In July, I rode my bicycle across the state of Iowa as part of RAGBRAI. RAGBRAI posts that it America’s oldest and longest multi-day recreational bike ride. There were a lot of things that were impressive. The comradery, the logistics, the efforts by individual cyclists, but one thing stood out to me: The Air Force Cycling Team. The US Air Force Cycling Team call themselves “The Guardian Angels Of The Road.” They exemplify their core values of
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To Build Trial Lawyers, Give Young Attorneys Their Day in Court
Wisconsin, like most states, has a growing shortage of skilled civil trial lawyers, especially in rural areas throughout the state. Jeffrey Muszynski discusses the steps Wisconsin is taking to address this issue and urges members of the bar to do more to keep alive the tradition of highly skilled advocates in the state.
For many younger attorneys in Wisconsin, trial work can feel increasingly out of reach. This is especially true outside of criminal cases, as civil trials become
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Marquette Poll Results Beyond the Governor’s Race
By Erik Reinthaler
WJI Intern
Growing opposition to proposed data centers, persistent concerns about the cost of living, and renewed public opinion on Act 10 were among the findings in the latest Marquette University Law School Poll, released Wednesday.
The latest poll gathered information from 838 Wisconsin registered voters from July 8-16.
Poll Director Charles Franklin presented the survey results at an event hosted by Derek Mosley, director of the law school’s Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and
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Episode 31: René Jovel’s Unique Journey from L.A. to Milwaukee, from Political Sphere to In-house Counsel
René Jovel, an assistant general counsel, shares his inspiring journey from L.A. to Milwaukee, with a pit stop at Northwestern University, navigating multiple cultural environments and forging a unique legal career path. Discover insights on the realities of law school, the impact of constituent services in the U.S. Senate, and the evolving landscape of in-house legal roles.
Host Emil Ovbiagele leads this lively discussion, which centers on René’s road less traveled, the power of staying true to oneself, and
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Evers’ Judges: Samuel T. Berg
”Evers’ judges” is our effort to present information about Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees to the bench. The information is taken from the appointees’ own judgeship applications.
Italics indicate direct quotes from the application. Typos, including punctuation errors, come from the original application even though we have not inserted “(sic)” after each one. WJI has left them as is.
Name: Samuel T. Berg
Appointed to: Walworth County Circuit Court
Appointment date: Nov. 7, 2025, to term ending July 31, 2027
Evers’ Judges: Whitney A. Healy
”Evers’ judges” is our effort to present information about Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees to the bench. The information is taken from the appointees’ own judgeship applications.
Italics indicate direct quotes from the application. Typos, including punctuation errors, come from the original application even though we have not inserted “(sic)” after each one. WJI has left them as is.
Name: Whitney A. Healy
Appointed to: Outagamie County Circuit Court
Appointment date: Nov. 7, 2025, to term ending July 31, 2027
Evers’ judges: David O. Hughes
”Evers’ judges” is our effort to present information about Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees to the bench. The information is taken from the appointees’ own judgeship applications.
Italics indicate direct quotes from the application. Typos, including punctuation errors, come from the original application even though we have not inserted “(sic)” after each one. WJI has left them as is.
Name: David O. Hughes
Appointed to: Kenosha County Circuit Court
Appointment date: Dec. 23, 2025, to term ending July 31,
Bottom Up Episode 30: Legal Blogging with LexBlog CEO Kevin O’Keefe
Explore the evolution and impact of legal blogging with Kevin O’Keefe, CEO of LexBlog Inc., as he shares insights on how lawyers can leverage blogs for reputation, niche authority, and adapting to AI advancements. The LexBlog Library “indexes and archives legal commentary published across the web, providing the structure and metadata required to power the AI-driven web.”
O’Keefe, who started his legal career as a trial lawyer in La Crosse, discusses his path into the legal tech world, the
Continue Reading Bottom Up Episode 30: Legal Blogging with LexBlog CEO Kevin O’Keefe
I Am Selling My Business – Now What?
When you own a business, it becomes more than a paycheck; it is your life’s work. The business can be immensely personal, and the sale of it can be life altering and emotional, even in the best situations. You may be asking yourself: “Do I really need to hire a lawyer to sell my business?” While you are the expert on your company, we are the experts on the legal ramifications, liabilities, and protections you and your family need
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Your Vote Matters – Introducing the 2026 Officer Candidates
Lisa M. Lawless
Anna F.C. Muñoz
Basil J. Buchko
Joseph M. Cardamone III
Saveon D. Grenell
Jason D. Luczak
Dec. 5, 2026 –
Lisa M. Lawless and
Anna F.C. Muñoz have accepted nominations to run for 2026 State Bar of Wisconsin president-elect.
