Candidates for Board of Governors

The following names were submitted by nomination petition for election to the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is the State Bar's policymaking body. Governors serve two-year terms.

Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 16 will elect governors in 2024. District 2 (Milwaukee) elects five; District 6 (Waukesha) elects two; District 9 (Dane) elects four; and all other districts elect one.

All State Bar elections (including for State Bar divisions and sections) will be held via electronic ballot in 2024, starting April 11, 2024. The election closes at noon Central Time on April 26, 2024.

Persons elected will take office July 1, 2024.

• District Map
• View Officer Candidates

District 2 (five vacancies)

• Vincent J. Bobot, Bobot Law Office LLC, Milwaukee, Marquette 1992
• Randal J. Brotherhood, Meissner Tierney Fischer Nichols SC, Milwaukee, Washington University 1981
• Basil J. Buchko, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin Inc., Milwaukee, University of Notre Dame Law School 1999
• Lisa M. Lawless, Husch Blackwell LLP, Milwaukee, Indiana University 1992
• Colleen A. Taylor, State Public Defenders Office, Milwaukee, Case Western Reserve University 2017

District 4 (one vacancy)

• Julie F. Stodolka, Plymouth, University of California-Los Angeles School of Law 1987

District 6 (two vacancies)

• Jesse B. Blocher, Waukesha, Habush, Habush & Rottier, SC, Marquette University Law School 2006
• Alexandra K. Evans, Waukesha, Hippenmeyer, Reilly, Blum, Schmitzer, & Fabian, SC, Marquette 2021

District 8 (one vacancy)

• Heather M. Amos, Hudson, St. Croix County Corporation Counsel, Hamline University School of Law 2007

District 9 (four vacancies)

• Elizabeth A. Fernandez, Madison, Wisconsin Education Association Council, U.W. Law School 2001
• C. Kai Hovden, Madison, DeWitt LLP, U.W. Law School 2017
• Ryan F. Poe-Gavlinski, Madison, University of Wisconsin Law School, Quinnipiac University School of Law 2004
• Sam Wayne, Madison, Wayne Law S.C., U.W. Law School 2009
• Michael Seung-Hyock Yang, Madison, MY Law Office LLC, U.W. Law School 2013

District 10 (one vacancy)

• Luis A. Garza, Keshena, Garza Legal Counsel, U.W. Law School 1992

District 12 (one vacancy)

• Ryan O’Hara, Janesville, State Public Defenders Office, U.W. Law School 2013

District 14 (one vacancy)

• Rachel E. Maes, Green Bay, City of Green Bay, Hamline University School of Law 2014

District 16 (one vacancy)

• William A. Harris, Wausau, Judicare Legal Aid, Western Michigan University School of Law 2008

District 2

Vincent J. Bobot of Milwaukee. Bachelor of Science Degree, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Marquette University, J.D., 1992. City of Milwaukee Assistant City Attorney 1993-99 and 2005-08. President of the Municipal Attorney’s Association. City of Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge 1999-03. Attended National Judicial College. Solo practitioner, Bobot Law Office LLC, 2008-present. 

Vincent J. Bobot Campaign Statement

I will explore ways in which to make the legal practice for attorneys more efficient and effective in the justice system. I have a proven track record in the jobs I held in the legal profession in improving the quality of service to people.

Randal J. Brotherhood of Milwaukee. Mr. Brotherhood is a shareholder in the law firm of Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. His primary practice areas include corporate and business organizations and governance, trade associations and nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and foundations, intellectual property matters, securities regulation, and acquisition transactions. Mr. Brotherhood received his B.A. degree (cum laude) from Marquette University in 1978 and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1981, where he served as senior editor of the Washington University Law Quarterly. He is a member of the American, Wisconsin and Milwaukee Bar Associations. His activities with the State Bar of Wisconsin include Chair of the Section Leaders Council (2022-24); advisor to, and former Chair of, the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin; Chair, Business Law Section Corporations Committee. Mr. Brotherhood has been named to Best Lawyers in America® and Wisconsin Superlawyers®. He has chaired and served on the governing boards of numerous civic, charitable, and nonprofit organizations, both locally and nationally. Mr. Brotherhood is a frequent lecturer and author on a variety of business-related legal topics.

