April 1, 2026 – Join the State Bar of Wisconsin in celebrating those who make a difference in the legal profession and in their communities. Recognized by their peers and colleagues, they are members of Wisconsin’s legal community who make a difference – through leadership, service, mentorship, pro bono work, and dedication to others.

Congratulations to these award recipients, recognized for strengthening the profession and serving their communities!

Since 1993, State Bar members have gathered to honor the contributions of those in Wisconsin’s legal community. These award recipients will be honored in person June 11 at the Member Recognition Celebration during the State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference in La Crosse.

Join us in celebrating these leaders who are dedicated to improving the practice of law and the administration of justice in Wisconsin and serving their communities.

Judge William Griesbach: Lifetime Jurist

Judge William Griesbach, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, is the 2026 recipient of the Bench and Bar Committee's Lifetime Jurist Award.

The award recognizes jurists who, during their tenure on the bench, were fair and impartial, and demonstrated high ideals and personal character along with outstanding, long-term judicial service.

Judge Griesbach served as a Brown County Circuit Court judge from 1995 to 2002, and in the Eastern District since 2002. He took senior status in 2019 but continues to maintain a large caseload.

Bench and Bar Committee members said that Judge Griesbach has been an exemplary jurist for the last 31 years, serving the people of Wisconsin. He has always demonstrated high ideals, exemplary personal character, judicial competence, and has been actively involved in community efforts that enhance the judicial system. “Even though he has a large caseload, his decisions are timely and always spot on. He is also more than fair in ensuring that if there are disputed facts in a case, the parties get their right to a bench or jury trial. And during those trials, he is fair, patient and in control of his courtroom.”

Judge Michael Zell: Judge of the Year

Judge Michael Zell, Portage County Circuit Court, is the recipient of the Bench and Bar Committee’s Judge of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding circuit court judge who has improved the judicial system during the past year through leadership in advancing the quality of justice, judicial education, or innovative programs.

The Bench and Bar Committee said Judge Zell is a natural leader who knows the law. He is an outstanding circuit court judge who strives to do the "right thing" no matter the personal cost. He has also overseen a recent rewrite of the court’s local rules.

This was “an extraordinary undertaking,” one observer noted. The rules also include those specific to the use of artificial intelligence. At Judge Zell’s urging, Portage County also changed its local court rules to require that individuals have actual notice of actions being filed against them for debt collection. Default judgments in Portage County now have greater meaning in that respondents are personally aware that someone is seeking a judgment.

U.W. Law School Immigrant Justice Center: Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence

The U.W. Law School’s Immigrant Justice Center (IJC) is the recipient of the Wisconsin Law Foundation’s 2026 Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence. The award recognizes a lawyer, law firm, or group of lawyers for their work on an individual law-related education or public service project.

The IJC, directed by U.W. Law School professor Erin Barbato, operates a year-round, service-learning program that provides legal services to underserved people across Wisconsin who need assistance with immigration matters.

“Amid heightened tensions surrounding enforcement, asylum, and social movements concerning immigration, IJC serves as a beacon of light not only for those requiring assistance but for all those who care about due process and the rule of law,” said U.W. Law School Dean Daniel Tokaji.

Under faculty supervision, law students offer direct representation to clients seeking humanitarian relief or help defending against removal in Immigration Court. IJC conducts monthly screenings at the Dodge County Detention Center, where students provide legal assistance to detained immigrants and identify cases that warrant further legal intervention. At the appellate level, IJC files briefs with the Board of Immigration Appeals and trains students on effective oral advocacy. IJC also advises family law attorneys on immigration-adjacent issues and collaborates with criminal defense attorneys to negotiate plea agreements that avoid jeopardizing immigration status.

“The Immigrant Justice Center exemplifies the very purpose of the Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence,” said Deanne Koll, chair of the award committee. “Through its tireless work providing legal services to Wisconsin’s underserved immigrant community – particularly victims of crime, persecution, and human trafficking – IJC advances both public understanding of the law and meaningful access to justice. Their commitment ensures that some of our most vulnerable neighbors are able to navigate the legal system with dignity, fairness, and hope.”

Judge Thomas Walsh: Charles Dunn Wisconsin Lawyer Author Award

Presented by the State Bar Communications Committee, which serves as the editorial board for Wisconsin Lawyer magazine, the Hon. Charles Dunn Author Award recognizes writing excellence in the publication. The award was named in honor of the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s first chief justice.

