McKaela is an attorney (pending bar passage) at Hawkes Quam, LLC. She practices family law exclusively. McKaela is a dedicated advocate who pursued a career in family law to support families and children during their most challenging moments. Drawing from her previous experience with the Division of Child and Family Services, McKaela developed a profound appreciation for the complexities of family dynamics within the legal system. Her background in social work equips her with a profound sense of empathy, compassion, and understanding, making her uniquely qualified to assist families and children in navigating legal proceedings.
McKaela’s unwavering commitment to family law is evident in her work and advocacy. While in law school at the S.J. Quinney College of Law (University of Utah), McKaela directed the Pro Bono Initiative’s Family Law Site, overseeing the coordination of local volunteer family law attorneys. Her role involved organizing attorneys to offer brief, pro bono legal consultations to families in need who were unable to afford representation in family law matters.
During law school, McKaela clerked for the Utah Attorney General’s Office in the Child Protection Division, and for Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake City, where she assisted in the free representation to low-income families and victims of domestic violence in family law cases.
Outstanding Student Leader (2024)
Pro Bono Initiative Service Certificate, (2024)
CALI Excellence for the Future Award (highest grade), Family Law (2023)
CALI Excellence for the Future Award (highest grade), Juvenile Law (2023)
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Trial Advocacy (2023)
