Hawa Wehelie, Esq., MBA
Vice President and Director of Academic Programs
Attorney Admitted to the New York State Bar
Hawa Wehelie is a results-driven attorney with a dual background in law and business. She has experience working in challenging client-focused and cross-cultural environments. Her extensive experience in legal research, drafting, and policy development in both private and government sectors has allowed her to employ a comprehensive range of dispute resolution strategies including direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings.
As Vice President of SICLE, she holds a key leadership position in shaping the future of continuing legal education in Somalia, combining American legal training with deep commitment to Somali justice sector development.
Director of City Law Clinic (February 2020-Present)
Since February 2020, she has led the development of a university-based legal aid clinic at the City University of Mogadishu. The clinic provides valuable and practical clinical legal education to law students as well as pro-bono legal services to indigent communities in Mogadishu. The legal aid clinic provides legal advice and counsel on criminal and land matters, as well as conducts know-your-rights training for the community. The clinic has advised and counseled victims of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and paternity claims, as well as conducted advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on gender-based violence.
International Legal Experience
United States Department of Commerce (August 2018-February 2020)
She served as an Attorney-Advisor in the Office of the Secretary in Washington DC, providing legal advice and support to bureaus relating to policy improvement and enforcement of federal information disclosure statutes including the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.
UN Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) – March to July 2020
She served as Legal Consultant for the Dhulka Naabada project, supporting land reform initiatives and drafting policy briefs assessing land governance in Somalia.
Education and Credentials
Juris Doctor (JD)
Howard University School of Law, Washington DC. Senior Editor of the Howard Human and Civil Rights Law Review.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Howard University School of Business. Concentration in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York. Dean’s List 2005-2008.