We got to know each other through writing letters. Many letters. We wrote each other while I was locked up in federal prison and while Annie suffered through several years of anorexia.

Through the grace of God, we made it to the other side. We are now happily married and going on our third-year anniversary. A doctor told Annie that she would never have children, and yet, everyday, we chase around a 2-year old boy, named Mark, and a 10-month old girl, named Grace. Life is grand!

Our story was featured by the Saturday Evening Post

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Shon Hopwood’s unusual legal journey began not at law school, but federal prison, where he learned to write briefs for other prisoners. Two petitions for certiorari he prepared were later granted review by the United States Supreme Court, and the story of his legal success was the subject of articles in the New York Times, Omaha World-Herald, Peoria Journal Star, and Above the Law. His work has been published in the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties and Fordham Law Reviews, SCOTUSblog, The Champion, and The Resurgence.

He is a Gates Public Service Law Scholar at the University of Washington School of Law.

Shon enjoys liberty, the writing of the Apostle Paul, Amy Hempel, and Raymond Carver, the music of Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie and Citizens, and watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team.

Ann Marie Hopwood has embraced the most challenging job of her life raising two very willful children and taking care of a third—her husband. Ann Marie possesses a B.S. in Exercise Science from Creighton University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Bellevue University. Prior to having children, she worked at several treatment centers helping those struggling with addictions and eating disorders.

Ann Marie has been featured in Sports Illustrated for Women and Fit Pregnancy. While at Creighton, Ann Marie competed with the cross-country team, ran in the Boston Marathon, modeled for Take One Talent, and performed at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

She currently manages her family’s business endeavors. For fun, Ann Marie enjoys reading, running, and exploring new trails and parks with her family.