Judge Maxine A. White selected "Judge of the Year"

MADISON, February 26, 2002 - Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Maxine Aldridge White has been named the State Bar of Wisconsin's 2001 Judge of the Year. The award will be presented at the State Bar Annual Convention, on May 17 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

"By honoring individual judges' efforts and accomplishments, we recognize the vital role of a judicial system with integrity and independence. The judicial branch upholds the rule of law in good times and in hard times, through judges like Maxine White," said Attorney Nicholas Casper, chair of the Bench /Bar Committee. "We are honored to recognize Judge White who is known for dispensing 'swift but compassionate justice' and for outstanding service to the profession and the community."

White was appointed to the circuit court in 1992, elected in 1993, and re-elected in 1999. Prior to becoming a judge, White was an assistant U.S. Attorney from 1985 to 1992. She has served on the faculty of both the Wisconsin and National Judicial Colleges and as an instructor at the UW Law School. Current and past board affiliations include the Milwaukee Bar Foundation, the Marquette University Law Alumni Association, The House Of Peace and the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers, and the National Bar Association. She has received numerous legal, civic and academic honors, including the Outstanding Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee. White earned a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and her law degree from Marquette University Law School.

In the past few years, White has shown great leadership on two important task forces. Former Governor Tommy Thompson appointed White chair of the Governor's Task Force on Racial Profiling. She led a diverse group of law enforcement, civic, community and academic leaders through a comprehensive study of racial profiling, creating a national model for other jurisdictions and culminating in an Executive Order from Governor McCallum implementing the recommendations of the Task Force. Thompson also appointed White chair of the Legislature's Committee on Judicial Selection, which issued a report recommending ways to increase racial and ethnic diversity among Wisconsin judges.

"In addition to everything Judge White does, she freely gives guidance and advice to young attorneys," said Attorney Amanda Schaumburg. "This may be the greatest quality of a 'Judge of the Year,' one who gives back to her professional community by ensuring that tomorrow's leaders follow the right path."

The Judge of the Year Award recognizes a jurist who has improved the judicial system during the past year by his or her leadership in advancing the quality of justice, judicial education, or innovative programs. High ideals, personal character, judicial competence, and community involvement are hallmarks of the recipient.

Past Judges of the Year include Hon. Thomas H. Barland, Eau Claire Circuit Court; Hon. Dennis J. Barry, Racine County Circuit Court; Hon. Harold Froehlich, Outagamie Circuit Court; Hon. Michael P. Sullivan, Milwaukee County Circuit Court; and Hon. Gary L. Carlson, Taylor County Circuit Court.

The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides continuing legal education for its members, and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the legal system.

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