Recognized for their leadership and contributions, these lawyers, law students, and legal workers have made a difference in the legal profession and in their communities. These award recipients are celebrated by their colleagues and by the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Join us in giving everyone a virtual round of applause for their dedication and hard work to improving the practice of law in Wisconsin.
Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award - Hon. Barbara Key
The State Bar Bench Bar Committee presents the Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award.
This award recognizes a jurist who is fair and impartial, who demonstrates high ideals and personal character, and whose career represents outstanding long-term judicial service.
This year’s recipient is Judge Barbara Key, retired, of Winnebago County Circuit Court.
Judge Key is honored both for her substantial contribution to her judicial colleagues and to her community, and for her service on the bench – including leadership as Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial District in guiding the court through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who talk about Judge Key and her work use these words: fair, intelligent, calm and reasoned, the epitome of justice, intense and intentional, well-researched, an example, promoted civility in the law, having a signature look of skepticism, and attuned to vulnerable litigants.
Elected in 1998 as the first female judge in Winnebago County, Judge Key ultimately served four terms before retiring in 2022.
She came to the bench after working as a deputy district attorney, a criminal defense lawyer, in personal injury law, and as a court commissioner. Through this experience, she realized how important it is to treat everyone involved in the justice system with respect and dignity – sentiments that guided her through her years as a circuit court judge.
Say her nominators: "She spent a significant part of her judicial career enhancing the education and professionalism of her colleagues on the bench serving on numerous Supreme Court committees for conduct, jury instructions, the bench book, and translations."
Judge Key played a key role in founding the county's treatment courts. "Treatment courts are the right thing to do when the offender isn’t a danger to society," she said.
Her advice for new judges: “Do your homework. Law is constantly evolving. It is very apparent to judges which attorneys prepared well for their hearing.” She also advises them to be patient. "That’s something I always had to work on,” she said.
Judge of the Year Award - Hon. Chad Hendee
The State Bar Bench Bar Committee presents the Judge of the Year Award.
This 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.
This year’s recipient is Judge Chad Hendee of Marquette County Circuit Court.
Judge Hendee is recognized for his leadership in strengthening the county's treatment court program, fostering collaboration between law enforcement and participants, and building a lasting culture of recovery and support.
After working as assistant corporation counsel in Sauk County and as district attorney in Marquette County, Judge Hendee was elected to the sole Marquette County bench in 2019 and was recently elected to a second term.
With the treatment court already in place, Judge Hendee has evolved the parameters of the court since he took the bench. "The more I experience treatment court, the more I see that these people are struggling. No one says they want to be addicted to a substance. If they are given the tools and ability to fight that fight with the assistance of a group of professionals, that has value to it," he said.
Working with the treatment court team, Judge Hendee implemented a supportive community around treatment court graduates that includes pairing participants with deputies in a way that fosters support and mutual friendship. "Many spent their lives running from law enforcement. Now they begin to see that the deputies aren't out to get them," he said. "And the officers are able to see that these are real people with real problems."
Judge Hendee has initiated other parts of the program to boost participants' success, including helping them find jobs and housing in the county. With program graduations a special event, alumni attend, wearing special jackets with a custom patch for the occasion. "They do a procession with the jackets. It's our way of honoring our people who have made it through the program and continue to do well," he said.
Periodically, program alumni, participants, the deputies, and treatment court team members gather for events like softball games, Christmas parties, and an annual picnic. Many bring their families, and Judge Hendee always attends.
Judge Hendee’s work has been recognized throughout Wisconsin and nationally as a model for ensuring success of treatment court graduates and engaging communities in this important effort. "We're a very small county with not a lot of resources," he said, "but the way we do the program works very well for us."
Diversity & Inclusion Trailblazer Award - T.R. Williams
The Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee’s Diversity and Inclusion Trailblazer Award celebrates an individual who contributes to and enhances diversity and inclusion within the Wisconsin legal profession. This award recognizes a lawyer who is participating in activities that increase the public’s awareness of diversity and inclusion efforts in the legal profession.
T.R. Williams of Madison is this year’s recipient. The award is from the Diversity & Inclusion Oversight Committee.
“T.R. is a passionate and relentless advocate for women in leadership and racial equity, and she has improved health benefits in Black and Brown communities,” said Judge Kori Ashley, committee chair. “Her leadership has had a profound impact on our community.”