The 2026 Charles Dunn Award goes to Brown County Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Walsh, who is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Family Law Section and the editor of The Wisconsin Journal of Family Law.

The award recognizes Judge Walsh’s article, “Lawyers, Judges, the Third Branch: ‘A Republic, If You Can Keep It,’” 98 Wis. Law. 32-37 (July/August 2025).

Judge Walsh’s examination of the legal profession – and the vital role attorneys and judges play in preserving the dignity and integrity of the justice system and the balance of government – was compelling, engaging, and especially timely.

According to the Dunn Award Subcommittee, opinion pieces can easily become overstated or so one-sided that they alienate those who disagree in today’s political climate.

“Judge Walsh’s article, while clearly taking a position, avoids that pitfall. Instead, it invites readers to pause and thoughtfully consider our shared responsibilities within the judicial system. His reflections on how we conduct ourselves each day – and his reminder that our duty extends beyond client advocacy to stewardship of the profession itself – strongly resonated with us and, we hope, with many others,” the subcommittee noted.

“By weaving in historical context and literary references, he offered a perspective that was both insightful and accessible. The writing was engaging and easy to follow, striking a careful balance at a time when measured voices are essential. Ultimately, the article succeeds in rekindling a sense of pride and responsibility among lawyers and judges without veering into extremes.”

The subcommittee concluded that Judge Walsh’s article “stands as a powerful call to action and a timely reminder of what is at stake if we fail to uphold our obligations and defend the rule of law. Thoughtfully crafted and forward-looking, the piece presents multiple perspectives while grounding its message in history, making it both reflective and impactful.”

Judge Ashley Morse: Diversity & Inclusion Trailblazer Award

Judge Ashley Morse of Rock County Circuit Court is this year’s recipient of the Diversity & Inclusion Trailblazer Award. The award, from the Diversity & Inclusion Oversight Committee, celebrates an individual who contributes to and enhances diversity and inclusion within the Wisconsin legal profession.

Judge Ashley Morse was appointed by Gov. Tony Evers in 2022 and elected the following spring to Branch 4 in Rock County. “Notably, she is the first woman of color to serve in this role,” her nominators said.

Prior to taking the bench, Judge Morse worked for the Wisconsin Public Defender, where she was a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and she remains so while on the bench. She volunteers to serve on committees to ensure that judicial conferences and presentations include both diverse topics and inclusive speakers, her nominators noted.

“This work has not been easy, but she never backed down on the promotion of these issues, because she understands that our judiciary must be equipped with the skills to address every litigant before them. She is the very definition of a trailblazer,” said the award committee.

Michael Levey: Pro Bono Lifetime Achievement Award

Michael Levey of Quarles & Brady LLP, Milwaukee, is the recipient of the Pro Bono Lifetime Achievement Award from the State Bar’s Legal Assistance Committee.

This Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the State Bar’s Legal Assistance Committee, is the first time it has been awarded since 2012​. Levey’s accomplishments “make him an outlier in pro bono community,” according to the committee, and this award celebrates him as he begins his retirement.

Levey was a Business Law and Health & Life Sciences partner at Quarles & Brady for more than 30 years. Committed to pro bono service throughout his career, Mike served as the firm’s national pro bono partner from 2014 until his retirement from the firm at the end of 2025, the committee noted.

Under his leadership, Quarles established significant pro bono partnerships with a variety of national organizations, including Legal Services Corporation, the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program, Kids in Need of Defense, National Immigrant Justice Center, HIAS, Sanctuary for Families, ALIGHT, and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Additionally, during Mike’s tenure, Quarles continued its commitment to a variety of local pro bono causes and legal aid organizations, including Legal Action of Wisconsin, the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee and the ACLU of Wisconsin.

Mike’s dedication to helping others extends beyond his work at Quarles. He has made a meaningful difference to civil legal aid in Wisconsin through his ongoing support of the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund (WEJF) since 2015.

Currently a member of its Executive Committee, Mike served as WEJF president in 2019. Mike was also recently appointed to the Legal Services Corporation’s Leaders Council. He is also an active member of Congregation Shalom and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, where he serves as Chair of its Business & Professional Network, according to the committee.