Randal J. Brotherhood Campaign Statement

I appreciate this opportunity to express my interest in reelection as a member of the State Bar Board of Governors. I am currently also serving as chair of the Section Leaders Council, so I have particular familiarity with the important issues facing the Board of Governors as they bear on the activities of State Bar’s Sections and State Bar members overall. I have also served the State Bar of Wisconsin in numerous other capacities, having served as chair of the board of directors of the Business Law Section (BLS) from 2016 to 2018. My activities with the Business Law Section have included, among other things, work with the BLS board and various of its board members in connection with the revision and updating of Wisconsin’s business entity statutes, a multi-year effort which resulted in the recent approval of state legislation effecting such revisions and updates.

The Board of Governors consists of many outstanding lawyers from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and areas of practice. I believe that I can continue to contribute positively to the already diverse mix of voices on the Board of Governors and help advance the important work of the State Bar of Wisconsin in this position.

Basil J. Buchko of Milwaukee. Attorney Basil Buchko currently serves as vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer for Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Atty. Buchko works with senior leaders to develop organizational goals and strategy, drive results, and ensure accountability. Atty. Buchko previously served on the Board of Governors in 2022-23 and presently serves on the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation Board. Atty. Buchko is an active volunteer in his community serving on the board of directors for CORE Treatment Services, Inc., a Wisconsin nonprofit focusing on inpatient drug addiction treatment, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lake Shore, Inc., a Wisconsin nonprofit focusing on the mentoring of youth. Atty. Buchko graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1999 and was licensed in Wisconsin that same year. He earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 2021. He has been married to his wife, Heather, for 22 years and has two children. He enjoys the hobbies of O scale trains and alpine skiing. Together with his son he has reached the level of green belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Lisa M. Lawless of Milwaukee. Indiana University, J.D. 1992, summa cum laude; University of Virginia, B.A. 1989. Husch Blackwell LLP, 2016-present; Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, 2002-16. Foley & Lardner, 1993-1998; Fenwick & West, 2000-02; Troutman Sanders, 1998-2000; Clerk, Chief Justice Randall Shepard, Indiana Supreme Court, 1992-93. SBW Activities: Fellow, Wisconsin Law Foundation; Board of Governors, 2022-present; 2017-21; 2011-15; 2004-08; President’s Awards, 2015, 2007; Chair, Strategic Planning Committee, 2014-15, member, 2017-18, 2011-14; Policy Committee, 2022-23; 2020-21; Governance Committee, 2023-present; 2018-20; Appellate Help Desk, 2016-21; BOG Liaison: Indian Law Section, 2022-present; Communications Committee, 2020-21; Appellate Practice Section, 2020-21; ADR section, 2017-19; IP section, 2011-15; 2004-08; Member, Law-Related Education Committee, 1996-97; Milwaukee Bar Association: Board of Directors, 2008-11; Co-Chair, Bench Bar-Appeals Committee, 2015-17; Co-Chair, IP Section, 2004-07; Professionalism Committee, 1994-96, vice-chair, 1996-97, chair, 1997-98; MYLA secretary, newsletter editor, 1996-97. Community: Wild Space Dance Company BOD, 2007-present; 1995-98; Tosa Kickers BOD, 2015-present; Mentor, We the People program, Wauwatosa West; Co-Chair, Wauwatosa School Facilities Advisory Committee, 2017-18; Women’s Soccer Club; Nicolet High School Foundation BOD, 2004-08. Other: Author, Annual Review of Wisconsin Supreme Court Decisions, Wisconsin Lawyer, Dec. 2015-Dec. 2021; Fairchild Inn of Court, 2004-present; Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated; Leader in the Law 2019; Super Lawyer® 2010-12.

Lisa M. Lawless Campaign Statement

I am a member of the Board of Governors seeking reelection to represent District 2 (Milwaukee). I’ve served on the BOG since 2022 and previously served on the BOG for six terms (12 years) during 2004-21.

From my time on the BOG and leadership roles including as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and member of the Policy and Governance Committees, I have seen the services, initiatives, and opportunities offered by the Bar and gained a broad understanding of its operations and functions. As a mandatory Bar for which members pay substantial fees, I am especially attuned to its finances, both revenues and expenses, and our obligation to act as fiscal stewards for our members.

Equally important to providing excellent services and programs is communication with State Bar members to inform of these activities and of current and impending challenges to the bar and the profession. In our Milwaukee legal community in particular, it is vitally important to keep strong lines of communication.