Williams brings decades of cross-sector leadership to her work. She is currently the principal and owner of TRWConsult414 LLC. Her career includes roles with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, The Health Initiative (an East Coast policy organization), the Office of the Wisconsin Governor, and the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association. Additionally, she served as a loaned executive for the United Way of Dane County.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Williams generously shares her expertise, serving on the board of directors of organizations that include the YWCA Madison, Governor's Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council, State Public Defender's Office, and the Wisconsin Women's Network.
In every position, Williams has focused on expanding access, building equity, and challenging institutional norms. “If you’ve ever had the opportunity to hear T.R. speak, you know how profoundly she challenges perspectives,” said her nominator, Rochelle Johnson-Bent. “Every conversation with her is thought-provoking, leaving you to ask: ‘What more can I do to challenge the system’s status quo?’”
Charles Dunn
Wisconsin Lawyer Author Award - Timothy D. Edwards & Hayley Rich-Noble
As the editorial board for the Wisconsin Lawyer magazine, the State Bar’s Communications Committee presents the Hon. Charles Dunn Author Award to recognize writing excellence in the magazine. The award is named in honor of Wisconsin’s first Supreme Court Chief Justice.
The 2025 award goes to Timothy D. Edwards and Hayley Rich-Noble, who co-wrote a two-part article, “Discovering & Admitting AI Data in State & Federal Courts," in the November and December 2024 issues of the magazine. Edwards is a litigation attorney with a solo practice in Fitchburg, and Rich-Noble is with Godfrey & Kahn in Madison.
Committee members said this about the articles:
"Artificial intelligence (AI) currently is the most innovative and impactful technology change for lawyers to navigate, and probably the most intriguing in many years. In addition, most lawyers likely don't understand its impact, how to use it, and how it may affect their practice and their clients.
"The articles were useful, had broad appeal among our readers, and included discussion about practical innovation. The articles did a nice job pointing out to readers the numerous risks of AI and a reminder to use caution when using the technology. Lawyers have a duty to stay well-informed about AI and how to use it as a tool.
"Many people in our profession do not have the time to dive deep, so it is important to highlight articles, especially articles that are credible, well-written, well-sourced, and keep our readers more up to date on important advances in technology."
Pro Bono Attorney of the Year - Sarah A. Johnson
The State Bar the Legal Assistance Committee recognizes attorneys and organizations for their outstanding pro bono services through two awards.
The Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award recognizes Wisconsin attorneys who are dedicated to the development and delivery of legal services to low-income individuals, and to attorneys who develop innovative ways to deliver volunteer legal services.
Sarah A. Johnson of Milwaukee is the recipient of this year’s award.
Sarah's commitment to pro bono service, innovative approach to integrating technology, and tireless advocacy for underserved communities exemplify the values of this prestigious recognition. Sarah's contributions extend beyond her direct client work.
She has led efforts to integrate technology into LAW's clinic operations, revolutionizing how we deliver legal services. Her automated workflows for the Consumer Debt Defense Clinic, Eviction Defense Clinics, Recording Clearing Clinics, and general grant management and reporting operations allow LAW to spend less time on administrative tasks, better utilize volunteer attorneys, and more quickly and efficiently deliver legal services to clients.
Pro Bono Firm/Organization of the Year - WisLawHelp.org
WisLawHelp.org is the recipient of the Pro Bono Firm/Organization of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding pro bono service.
Spearheaded by Judicare Legal Aid, WisLawHelp.org has transformed the way people connect with legal assistance.
This innovative platform functions as a statewide triage and referral system, making it easier and more efficient for individuals to access the legal help they need. It simplifies the process of finding legal aid by providing clear, user-friendly access to resources and referrals for a variety of legal issues, including housing, family law, consumer rights, and more.
It bridges a critical gap by centralizing information and tailoring it to meet the needs of individuals across Wisconsin, especially in underserved areas.
Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Plublic Interest Law Attorney Award - Ellen Pimentel
The State Bar’s Public Interest Law Section Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Public Interest Law Attorney Award recognizes a lawyer who demonstrates a selfless, lifetime commitment to working in the public interest, both inside and outside the field of law.
The 2025 recipient of this award is Ellen Pimentel, a staff attorney with the Indian Law Office, Judicare Legal Aid, in Wausau.
