“ Through my role as associate professor and working in the clinic, I have a dual purpose,” Giggenbach says.“ I can continue helping clients with legal problems, and I also teach law students how to practice law in a client-centered way. Teaching criminal law is a bonus because I see the students at the beginning of their legal journey and then I see them again at the end as third year law students in the clinic. The progression is fascinating. Postconviction innocence work can be difficult and draining, but no matter the outcome, I always get the satisfaction of watching students learn and grow.”
At the WVU College of Law, Giggenbach serves on the board of directors of The Fund for Law in the Public Interest, Assessment and Curriculum Committee at West Virginia Law Institute. She is also a member of the Innocence Network, where she serves on the awards committee.
“ I firmly believe society functions best when everyone pulls together toward a common goal while not leaving our community members behind,” she says.“ Not everyone is born with the same advantages, so fair doesn’ t always mean equal. Sometimes one person needs more of a boost than another person. Providing that boost levels the playing field and adds to the diversity of perspectives and viewpoints that benefit society as a whole.”
Giggenbach is thankful for many mentors who supported her early in her career, including her husband, Bader Giggenbach, Morgantown Attorney Natalie Sal and Goodrich.
“ They were incredibly generous with their time and advice,” she says.“ As a clinician at the College of Law, longtime faculty member Professor Marjorie McDiarmid was also instrumental in teaching me how to effectively guide students to become lawyers.”
Inspired by that support, she not only mentors students in the WVU College of Law but also often reaches out to former students to offer encouragement, answer questions and provide information when needed. She considers herself to be a resource to any lawyer in the state with postconviction questions.
“ Growing up poor on a farm in rural West Virginia, I wouldn’ t be where I am without many people’ s support, both direct and indirect,” Giggenbach says.“ From the guidance counselor who helped me find the funds to pay for college to the family friends who supported me with small gifts along the way and parents who believed in me, I was able to attend college and law school and achieve my goal of gaining a degree that can be used to help others. Because of the example of my supporters, I see how lending a hand, big or small, can mean the most to those in the greatest need of an advantage. So that’ s what I do— I look for ways to encourage people who might need a boost.”
Giggenbach resides outside of Morgantown with her husband, where they enjoy gardening, hiking, fishing and taking care of their beehives.
“ I feel very fortunate to not only directly help fellow West Virginians but to also train the next generation of lawyers who will do the same,” Giggenbach says.“ Working in the public interest is incredibly satisfying and even more so when it’ s your fellow Mountaineers.” •
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