Hayley Hahn ‘21
Hayley is the outgoing president of UVA Law’s American Constitution Society.
Where are you from? Where did you go to college?
I was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia. I went to college at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Which organizations are you involved in at UVA Law?
I am the outgoing president of the American Constitution Society, a fellow in the Law & Public Service Program, a Peer Advisor (shout-out to Section E!), the incoming Notes Editor for the Virginia Journal of International Law, and a member of the Civil Rights Clinic. I’m also involved with Virginia Law Women and the Public Interest Law Association.
When did you start thinking about law school?
I took a philosophy class fall semester of my freshman year in college that focused on contemporary moral issues. I enjoyed the readings that focused on legal cases, especially those pertaining to social justice issues. Eager to explore these matters further, I pursued independent research and courses related to law. I discovered that I liked the work, so I decided to apply to law school.
What’s something you know now that you would tell yourself coming into law school?
Avoid trains, cruises, exposed wires, and buildings used to store barrels of flour. Potential torts lurk everywhere. Don’t be like the bargee in Carroll Towing—exercise constant vigilance and be ready to sound the alarm.
On a more serious note: Make time to get to know your classmates and enjoy the beautiful trails around Charlottesville.
You’re interested in Native American law. How did you become interested in that topic?
A college class on American Indian Sovereignty initially sparked my interest in Native American law. More specifically, the course introduced me to the Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”), a vital piece of legislation currently under attack. Inspired by this experience, prior to law school, I conducted research at McGill University on social service and legal protections for Indigenous children in Canada. Unfortunately, in both the United States and Canada, Indigenous children are overrepresented in the child welfare system. However, federal child welfare legislation, such as ICWA, can keep Indigenous children connected to their families, communities, and cultures. In many ways, ICWA is the key to tribal survival.
I am also interested in how the law can advance the rights of Native people and tribes more broadly. Native American law touches on a host of social justice issues, from voting rights to environmental protections. I hope to continue to pursue my interest in Native American law in law school and in practice.
What kind of impact do you hope to have as a lawyer?
I want to secure justice for my clients. I also want to improve the accessibility of legal services. My pro bono experiences in law school have underscored the adverse impacts of the “justice gap” in the United States. So few people can afford legal representation. Through pro bono and public service opportunities, I want to help connect people to the legal services they need, regardless of their ability to pay for services.
Let’s do a lightning round!
Favorite food?
Cheese quesadillas!
Favorite place in Charlottesville?
The Rivanna Trail or Shenandoah Joe.
Favorite song?
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
Favorite anti-stress hobby?
Exercise. (I love running and yoga!)
Which Hogwarts house are you in?
Hufflepuff. I highly value both kindness and snacks.
Fun fact?
I’m a big fan of the Washington Nationals.
Degas or Monet?
Monet.
Williamsburg or Charlottesville?
This is such a tough choice! Both are great places to live and study; however, I must pick Williamsburg. DOG Street is the perfect place to run. Also, the Cheese Shop is better than Take It Away.
Zoom or Panopto?
Zoom. It’s great to see people’s faces, even if only virtually. The pet cameos are also nice.
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hah4gn@virginia.edu