Both candidates are lawyers active in Milwaukee. Lawless (Indiana 1992) is with Husch Blackwell LLP, and Muñoz (Marquette 2005) is with Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
The president-elect serves a one-year term before becoming president on July 1,
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Episode 29: Private Bar Assigned Counsel Program, State Public Defender with Kathleen Pakes and Melissa Lamb
Through the Assigned Counsel Program, the Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) appoints private bar attorneys to handle overflow and conflict cases, providing attorneys with courtroom experience in criminal cases representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies across the state. “You can absolutely do it,” said attorney Kathleen Pakes, director of the Assigned Counsel Program.
Pakes is talking about new or newer attorneys who may be interested in taking assigned cases, noting SPD provides training and other resources. Learn more
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Bottom Up Episode 28: Product Liability Law and Legal Writing with Trial Attorney Jesse Blocher
Jesse Blocher is the author of a recently published book, “Wisconsin Tort Law: Products Liability,” published by State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE®. He’s also an award-winning author for Wisconsin Lawyer magazine. In this episode of the Bottom Up Podcast, produced by the State Bar, the conversation explores Jesse’s journey into law, the challenges faced by young lawyers, the decline of jury trials, and the intricacies of product liability law. A partner at Habush, Habush & Rottier, Jesse shares insights
Continue Reading Bottom Up Episode 28: Product Liability Law and Legal Writing with Trial Attorney Jesse Blocher
Episode 28: Product Liability Law and Legal Writing with Trial Attorney Jesse Blocher
Jesse Blocher is the author of a recently published book, “Wisconsin Tort Law: Products Liability,” published by State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE®. He’s also an award-winning author for Wisconsin Lawyer magazine. In this episode of the Bottom Up Podcast, produced by the State Bar, the conversation explores Jesse’s journey into law, the challenges faced by young lawyers, the decline of jury trials, and the intricacies of product liability law. A partner at Habush, Habush & Rottier, Jesse shares
Continue Reading Episode 28: Product Liability Law and Legal Writing with Trial Attorney Jesse Blocher
Bottom-Up Episode 27: From Steelworker to Civil Rights Lawyer – Veteran Litigator Mark L. Thomsen’s Unique Journey
Mark L. Thomsen’s path to law is unlike any other story. In this episode of the Bottom Up podcast, host Emil Obviagele dives deep with Mark, a veteran Milwaukee-based litigator and partner at Gingras Thomsen & Wachs LLP. The episode explores Mark’s unique upbringing in Nigeria, his return to America, and the cultural shocks he experienced. They discuss his journey into law, activism, and the importance of fighting for justice. The conversation delves into the role of lawyers in
Continue Reading Bottom-Up Episode 27: From Steelworker to Civil Rights Lawyer – Veteran Litigator Mark L. Thomsen’s Unique Journey
Episode 27: From Steelworker to Civil Rights Lawyer – Veteran Litigator Mark L. Thomsen's Unique Journey
Mark L. Thomsen’s path to law is unlike any other story. In this episode of the Bottom Up podcast, host Emil Obviagele dives deep with Mark, a veteran Milwaukee-based litigator and partner at Gingras Thomsen & Wachs LLP. The episode explores Mark’s unique upbringing in Nigeria, his return to America, and the cultural shocks he experienced. They discuss his journey into law, activism, and the importance of fighting for justice. The conversation delves into the role of lawyers in
Continue Reading Episode 27: From Steelworker to Civil Rights Lawyer – Veteran Litigator Mark L. Thomsen's Unique Journey
The State Bar Diversity Clerkship Program: A Win-Win for Students and Employers
The clerks of the Class of 2025 Diversity Clerkship Program. For more photos,see the album on the State Bar of Wisconsin Facebook page.
Aug. 4, 2025 – It is a program to boost the next generation of lawyers – and also Wisconsin legal firms and organizations who employ them.
The State Bar of Wisconsin’s Diversity Clerkship Program matches first-year law students from all backgrounds from Wisconsin law schools with legal offices, firms, and corporations for a 10-week
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