Areas of particular importance and focus to me are:

• Fiscal responsibility and attention to spending and bar dues: Carefully review expenditures and revenues, with an eye to cutting expenditures before taking the step of raising dues.
• Member communication, both outgoing and incoming: Share information about State Bar activities and initiatives and policy decisions and listen to members to identify and hear their concerns, challenges, and needs, to ensure the State Bar is serving them.
• Leadership and diversity of the bar and bar leadership: There is a wealth of untapped talent, experience, and energy amongst Milwaukee lawyers. That pool should be tapped and nurtured to increase bar involvement and cultivate new leaders.
• Service to the justice system and our community: The State Bar should continue its excellent programs and also identify unserved needs and opportunities to partner with our communities and local and specialty bar associations.

Colleen A. Taylor of Milwaukee. They/them or she/her. Case Western Reserve University, J.D., 2017. Wisconsin State Public Defender: Assistant Public Defender and Forensic Practice Coordinator. Member Milwaukee Bar Association, American Constitution Society, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. National Criminal Defense College Alumni.

District 4

Julie F. Stodolka of Plymouth was born and raised in southeastern Wisconsin, eventually settling in rural Sheboygan County. She earned degrees from Cornell University, Berkeley and UCLA and was admitted to the California Bar in 1987. In 2006 she returned to her home state. Her whole legal career was in bankruptcy and insolvency, representing debtors, creditors, committees & trustees; and related general practice. Between degrees she worked at a psychology school in Berkeley and as a legal secretary in West Los Angeles. She retired from Steinhilber, Swanson & Mares in Oshkosh in 2015, and has volunteered extensively in local pro bono clinics & in political campaigns & election law since then. In these polarized times, she is not going to be the one to publicize which candidates or parties she worked for, but if you are concerned, she will let you know in response to an email inquiry (jefstodolka@gmail.com). Her work on the Board of Governors is devoted to increasing communication and representation of the views of the whole attorney body ... representative democracy in action, by the people we count on to demonstrate what that means.

District 6

Jesse B. Blocher of Waukesha is a prior member of and candidate for District 6 Board of Governors, with goal of pragmatic, fiscally responsible, and balanced leadership of the State Bar. Blocher believes that State Bar resources must be dedicated primarily to supporting its member lawyers and helping them improve their practices. Biographical information is as follows: shareholder, Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C; Co-chair, State Bar’s Bench Bar Committee (2020-present); State Bar Board of Governors member (2018-22); authored several articles in the Wisconsin Lawyer including “The Pugilist’s Guide to Brief Writing,” May 2023, winner of national “Top Law” Award; Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation; Fellow of the American Bar Association; Fellow of the International Society of Barristers; Wisconsin Association for Justice board member and amicus committee co-chair; Waukesha County Bar Association board member, litigation section chair, and past president; Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy; “Super Lawyer” (2013-present); Marquette University Law School, J.D., summa cum laude, 2006; UW-Madison, BBA-finance, 2003.

Alexandra K. Evans of Waukesha. Attorney Evans is an associate attorney with Hippenmeyer, Reilly, Blum, Schmitzer, & Fabian, S.C., having graduated from Marquette University Law School in May 2021. Attorney Evans’s interests primarily lie with family law matters, including divorce, post-judgement custody, placement, and child support issues, as well as guardian ad-litem work. Attorney Evans has also done work involving real estate, estate planning, guardianships, and probate. Attorney Evans spends time volunteering with the Maquette Mediation Clinic as a supervisor, a program she participated in while in Law School. She is a member of several organizations including the Wisconsin State Bar, the Waukesha County Bar Association, the Milwaukee County Bar Association, and the National Sports Law Institute’s Sports Alumni Association.

Heather M. Amos of Hudson (formerly Heather Wolske). Hamline University School of Law, J.D., 2007. St. Croix County Office of Corporation Counsel. Member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, St. Croix Valley Bar Association (SCVBA), Women Lawyers of the North (WLN), and Wills for Heroes. Co-Chair of the Legal Track for the Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association (WCSEA). St. Croix County Alternate Member Representative for Wisconsin Municipal Mutual Insurance Company (WMMIC).

Heather M. Amos Campaign Statement

I am running for my first two-year term for the State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors for District 8, which includes Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties.

I am a 2007 graduate of Hamline University School of Law (HUSL). I attended the weekend program at HUSL while employed as a legal assistant for the Office of Corporation Counsel in St. Croix County. Since 2008, my legal career includes employment as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in St. Croix and Eau Claire counties. In February 2022, I was appointed as the Corporation Counsel for St. Croix County.

