Washburn Honors Former Resident Who Was A Pioneer In Field Of Law

A small northern Wisconsin town held a celebration Friday that was in part in honor of one of its most influential residents.

Washburn is remembering Elizabeth Hawkes for being a pioneer in the field of law. Hawkes was the first female president of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. She ran for Congress, Wisconsin attorney general and the state Senate before feminism was even a thing.

Bayfield County Judge John Anderson said she was admitted to the bar in 1937 and became the first female district attorney in northern Wisconsin, earning the respect of her male colleagues.

“They knew right away that you did not take her lightly. And, if you think you’re going to push your way around Liz Hawkes because you were a man and she was a woman, that wasn’t going to happen,” said Anderson. “She had a sharp tongue and she had a sharp pen. She had no problem undressing you intellectually.”

Hawkes was one of the first 150 women to practice law in Wisconsin. She played an active role at the UW until her death in 1978.

Hawkes Hall on the UW-Superior campus is named in her honor.