For attorney Clementine Uwabera, Madison’s public schools laid the groundwork for a career marked by leadership, service, and legal excellence.
Clementine grew up on Madison’s west and south sides, attending Shorewood Elementary, Hamilton Middle School, and La Follette High School. Her time in MMSD shaped not only her academic skills but also her passions.
“I loved French class with Madame Valley, who taught me from French I through AP French,” she shares. “She created a culturally immersive and engaging learning environment that left a lasting impression on me.” Outside the classroom, Clementine found joy and teamwork on the soccer field, one of her favorite activities during high school.
After graduating from La Follette in 2006, Clementine earned her undergraduate degree from UW–Madison in 2010 and completed her law degree at Florida State University College of Law in 2013. “My MMSD education established a strong foundation in critical reading, logical thinking, and effective writing,” she says. “These skills fostered my analytical ability, attention to detail, and persuasive communication – qualities that have been vital throughout my career as an attorney.”
Clementine began her legal career with the Office of the Public Defender for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, where she gained extensive courtroom experience. She then transitioned to civil litigation, representing plaintiffs in complex cases involving premises liability, insurance coverage, and wrongful death. Her work earned her membership in the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor reserved for lawyers who have secured significant settlements or verdicts.
Today, Clementine is a partner at Stafford Rosenbaum LLP in Madison. Her practice focuses on litigation and municipal law, covering a wide range of cases including tort and civil rights defense, products liability, commercial disputes, and wrongful death claims. In addition to her practice, she co-authors publications for the State Bar of Wisconsin and served as President of the Dane County Bar Association. Recently, she was named to the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, a national honor recognizing legal excellence and leadership.
Among her proudest accomplishments, Clementine highlights becoming a partner at her firm and watching her younger sisters thrive—matriculating through the MMSD system and going on to lead successful and fulfilling lives and careers.
Outside of work, Clementine enjoys traveling, trying new recipes, and spending time with her family.
Madison’s public schools are proud to count Clementine among their alumni!