Through her current work at Judicare Legal Aid as a staff attorney, and her past work, among others, as an attorney with Disability Rights Wisconsin, as a paralegal at Legal Action of Wisconsin, and as a bilingual social worker at the 16th Street Clinic, Ellen has dedicated her entire career to ensuring that those in need can access resources to improve their circumstances, and obtain life-sustaining public benefits.
Ellen worked tirelessly in traveling great distances, in all seasons, to regularly visit, attend, and conduct elder and health events sponsored by all 11 Sovereign Tribes in Wisconsin.
In addition to being a formidable lawyer, Ellen has also dedicated personal time to improving her community. She has volunteered with The Arc Wisconsin, Repairers of the Breach Legal Clinic, and the Dane County Bar Association, as well as serving on the board of directors for UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence.
Ryan Klesh Outstanding Public Interest Legal Worker - Rhonda Van Pembrook (posthumously)
The Public Interest Law Section’s Ryan Klesh Outstanding Public Interest Legal Worker Award honors 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.
Rhonda Van Pembrook is the recipient of this year’s award. Sadly, Rhonda passed away Nov. 6, 2024, after a battle with ovarian cancer.
In her 30-plus year career at Legal Action of Wisconsin, Rhonda used her intellect, determination, and warmth to help people obtain and retain public benefits to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, childcare, and health care. Rhonda’s lifelong, selfless commitment to her clients and the community went beyond her professional work. In her personal life, Rhonda volunteered through her church and various community outreach programs such as the Food, Faith and Farming Network and the MICAH (Milwaukee Inner-City Churches Allied for Hope).
Rhonda’s legendary work ethic and genuine appreciation of others made her not just an indispensable employee, but a good friend and colleague to all who knew her.
Outstanding Public Interest Law Student of the Year - Judith Cusack & Diego Romero
The Public Interest Law Section’s Outstanding Public Interest Law Student of the Year Awards honor two law students – one from each Wisconsin law school – who have demonstrated a commitment to working in the public interest and helping others.
University of Wisconsin Law School
This year, the recipient of the Outstanding Public Interest Student of the Year Award from the University of Wisconsin Law School is Judith Cusack, Class of 2025.
Judy’s volunteer work at LIFT’s (Legal Interventions Transforming Wisconsin) Driver's License Reinstatement Clinics and Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Barriers to Employment Clinics, reflected her eagerness, compassion, and dedication to serving the community. In those clinics, she explained the legal process to people who are unfamiliar and overwhelmed on how to resolve their driver’s license suspensions or revocations and background check issues. Judy also finds time to serve as historian and mentor for UW’s Black Law Student Association. Upon graduation, Judy will continue her public interest track and has plans to start full-time employment with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Marquette University Law School
The recipient of the Outstanding Public Interest Student of the Year Award from Marquette University Law School is Diego Romero, Class of 2026.
As a law student, Diego Romero displayed an unwavering dedication to serving and uplifting underserved communities. He participated in the Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) Fellowship program where he interned with Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Farmworker Project.
He also volunteered at the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic (MVLC) and at the United Community Center (UCC). In these programs, Diego’s bilingual abilities, professionalism, leadership, and compassion had an invaluable impact in providing effective legal assistance. Diego will graduate from Marquette in May 2026 with honors for performing more than 120 hours of pro bono work.
Wisconsin Association of Legal Administrators Award of Excellence - Christopher Shattuck
The Wisconsin Association of Legal Administrators presents the Wisconsin Association of Legal Administrators Award of Excellence to honor current or recent members who had a significant impact on the association.
Christopher Shattuck is the 2025 recipient of this award. He is the program director and legal studies/paralegal program instructor at Madison College.
Writes his nominator: "While working for the State Bar of Wisconsin as the Practice411 manager, Chris recognized the potential for a meaningful collaborative partnership between the State Bar and the Wisconsin Association of Legal Administrators (WALA).
"Chris joined the WALA in 2018 and immediately became an engaged, active member. He quickly put all his legal know-how and people skills to work and created an enduring, mutually beneficial relationship between the two organizations.
"Chris has become an integral part of the WALA board of directors, and this year will continue to lead us forward as he serves as our president."
Nonresident Lawyers Division Founder's Award - Kene O. Okocha
The State Bar Nonresident Lawyers Division Founder’s Award recognizes a nonresident member who has brought positive change to the Division and participated in State Bar activities for many years.
Kene O. Okocha of Washington D.C. is this year's recipient.
