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. William C. Griesbach
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 Hon. William C. Griesbach.
Judge of the Year Award - Hon. Michael Zell
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 Hon. Michael Zell.
Diversity & Inclusion Award - Hon. Ashley Morse
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.
Hon. Ashley Morse is this year’s recipient.
Charles DunnWisconsin Lawyer Author Award - Hon. Thomas J. Walsh
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 2026 award goes to Hon. Thomas J. Walsh.
Pro Bono Attorney of the Year - Naomi Swain
The State Bar Legal Assistance Committee recognizes attorneys and organizations for their outstanding pro bono services.
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.
Naomi Swain is the recipient of this year’s award.
Pro Bono Lifetime Achievement Award - Michael Levey
Michael Levey is the recipient of the Pro Bono Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes enduring and outstanding pro bono service.
Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Public Interest Law Attorney Award - Brynne McBride
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 2026 recipient of this award is Brynne McBride.
Ryan Klesh Outstanding Public Interest Legal Worker - Meagan Winn
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.
Meagan Winn is the recipient of this year’s award.
Outstanding Public Interest Law Student of the Year - Andrea Bishop & Glenn Cofer
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.
Marquette UniversityLaw School
The recipient of the Outstanding Public Interest Student of the Year Award from Marquette University Law School is Glenn Cofer.
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 Andrea Bishop.
Wisconsin Association of Legal Administrators Award - Jess Beyer
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.
Jess Beyer is the 2026 recipient of this award.
Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence - University of Wisconsin Law School’s Immigrant Justice Center
The 2026 recipient of the Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence is the University of Wisconsin Law School’s Immigrant Justice Center.
Nonresident Lawyers Division Founder's Award - Melodie Wiseman
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.
Melodie Wiseman is this year's recipient.
Grant F. Langley Service Award - Alaina Fahley
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.
Alaina Fahley is this year’s recipient.
Senior Lawyers Division Leonard L. Loeb Award - Myron LaRowe
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 Myron LaRowe.
Outstanding Young Lawyer Award - Miranda Tichareva
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.
Miranda Tichareva is the 2026 recipient.
Outstanding Mentor Award - Beth Ann Richlen
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.
Beth Ann Richlen is the recipient of the 2026 award.
Appellate Best Brief Winners - Colin Roth & Charlotte Gibson
The 2026 recipients of the Appellate Best Brief Award are Colin Roth and Charlotte Gibson.
Appellate Best Brief Winners - Leslie Ann Freehill & Christa Westerberg
The 2026 recipients of the Appellate Best Brief Award are Leslie Ann Freehill and Christa Westerberg.
To nominate one of your deserving colleagues for the awards listed above, watch for details in a later edition of InsideTrack.
