Introduction

Breaking barriers and standing up for justice has been the hallmark of exceptional individuals throughout history. Cheryl Hanna, an American lawyer, professor, and advocate, exemplified these qualities throughout her life. As a trailblazer in law and advocacy, she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her tireless efforts to promote social justice for all.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1960, in Manhattan, New York City, Hanna was raised in suburban Washington D.C. She had an accomplished educational background; graduating summa cum laude with a BA from Wheaton College in 1982, completing two graduate programs concurrently at Harvard Divinity School and Georgetown Law School earning her J.D. in 1986, and earning an LL.M. from Harvard Law School in 1990.

Early Legal Career

After law school, Hanna joined the Boston Legal Aid Society in 1986, where she was responsible for representing low-income clients in housing and family law. In the late 80s, she moved to Vermont and served as a staff attorney and director of the Women’s Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid.

Academia Career

After working at Vermont Legal Aid for several years, Hanna transitioned to academia and began teaching at Vermont Law School in 1991. Hanna became a professor at Vermont Law School, where she taught Torts, Advanced Torts, and Lawyering Process until she passed away in 2014.

The Legacy of Hanna

Throughout her career, Hanna was a dedicated advocate for social justice and gender equity. She co-founded Vermont Works for Women, an organization that empowers women in the workplace, and was actively involved in organizations like the Vermont Women’s Bar Association, the Vermont Commission on Women, and the Vermont Human Rights Commission. Today, schools, scholarships, and awards are named in her honor, and she is known for inspiring and empowering women in the legal profession and beyond.

Legal Vision

Cheryl Hanna was a visionary and worked hard to make her community a better place. She believed in a world where gender equity and social justice were the norm, not the exception. Hanna was a tireless advocate for women’s rights, ending domestic violence and discrimination, and other issues that affected vulnerable populations.

Social Justice and Advocacy

Hanna was committed to fighting for equal justice under the law for all people, regardless of social class, ethnicity, race, or gender. She spent her career advocating for those that were most vulnerable and discriminated against. Her contribution to society emphasized the importance of advocacy and social justice for all.

Achievements and Awards

Throughout her career, Hanna was honored with numerous awards for her contributions to the legal profession and the community at large. She was the recipient of the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, which recognizes women who have contributed significantly to the legal profession, and the Vermont Bar Association’s William B. Saxton Award for exemplary public service.

Lessons to Learn

Hanna’s story proves that standing up for justice pays off in many ways. Her dedication to public service, exceptional work ethic, scholarly contributions, and commitment to social justice offer lessons for current and future generations. We should strive to be like her and view life as an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Conclusion

Cheryl Hanna touched the lives of so many people and will always be remembered as a symbol of courage, integrity, and compassion. Her work in law and advocacy has inspired generations to continue working towards a more just and equitable society. Hanna’s legacy continues to motivate us to break down barriers, to defy expectations, and strive for a world where justice and equity prevail.

FAQs

Q1. What did Cheryl Hanna do for a living?
A1. Cheryl Hanna was an American lawyer, professor, and advocate.

Q2. What kind of law did Cheryl Hanna practice?
A2. Cheryl Hanna practiced housing and family law.

Q3. What organization did Cheryl Hanna co-found?
A3. Cheryl Hanna co-founded Vermont Works for Women to support women in the workplace.

Q4. What awards did Cheryl Hanna receive?
A4. Cheryl Hanna received the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award and the Vermont Bar Association’s William B. Saxton Award.

Q5. What did Cheryl Hanna believe in?
A5. Cheryl Hanna believed in a world where gender equity and social justice were the norm, not the exception.