Volume 3 | Issue 5 | June 2024

150 Years of women in Wisconsin law: Honoring Lavinia Goodell's legacy

As Wisconsin commemorates a significant milestone in its legal history, the spotlight shines on one pioneering figure whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Lavinia Goodell, the first woman admitted to practice law in Wisconsin, remains a beacon of courage and determination as the state celebrates 150 years since her groundbreaking achievement.

Lavinia Goodell

Women in Wisconsin Law: a historical timeline

In honor of Wisconsin Women Lawyers Day earlier this month, Wisconsin State Law Library staff created a timeline that chronicles the achievements, challenges, and pivotal moments of women who have shaped Wisconsin's legal landscape. From trailblazing attorneys and judges to activists and legislators, these women have made significant contributions to advancing justice and equality.

Explore the timeline by clicking here.

Women in WI law

Chief Justice establishes committee to address attorney shortage

In response to the pressing issue of a diminishing pool of legal practitioners in Wisconsin, Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler initiated a significant step forward to address the issue. Earlier this month, the chief justice established the Attorney Retention & Recruitment Committee to mitigate the state's attorney shortage, especially acute in rural counties.

Map of Wisconsin

Schneider selected to chair Committee of Chief Judges

Eighth Judicial Administrative District Chief Judge Carrie A. Schneider, Outagamie County Circuit Court, has been named as the new leader of the Chief Judge Committee. Judge Schneider was selected for this prestigious role by her fellow chief judges, effective August 1. She will replace outgoing committee chair Jason A. Rossell, who will have exhausted his eligibility as chief judge, a position he has held since 2017.

Eighth Judicial Administrative District Chief Judge Carrie A. Schneider

Judges appointed in Dane, Lafayette counties

This month, the Wisconsin judicial system welcomes new judges following Governor Tony Evers' announcement of two judicial appointments. These judges bring a strong sense of community, public service, and justice to the bench.

Payal Khandhar, Jenna Gill

Director of State Courts gives opening remarks at State Bar annual conference

The State Bar of Wisconsin held its annual meeting and conference June 19-21 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.

Hon. Audrey K. Skwierawski

Judge Daley receives State Bar’s ‘Lifetime Jurist Award’

Judge James P. Daley (retired) of Rock County Circuit Court is the 2024 recipient of the 2024 State Bar of Wisconsin Bench and Bar Committee's Lifetime Jurist Award. From his beginnings as a railroad special agent to his decorated service in the Marines, Daley's path to the bench was shaped by a commitment to justice and service. Learn more about his career, which was marked by his leadership in establishing Wisconsin's first regional veterans' diversion court and other impactful initiatives, by reading the Wisconsin State Bar’s article here.

Hon. James P. Daley

Final gavel: Judge retires from the bench

Ozaukee County Circuit Court Judge Paul V. Malloy ended his 22-year career on the Branch 1 bench on April 1. Malloy was the most senior judge in the county when he retired.

Hon. Paul V. Malloy

Seminar explores technology's role in the judiciary

The highly anticipated Technology & the Bench Seminar, hosted by the Wisconsin Court System's Office of Judicial Education, took place on June 13th-14th, 2024, at the Madison Concourse Hotel. This event brought together esteemed legal professionals, technology experts, and judicial officials to delve into the intricate intersection of technology and the judiciary.

Technology and the Bench Seminar

Law Library offering Lexis+, webinars

The Wisconsin State Law Library is excited to announce Lexis+ is now available for walk-in use. To celebrate, they are offering CLE webinars in conjunction with LexisNexis.

Law Library books