I am running for this position as I am interested in working with others to address issues throughout the State of Wisconsin facing both attorneys and individuals that we serve. I have dedicated my career to public service, and I believe serving the attorneys of Wisconsin is another way to serve others. For attorneys, I think it is important to focus on continuing to provide high quality CLE programming and other educational opportunities along with expanding opportunities for experienced attorneys to be involved with mentorship programs for new graduates. If elected, I would like to establish a system to connect attorneys with mentorship opportunities by working closely with the members of the St. Croix Valley Bar Association and the Eau Claire County Bar Association.

If elected, I think it is important to continue to address ways to provide free or low-cost legal services to indigent and underserved individuals. In the St. Croix Valley, the need for interpreter services is on the rise and there are only a handful of attorneys who are bilingual. Locating and creating avenues to provide indigent and underserved individuals who are limited English proficient with free or low-cost legal services is another area I would like to focus on if elected to this position.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties as the District 8 representative on the Board of Governors.

District 9

Elizabeth A. Fernandez of Madison.Elizabeth is a graduate of UW-Madison Law School, Class of 2001. She was an Assistant State Public Defender from January 2002 until January 2009 in the Milwaukee Trial Division and continued practicing criminal defense in private practice until late 2014, both in state court and as a member of the CJA panel in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Since December 2014, Elizabeth has been Legal Counsel for Wisconsin Education Association Council in Madison, representing member teachers and support staff around the state in employment related matters. She serves as secretary/treasurer for the Civil Rights & Liberties Section Board and is a member of the Labor & Employment Section. Elizabeth lives with her two teenagers, her partner, and their regal yet goofy rescue greyhound. She can be seen cheering on the sidelines at 56ers and West H.S. girls’ soccer games, running & biking at a mediocre pace, and supporting her neighborhood bakery and restaurants.

C. Kai Hovden of Madison. Kai is a civil litigator with the law firm DeWitt LLP in Madison. DeWitt also has offices in Green Bay, Brookfield, and Minneapolis. Kai’s practice focuses primarily on intellectual property litigation, including patent and trademark infringement cases, and complex trusts and estates litigation. He is a member of the litigation and appellate practice sections of the State Bar of Wisconsin, and has served one term on the Board of Governors for District 9 from 2022-24.

Kai graduated cum laude from the U.W. Law School in 2017, and is a proud alum of Winona State University, where he earned degrees in international political science and Spanish.

Kai lives in Sun Prairie with his wife, Ashton, and their 3-year-old daughter, Isla. Outside of work, Kai is a wildlife photographer, and one of his favorite activities is to get outside with family and friends to enjoy the natural areas of Wisconsin. Kai is also a huge soccer fan, and (for better or worse) is a life-long Manchester United supporter.

C. Kai Hovden Campaign Statement

I know that serving on the Board of Governors is an important and demanding role, and I am committed to doing the job well. If elected, some of the primary considerations that will guide my input and analysis on matters that come before the Board include the following:

• ensuring that the State Bar continues to provide extremely high value to its members for their dues;
• engaging with constituents from District 9 on the issues that come before the Board to make sure that my input and votes reflect their positions;
• providing increased access to legal services for underserved and underrepresented populations, including rural communities and immigrants; and
• supporting new lawyers and prospective lawyers from diverse backgrounds and life-experiences to enter the legal profession and thrive in their roles.

I am well-suited to serve in this role because I will bring the perspective I have gained practicing law in a variety of settings and practice areas. I have represented immigrants in removal proceedings facing possible deportation during my time with the Immigrant Justice Clinic, and taken pro-bono appointments to represent incarcerated individuals. I have worked on complex commercial litigation and high-value patent infringement cases in federal court. This range of experience will inform my input to the Board.

In addition, I have gained valuable experience during my first term on the Board of Governors, including serving two years on the Joint Review Committee. In this role, I have reviewed the budget of the State Bar in detail to ensure that we are collectively spending our dollars in a manner that is consistent with the strategic plan and goals of the State Bar. I hope to bring this experience in a second term.

If elected, I promise to work diligently for the interests of District 9 and the State Bar membership as a whole. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to connect with you in the future.

