HOWARD B. EISENBERG SERVICE AWARD
Raphael F. Ramos, Law ’08
Milwaukee
Helping strangers during their lowest moments is Raphael’s job, and it’s an example of his personal commitment to serving others. As the director of Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Eviction Defense Project, Raphael works with individuals on the verge of eviction who are unable to obtain legal representation.
“It is troubling that we ask people who are in a moment of utter desperation and turmoil to capably represent themselves in court, while facing represented parties free of those constraints,” he says. “There is an inherent imbalance of power in that paradigm.”
Raphael also uses his legal expertise in his volunteer work. Since graduating from Drake University in 2005 and from the Marquette University Law School in 2008, Raphael has been involved with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic (MVLC), which he calls his monthly dose of humility. “As attorneys, we have been blessed with education and opportunity that many people do not have, and the MVLC does an excellent job reminding me of that fact,” he says. Working with the MVLC is what ultimately motivated him to pursue a career in the public service sector.
The importance of service was ingrained in Raphael by his parents. They emigrated from the Philippines when he was two years old to provide a better life for their family. Once they arrived in Wisconsin, they dedicated their lives to the Filipino-American community. They even helped to establish the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation where Raphael still volunteers. “The values I have and the recognition I am receiving for service all stem from the example set by my parents,” he says.
Fun Fact:
One of Raphael’s favorite Marquette memories was the trip to Europe he took with his international law class. He and his classmates visited the Council of Europe, European Parliament and NATO headquarters, among other important institutions.