Naomi Swain: Pro Bono Attorney of the Year

Naomi Swain of Hawks Quindel, S.C., Madison, is the recipient of this year’s Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award. The award, presented by the State Bar’s Legal Assistance Committee, recognizes dedication to the development and delivery of legal services to low-income individuals or those who develop innovative ways to deliver volunteer legal services.

Swain shows a commitment to the legal clinics of Dane County, and the legal community in general, that is inspiring for young lawyers. She leads by example in her commitment to serving others and expanding access to justice in our community.

She currently volunteers with the Dane County Bar Association Family Law Assistance Center and the Sunshine Legal Clinic, “where she provides compassionate, practical legal help to individuals facing difficult and often overwhelming circumstances,” said the committee. “She approaches this work with empathy, patience, and a deep respect for the people she serves. Her earlier volunteer work with the Rape Crisis Center hotline and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault reflects a long-term dedication to supporting survivors and advancing equity.”

“Beyond direct service, Naomi gives back through leadership and education, including her service on the boards of YWCA Madison and the Legal Association for Women, and her work with the State Bar’s Labor and Employment Section. She leads by example and consistently goes above and beyond to make the legal system more accessible and humane,” the committee noted.

Brynne McBride: Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Public Interest Law Attorney

Brynne McBride is the recipient of the 2026 Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Public Interest Law Attorney.

The award, presented by the State Bar Public Interest Law Section, recognizes a lawyer who embodies the elements of the award: demonstrating a lifetime commitment to working in the public interest, a commitment to volunteerism beyond employment responsibilities, and a selfless commitment to helping the community.

McBride is chief operating office with ABC for Health in Madison, where she oversees statewide advocacy and legal services for children and families navigating complex health coverage systems. “She has dedicated over two decades to public interest law, clients’ rights, and empowerment and systemic reform,” the committee said.

Beyond her work, she has initiated creative innovative programs, mentored future advocates, and volunteered extensively in community projects. “Her work improves individual lives while driving policy changes that benefit entire communities,” said her nominators. “Brynne’s leadership and vision reflect an unwavering commitment to justice, systemic reform, and community empowerment.”

Meagan Winn: Ryan Klesh Outstanding Public Interest Legal Worker

Meagan Winn is the recipient of this year’s Public Interest Law Section’s Ryan Klesh Outstanding Public Interest Legal Worker Award.

The award recognizes an individual who captures the essence of the late Ryan Klesh: selflessness, work ethic, kindness, intellect, authenticity, and humor in working to seek justice for low-income neighbors, family, or friends.

Winn currently serves as the coordinator for the Milwaukee County Eviction Diversion Initiative. “Through her work, Winn has been an agent for change to benefit both tenants and small landlords in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court,” her nominators said.

Winn has developed two significant systems ​for Milwaukee County, according to the nominators: A new administrative case seal process that eliminated a months-long backlog of cases in Milwaukee courts and an online dispute resolution program that encourages landlords and tenants to work toward a resolution ahead of their court date, clearing the case from the court’s calendar.

“Meagan is a model of tenacity on behalf of the people she serves,” her nominators said, “advocating for and implementing improvements while navigating a system that struggles with change.”

Melodie Wiseman: Nonresident Lawyers Division Founder’s Award

Melodie Wiseman, Reston, Virginia, is the recipient of the Nonresident Lawyers Division Founder’s Award for her many years of service to the Nonresident Lawyers Division (NRLD). This award recognizes a nonresident State Bar member who has brought positive change to the division and has actively participated in State Bar activities for many years.

Wiseman is a past president of the NRLD and former chair of the State Bar Board of Governors. “She remains highly active in promoting the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Nonresident Lawyers Division, regularly contributing her legal writing skills and time to further their missions,” according to her nominators.

Wiseman is a natural and impactful mentor, her nominators said. “Her guidance is thoughtful, generous, and empowering. She leads by example, offering support and encouragement while helping others grow with confidence and clarity.”

“Melodie’s sustained service, leadership, and genuine investment in people embody the values of the Founder's Award, making her truly deserving of this award,” they said.

Alaina Fahley: Government Lawyers Division Grant F. Langley Service Award

Alaina Fahley of Appleton is the recipient of the 2026 Grant F. Langley Service Award from the Government Lawyers Division (GLD).

The Langley Service Award is presented to an attorney with accomplishments in the legal profession who serves not only the government and citizens, but also other government attorneys. The attorney is someone involved in activities that increase the public’s respect for government lawyers while promoting government legal work as a rewarding career choice.

