social Policy & the Law, an auction manager for the Public Interest Law Association, a member of Lambda Law Alliance and a Law and Public Service Fellow. I also worked as a research assistant for the Public Service Center and as a Legal Writing Fellow for the incredible Professor Sarah Stewart Ware.
Favorite outing/activity to unwind: I love visiting the wineries around Charlottesville. My wife and I have been to 30 wineries in the area, plus a few breweries and cideries. A few of our favorites are Chisholm Vineyards, Blue Mountain Brewery and Castle Hill Cider. I also enjoy doing work at different coffee shops around town. My personal favorite is Mudhouse in Crozet. Thanks to Sam Spencer ‘24 who recommended it to me during the 1L journal tryout — I have been there countless times since!
Noteworthy summer job: I spent my 2L summer at Legal Aid DC in their Domestic Violence/Family Law division. I had the opportunity to assist Legal Aid attorneys representing clients with civil protective order, child support, divorce and child custody matters.
What’s next (job/location): I will be clerking for Chief Judge E. Gregory Wells ‘86 of the Appellate Court of Maryland. After that, I hope to work in public defense or legal aid in Maryland.
Who I am now: Virginia Law provided me two immense privileges. First, a top-of-the-line legal education that taught me to seize every chance to learn, grow and serve others. And second, the opportunity to meet and fall in love with my now-wife, Hannah Hauer ‘22. So who am I now? A law school graduate and a wife — and for that I cannot thank Virginia Law enough.
What you should know about Virginia Law: I have met some lifelong friends during my time at Virginia Law — friends like Sophia Hernandez Tragesser ‘24 and many others who were there for me during my highest highs and lowest lows. I have also learned from brilliant faculty members who provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like meeting Supreme Court justices — many thanks to Professor Lawrence Solum, who hosted Justice Breyer during 1L Constitutional Law, and Professor Kimberly Robinson, who took our Seminar in Ethical Values class to the Supreme Court to meet Justice Jackson. The amazing people, faculty and opportunities are what makes Virginia Law a special place.