Ryan F. Poe-Gavlinski (she/her) of Madison. Quinnipiac University School of Law, J.D., 2004. Clinical Assistant Professor of Law, University of Wisconsin Law School. Deputy Director, Economic Justice Institute. Director, Restraining Order and Survivor Advocacy Clinic (ROSA) at UW Law School. Member of Leadership Development Committee, State Bar of Wisconsin. Graduate of G. Lane Ware Leadership Program, State Bar of Wisconsin. Member and serve on planning committee, Inns of Court – James E. Doyle Chapter. Special Investigator Office of Lawyer Regulation.

Ryan F. Poe-Gavlinski Campaign Statement

Ryan is a clinical assistant professor and deputy director of the Economic Justice Institute, home of U.W. Law School’s Consumer Law Clinic, Eviction Defense Clinic, Family Court Clinic, Family Legal Advocacy and Supports Clinic, Immigrant Justice Clinic, Neighborhood Law Clinic, Restraining Order and Survivor Advocacy Clinic, and the Lawyering Skills Course. Ryan teaches and supervises clinic students within the Restraining Order and Survivor Advocacy Clinic who provide quality legal representation to clients, develop practical lawyering skills, and learn to think critically about both the role and limits of the law. Ryan is also the director of U.W. Law School’s Lawyering Skills Course, giving her the opportunity to collaborate with many attorneys from across the state. Ryan’s career has ranged from criminal defense work as a public defender, work within legal services to those living in poverty and child welfare. In addition to her work at the Law School, Ryan serves as a guardian ad litem for minor children in Dane County. Ryan has practiced in four different states and will bring a unique perspective to the State Bar of Wisconsin. Ryan strongly believes in providing legal services to those who are disadvantaged, live in poverty, are from marginalized populations and those that cannot speak for themselves. In addition, Ryan is a firm believer that our profession should mirror the people we serve. Diversity within the profession is something Ryan believes in and hopes to further this mission through her involvement with the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Ryan also seeks to bridge the gap between law school and the profession, promoting involvement from and support for our new lawyers entering practice. Ryan lives in Waunakee with her husband Jonathan, her daughter Harper, and her two dogs, Sadie and Scout. Ryan trains in Songham Taekwondo at LVLUP Martial Arts in Waunakee. She is currently a 1st Degree Black Belt, a 2022 District Champion, and a 2023 State Champion.

Sam Wayne of Madison. U.W. Law School, J.D., 2009. Wayne Law, S.C. Sam served on the Board of Governors for two terms from 2017-21. He was vice-chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. He currently serves on the Business Law Section Board, as well as its CLE Committee. He served on the State Bar’s Anti-Sexual Harassment Task Force and later Oversight Committee. He is a member of the Dane County Bar Association. He was selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 2024, and as a SuperLawyers Rising Star from 2018-21.

Sam Wayne Campaign Statement

I wish to continue my service on the Board of Governors as an advocate for good governance, democracy, and the resistance of the legal profession to co-option by antidemocratic forces. From 2017-21 I was a part of a small group of governors who confronted these threats on the right and pushed the governing body to take positions in support of democracy. That was a small part of my Board service. Mostly, I came prepared and argued my positions, supporting member services, DEIA initiatives, lawyer accountability, and many others while helping develop the State Bar’s strategic plan. I enjoy the work of serving on the Board and would appreciate your vote. Also, I encourage you to look up recent disciplinary decisions and pending OLR complaints against the candidates in this and in all State Bar elections.

Michael Yang of Middleton. MY Law Office, L.L.C., Middleton. University of Wisconsin, J.D. 2013. Cornell University, B.A. 1998. Monterey Institution of International Studies, M.A. 2002. Member, American Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, Dane County Bar Association, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Wisconsin Asian American Bar Association (WAABA). WAABA Building Bridges Liaison, State Bar Board of Governors, 2018-22. District 9 Governor, State Bar Board of Governors, 2023-24.

District 10

Luis A.Q. Garza of Keshena. University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.D., 1992. State Bar of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association, Centro Legal Por Derechos Humanos, CEO of Nonprofit Legal Services-South, member of Family and Native American Law sections.

Luis A.Q. Garza Campaign Statement

As representative of District 10 of the Board of Governors, I will continue to advocate for the recognition and support for rural-based attorneys and sole practitioners in Northeastern Wisconsin. Our unique circumstances provide the opportunity for the State Bar of Wisconsin to recognize and highlight the challenges faced in the provision of legal services, especially for populations of modest means and social isolation. I would like to assist in the strengthening of present and potentially new local bar associations in the District and enhance communications between the groups.

