March 15, 2024 – Gov. Tony Evers today announced the appointment of State Bar of Wisconsin President-elect Jane Bucher to serve on the Green County Circuit Court (Branch 2), which leaves a vacancy in the president-elect post.

Bucher, a partner at Russell Law Offices S.C. in Monroe, was elected State Bar president-elect in 2023 and was set to become president on July 1, 2024. However, under Wisconsin Supreme Court rules, judges cannot serve as State Bar Officers or members of the Board of Governors.

Bucher ran for an open judicial seat in Green County in 2021 and narrowly lost. She announced in February that she had applied for an appointment to an open judicial seat. She will complete the term of Judge Thomas J. Vale, who resigned. The term ends July 31, 2025.
“Jane Bucher is a well-respected attorney with a breadth of experience who is committed to public service and improving her community,” said Gov. Evers in a press release. “She will be an excellent judge for the people of Green County.”

In light of Bucher’s announcement, State Bar President Dean Dietrich in February formed a Nominating Committee tasked with navigating the vacancy.

“Jane Bucher is a great leader in the legal profession and the State Bar of Wisconsin,” said State Bar Executive Director Larry J. Martin.

“The Governor has made a smart choice in promoting Jane to the bench. She will be a thoughtful, fair, and wise judge. The citizens of Green County and the State of Wisconsin will be well served.  But we will miss her wit and her leadership at the State Bar.”