Fahley is the family defense practice coordinator with the State Public Defenders Office in Appleton and is a member of the GLD.

Fahley has spent nearly 13 years with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, “building a reputation as a fierce advocate for children, families, and others involved in the child welfare, youth, and criminal legal systems,” her nominators said.

“As the SPD’s Family Defense Practice Coordinator, she has strengthened representation statewide by training and mentoring attorneys, supporting difficult cases, and helping lawyers navigate evolving legal issues. She is a leader through her service on the State Bar Children and the Law Section, her published writing on systemic inequities, and her role as a national trainer,” they said.

“Her impact reaches beyond individual cases to broader efforts aimed at improving justice for young people and families across Wisconsin, especially those facing systemic barriers. She is an exemplary public defender whose unwavering commitment to social justice and tireless advocacy for children and families has left an enduring mark on Wisconsin's legal landscape,” those who nominated her said.

Myron LaRowe: Senior Lawyers Division Leonard L. Loeb Award

Myron LaRowe is the posthumous recipient of the 2026 Leonard L. Loeb Award from the Senior Lawyers Division. This award is given to a senior lawyer who has made significant contributions to the legal community, shown respect for the legal system, demonstrated a love for the law and high ideals and personal character, participated in organizations to improve communities, and participated in state and local bar activities.

LaRowe served Wisconsin’s legal community with distinction for more than five decades, including as Reedsburg’s city attorney for 18 years, continuing his service even after retirement. As chair of the State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Committee, he helped launch the lawyer hotline, recognizing that lawyers, like their clients, sometimes need help and support. During his term as State Bar president, the Lawyer Referral and Information System expanded statewide, improving access to attorneys for Wisconsin residents.

He also helped explore ways to make legal services more affordable and was a founding member of Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company (WILMIC), created to address the malpractice insurance crisis facing Wisconsin lawyers. LaRowe later served as WILMIC’s second CEO and remained on its board for nearly 30 years, while also serving in leadership roles with the State Bar’s Senior Lawyers Division, Board of Governors, and the American Bar Association.

“Myron’s accomplishments reflected both his deep respect for the legal system and his enduring love for the law. He worked to connect clients with lawyers, improve access to legal services, support lawyer wellness, and strengthen the profession through practical leadership and collaboration,” his nominators said.

LaRowe passed away in March 2023 and is deeply missed. “Those who worked with him remember his professionalism, compassion, kindness, and quiet but steady leadership,” the nominators said.

Beth Ann Richlen: Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Mentor Award

Beth Ann Richlen is the recipient of the Young Lawyers Division’s Outstanding Mentor Award. The award honors a Wisconsin attorney with six or more years of practice who has made an exceptional contribution to the life and career of a young attorney.

Richlen is chief strategy officer at Legal Action of Wisconsin. Her nominators said: “Beth exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding mentor. She has guided young attorneys through complex case questions, especially for young attorneys new to working with people living in poverty. She encourages trauma-informed, holistic approaches to casework, recognizing the intersecting challenges our clients face and addressing their broader needs. This mindset has not only shaped my approach to legal practice but has also encouraged greater connections with community organizations providing critical services to our shared clients. She creates a culture of genuine care and support, and her approachable leadership style demonstrates that no task or conversation is too small when it comes to building a strong and supported team.”

Miranda Tichareva: Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

Miranda Tichareva is the 2026 Young Lawyers Division’s Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year. This award is given to young lawyers who make an impact in their practice areas and in service to the State Bar and to their community.

Tichareva is with Nash Law Group in Wisconsin Rapids. After graduating from University of Wisconsin Law School in 2024, she founded and expanded an immigration law practice in northern Wisconsin, identifying a critical need for immigration representation in rural and central parts of the state. “As an immigrant herself, Miranda recognized that many individuals and families in these communities face high-stakes immigration issues with limited local legal resources. Rather than waiting for the ideal conditions, she built a practice from the ground up by developing a plan, finding clients, and mastering complex areas of immigration law through disciplined self-study and real-world advocacy,” her nominators said.

“Her dedication goes beyond legal knowledge. To better communicate with and advocate for her clients, Miranda pursued Spanish-language education through U.W.-Milwaukee, dedicating substantial study time outside of her demanding work schedule.”