District 12

Ryan O'Hara of Janesville. U.W. Law School, J.D., 2013. Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office, Local Attorney Manager -Janesville. State Bar of Wisconsin.

District 14

Rachel E. Maes of Green Bay. She/her. Hamline University School of Law, J.D., 2014. Assistant City Attorney, City of Green Bay. Member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and the State Bar of Wisconsin. Recognized as one of the 2021 Top 40 LGBTQ Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, 2021 Shining Star by the Brown County United Way, and 2022 Future 15 recipient by the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce. Current board member: Greater Green Bay YWCA, NeighborWorks Green Bay, Bay Area Council on Gender Diversity, and the Baird Creek Neighborhood Association.

Rachel E. Maes Campaign Statement

I grew up in Green Bay, and having access to a strong mock trial program at Green Bay Southwest High School had a big impact on my decision to become an attorney. My name is Rachel Maes, and I am currently an assistant city attorney for the City of Green Bay serving in the role of city prosecutor. I have also served as an assistant district attorney and assistant corporation counsel in Douglas County. Having lived in Milwaukee, Madison, Superior, and Green Bay, I recognize that different parts of the state have very different needs from the legal profession and require different kinds of support from the State Bar. I am a current member of the Strategic Planning and Executive Committees of the State Bar, and I am the liaison from the Board of Governors to the Local Government and Administrative Law Section.

I look forward to contributing to discussions about the legal profession in Wisconsin becoming more diverse and inclusive and improving access to legal services across the state. Supporting access to strong legal education programs also inspires young people to become attorneys and helps maintain the high standards and credibility of those who practice law in Wisconsin. I have served the State of Wisconsin in a variety of ways, and with the support of the Brown County legal community, I look forward to continuing my public service through another term as Brown County’s representative to the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors.

District 16

William A. Harris of Wausau. Western Michigan University School of Law, J.D., 2008. American University-Washington College of Law, (2) LLMs, 2011. Judicare Legal Aid (Legal Projects Director). Member, State Bar of Wisconsin, Marathon County Bar Association. Graduate of State Bar of Wisconsin’s G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy. Served on the Greater Wisconsin Initiative Committee; Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Access (DEIA) Plan Committee; and as a scoring judge for the Wisconsin High School Mock Trial regional tournament competitions.

William A. Harris Campaign Statement

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors. I have been a member of the State Bar since 2011. I am a resident of Wausau. I am a legal projects director at Judicare Legal Aid, a nonprofit law firm in Wausau, dedicated to providing equal access to justice for residents in Wisconsin’s Northern 33 counties as well as the state’s 11 federally recognized Indian tribes. I have represented survivors of domestic and child abuse, sexual assault, low-income clients facing homelessness, as well as clients facing employment discrimination among many other civil legal matters. I understand the challenges that face our rural communities such as lawyer shortages, lack of availability of internet services, and other access to justice issues. I also understand that our low-income and marginalized populations face even greater challenges trying to access and navigate through the legal system. Throughout my life and career, I have fought tirelessly to advocate for some of the most vulnerable populations, women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse, the elderly, and the indigent. And I believe the State Bar of Wisconsin can play a pivotal role in addressing some of the legal needs of communities and people where there is the greatest need.

I am committed to supporting the State Bar’s efforts at addressing access to justice issues, in encouraging and creating opportunities for attorneys to consider rural practice, and in providing rural attorneys the support and resources they need to be successful.

I am also committed to taking action to promote, support, and encourage a diverse State Bar and a legal profession that welcomes and values everyone, and is inclusive of its members differences regarding race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and disability.

I also understand the many demands lawyers face on a daily basis between balancing work, family, and client services. In addition, when you include post-pandemic challenges, an increased need to learn, access, and utilize new technology, and a rise in the need for vital legal services, it may feel overwhelming at times. A number of attorneys tend to try to meet their ever-growing professional obligations by increasing workloads and hours, which result in burnout, and mental and physical health challenges. I am dedicated to ensuring that the State Bar continues to be aware of and responsive in providing support and lawyer well-being services to meet the new challenges and growing needs of its members.

If elected to the State Bar Board of Governors I will work with my colleagues on the Board to address and the needs and concerns of its members, our rural communities, and ensure we continue to have an inclusive and diverse membership that embraces opportunity and access to legal services for everyone.

I would certainly appreciate your vote and I thank you for your time and consideration.