Kene is recipient of this award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of law, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his profound impact on both his community and colleagues through the NRLD. He has served as both president and a board member of the NRLD, and is very active in the division's Washington, D.C., chapter.
Kene is a senior assistant U.S. attorney (AUSA) who served for 12 years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia. As the deputy chief of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence (SODV) Section, he oversees and trains attorneys prosecuting critical cases involving sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Kene has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the legal community. He is a founding member of the D.C. Chapter of the National Black Prosecutors Association and has served on its executive board for two years. His passion for equitable prosecution is further evidenced through his role as chair of SODV’s Equitable Prosecution Working Group, where his efforts have led to innovative restorative justice initiatives and significant improvements in language access for crime victims.
Kene's dedication to making a difference truly sets him apart.
Government Lawyers Division Grant F. Langley Service Award - James 'Griff' Griffin
The State Bar Government Lawyers Division Grant F. Langley Service Award recognizes a lawyer who provides services not only to the government and citizens, but also to other government attorneys. It pays tribute to a government attorney working to increase the public’s respect for government lawyers while promoting government legal work as a rewarding career choice.
Jim Griffin of Milwaukee is this year’s recipient.
Jim recently retired from the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office after a long and successful career as a prosecutor. He was widely regarded as an exceptional litigator and for his integrity, respect, and candor. He was also known for his unrivaled quick wit, humor, and ability to engage with anyone at any point on a very human level.
"Jim Griffin is deserving of this award for his impact as a mentor," said his nominators. "His impact on countless careers cannot be understated, for he has made an intentional and significant impact on the trajectory of many careers. Those lawyers that learned from his guidance have taken those lessons and passed them on to others, and so on down the line for a string of 30 continuous years.”
He has exemplified kindness, respect, experience, and integrity beyond his own personal reach and through the lawyers he has guided.
Senior Lawyers Division Leonard L. Loeb Award - Dean Dietrich
The State Bar Senior Lawyers Division, through its Leonard L. Loeb Award, recognizes a senior lawyer who has made significant contributions to the legal community, shown respect for the legal system, and demonstrated a love for the law and what it seeks to accomplish.
This year’s recipient is Dean Dietrich of Wausau.
He is being honored for his exceptional achievements and dedication to the legal field. In addition to his extensive community involvement, Dean has been an impressive advocate for the expansion of legal services to residents across the state.
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, demonstrated high ideals and personal character, participated in organizations to improve communities, and participated in state and local bar activities.
Dean has participated in numerous State Bar activities, serving not only on various committees and division boards, but also as State Bar president, 2023-24, and is just completing his year as past president.
Dean has contributed to the advancement of the legal profession and supported fellow lawyers in their professional development by prioritizing civility and professionalism, promoting the importance of lawyer well-being, and developing an abundance of educational programming.
Dean has consistently demonstrated admirable principles and integrity, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Mentor Award - Mary Ferwerda
The Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes a Wisconsin attorney who has made an exceptional contribution to the life and career of a young attorney.
Mary Ferwerda of Milwaukee is the recipient of the 2025 award.
Mary is former executive director of the Milwaukee Justice Center and current chief deputy clerk of Milwaukee Circuit Court.
What makes Mary a fantastic mentor is her ability to connect with people. Whether you are a law student, volunteer attorney, Milwaukee Justice Center client, or administrator, Mary makes people feel heard.
It is because of Mary's vision, dedication, and mentorship of countless law students and attorneys that pro bono in Milwaukee flourishes.
Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Young Lawyer Award - Jason 'JJ' Moore
The Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Young Lawyer Award honors young lawyers who make an impact in their practice areas, in service to the State Bar of Wisconsin and to the community.
JJ Moore of Madison is the 2025 recipient.
Since graduating in 2018, JJ has focused on public interest law culminating serving as staff attorney for Legal Action of Wisconsin. His role focuses on running the bankruptcy advice and petition clinic, where he supervises volunteers and law students in advising clients on Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In 2024, law students worked on 55 bankruptcy petitions and obtained nearly $4 million, which assisted in improving housing stability and reinstating driver’s licenses.
Outside of his job at Legal Action, JJ continuously volunteers on a weekly basis at the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic and ABA Free Legal Answers to provide brief legal advice on a variety of topics. He previously served as a director of the Young Lawyers Division serving the division and the State Bar.
To nominate one of your deserving colleagues for the awards listed above, watch for details in a later edition of
InsideTrack.