Her nominators said: “Miranda exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding young lawyer. She has built a practice that few would attempt, serves the court and bar with integrity and generosity, and shows up for her community with sustained, meaningful action. Her initiative is rare, her work ethic is exceptional, and her impact is measurable.”

Christa Westerberg and Leslie Anne Freehill; Charlotte Gibson and Colin Roth: Appellate Best Briefs

The State Bar of Wisconsin's Appellate Practice Section recognizes outstanding briefs with its biennial brief-writing competition. Entries, which are limited to briefs filed within a specific time frame, are evaluated for clarity of writing, depth of analysis, and persuasiveness, and not on the apparent merits of any issue.

The sixth biennial Best Briefs competition was comprised of briefs filed between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025. There were 36 entries submitted anonymously. Five section members narrowed the number down to nine, which were then reviewed by a panel of three judges: Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack, Judge Michael Fitzpatrick, and Judge Jeffrey Davis.

“It continues to be a strong competition with a significant number of entries as well as strongly written briefs,” said the reviewers.

Two briefs, each written by two attorneys, were selected as winners of the competition:

Christa Westerberg and Leslie Anne Freehill, for their response brief in Kohler v. Wis. Dept. of Nat. Resources, 21AP1187. Westerberg is an attorney with Pines Bach, LLP, in Madison. Freehill is deputy legal counsel for Gov. Evers with the Office of the Governor, Madison.

“This brief followed appellate practice rules to a ‘T,’ used concise sentences, well-organized paragraphs, and clear legal arguments. It was respectful in tone, with no unnecessary attacks on the opposing party or counsel,” the reviewers said. “It is a compelling statement of facts that uses subtle persuasion even in reciting witness testimony.”

Charlotte Gibson and Colin Roth, for their opening brief in Evers v. Marklien, 23AP2020. Gibson is senior counsel for appeals and complex litigation with the Wisconsin Department of Justice in Madison. Roth is an assistant attorney general with the Special Litigation and Appeals Unit with the Wisconsin Department of Justice in Madison.

“This brief presents a scholarly explication on constitutional separation of powers, and its superb organization contributes to a forceful, clear, and persuasive argument,” the reviewers said. “The writing is good, with short, clear sentences that provide good background on the facts and issues and the application of law. It has a nice flow to it in that the arguments move logically throughout.”

Andrea Bishop and Glenn Cofer: Outstanding Public Interest Law Students

The Public Interest Law Section honors law students who demonstrate a commitment to public interest work, to volunteer work or activism in their community, and to helping others in their communities.

This year, the Outstanding Public Interest Law Students are Andrea Bishop, Marquette Law School (Class of 2026), and Glenn Cofer from University of Wisconsin Law School (Class of 2026).

“Bishop stands out for her exceptional commitment to public service, the consistency of her pro bono work, and the compassion she brings to clients facing serious barriers to justice,” the committee said.

She began pro bono work her first semester of law school and has now completed more pro bono hours than any other law student at Marquette, approaching 300 hours. “Her extensive service across multiple legal settings, especially her work with tenants facing housing instability, reflects both strong legal skills and a deep commitment to helping others. She has assisted individuals seeking U.S. citizenship, supported self-represented family law litigants, helped survivors of domestic violence pursue restraining orders, and volunteered in clinics serving first responders and other community members,” said her nominators.

“Cofer is recognized for his strong commitment to public interest work, his meaningful impact on vulnerable clients, and his leadership among fellow law students during his law school tenure,” according to the award committee. “Through his work with Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Bankruptcy Clinics, the Neighborhood Law Clinic, the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic, and the Dane County Basic Estate Planning Clinic, he has provided critical free legal assistance to underserved communities. Across these roles, he has helped clients achieve life-changing results while also mentoring peers with empathy, professionalism, and a clear dedication to justice,” his nominators said.

Join Us for the Celebration this June in La Crosse

Want to celebrate a friend, family member, or colleague being honored at the Member Recognition Celebration? Join us for this free event from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, in La Crosse.

The celebration takes place at the State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference, June 11-12, 2026. Register now to choose from CLE sessions covering top trends, hot topics, and enduring advice for today’s lawyers.

In addition, featured plenary speakers, the Legal Expo, networking luncheons, and the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony will help you connect, learn, and relax.

Reserve your spot today!