Kissane Award Presented to Danica Werhand

Danica Werhand was named the Elmer C. Kissane Public Service Award winner from the May 2009 graduating class.

The award is given by the Kissane family to a graduate who had a distinguished law school career, and is committed to a career with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The award is given in memory of Elmer Kissane, who worked for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for 43 years. Werhand will be awarded the $5,000 prize after she completes a year as an assistant state's attorney.

Werhand has been an intern with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for the past two years, being mentored by Judge Diane Gordon Cannon in the Felony Trial Division. Initially, Werhand spent her time getting familiar with the court's routine by watching daily court calls and cases. After several months, Werhand became more involved with the process by sitting in on witness interviews and opening up case files for attorneys in Judge Gordon Cannon's courtroom. After completing her second year of law school, Werhand began to participate in hearings and trials using a 711 license.

"All of these experiences showed me what it takes to be an assistant state's attorney, and I'm eager to have the chance to work as one," Werhand said.

At John Marshall, Werhand focused on trial work. She placed second in the 1L Mock Trial Competition. Her outstanding academic record enabled her to join the Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution Honors Council, and later the Honors Board. As a third-year student, Werhand was the board's presiding barrister.

She also represented John Marshall as a team member at four competitions-ABA Labor and Employment Law Trial Advocacy Competition in fall 2007; the National Trial Competition in Spring 2008 and again in Spring 2009; and was a semi-finalist at Georgetown Law's White Collar Crime National Mock Trial Invitational.

Werhand is a graduate of Indiana University, receiving a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and psychology.

Paul Kissane congratulates Danica Werhand during the May commencement on her being selected the Elmer C. Kissane Public Service Award winner.