Meet Our Top 2025 Authors: Two Articles Worth Another Look
Each year, the Communications Committee, which serves as the Editorial Advisory Board for
Wisconsin Lawyer magazine, recognizes writing excellence. The Hon. Charles Dunn Author Award is named in honor of Wisconsin’s first supreme court chief justice. On April 30, 1836, President Andrew Jackson commissioned Charles Dunn as chief justice of the Wisconsin Territory. Dunn continued in this office until the territorial courts were superseded by the state courts in 1848. He was a member of the 1848 Wisconsin Constitutional Convention, where he chaired the judiciary committee.
The 2025 Charles Dunn Author Award goes to Hon. Thomas J. Walsh for “Lawyers, Judges, The Third Branch: ‘A Republic, If You Can Keep It’” (July/August 2025). The committee also recognized another author who went above and beyond to pen an excellent article in 2025.
Best of the Best: Lawyers, Judges, the Third Branch
Article: “Lawyers, Judges, the Third Branch: ‘A Republic, If You Can Keep It’” (July/August 2025)
Award: Hon. Charles Dunn Author Award
Author: Hon. Thomas J. Walsh
Judges’ comments: Although not a traditional case or issue analysis, 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.
In today’s political climate, opinion pieces can easily become overstated or so one-sided that they alienate those who disagree. 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.
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.
It 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.
Walsh, Hamline 1992, is a Brown County Circuit Court judge and a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Family Law Section. He is the editor of
The Wisconsin Journal of Family Law.
Article Deserving Special Commendation
Article: “Every Mistake in the Book: How Not to Hang Out a Shingle” (July/August 2025)
Award: Special Commendation
Author: Charles H. Barr
Judges’ comments: This article delivered information and insights in a clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand way. This makes it particularly valuable for new and early-career attorneys, especially during periods of uncertainty or change in the job market.
From the start, the article included humor while also offering a wealth of practical tips. Its guidance was not limited to sole practitioners; the author’s maxims are relevant to any attorney managing more than one client.
The article was well written and accessible to a broad range of readers. Its lighthearted tone and firsthand perspective provided a refreshing balance to
Wisconsin Lawyer. In addition, the focus on sole practitioners is especially timely. There seems to be a growing effort to recognize and support small and solo firms throughout Wisconsin, and this article did an excellent job of highlighting those practices and celebrating their important role.
Although it is not a traditional analysis of a specific legal topic, it thoughtfully touched on various areas of law and offered practical guidance for attorneys – something that can be just as valuable as doctrinal analysis.
Barr, Harvard 1977, is of counsel to Health Sciences Law Group LLC in Mequon, focusing on arbitration, litigation, and support of the firm’s health care practice. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Nonresident Lawyers Division.
New Hires, Promotions, Partners
Katie Hampel, Marquette 2019, and William Nickol, Marquette 2008, have been promoted to partner at Amundsen Davis LLC.
Hampel is a member of the firm’s Corporate & Securities Service Group in the Milwaukee office and advises business owners on corporate matters, including business formations, mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and land use and zoning matters. She guides clients through negotiations, drafting purchase and sale agreements, conducting due diligence, and reviewing complex lease documents.
Nickol is a member of the General Liability Service Group in the St. Charles, Ill., office and advises individuals and companies in the commercial transportation, construction, and manufacturing industries. He handles personal and property damage claims arising from motor vehicle and commercial transportation accidents, construction accidents, construction defects, premises liability, breach of warranty, product defects, and general negligence.
Savannah Floore, Marquette 2024, has joined Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as an associate in the Madison office. Floore represents clients in a range of civil defense matters, including insurance defense and personal injury litigation.
Napela Shim, Marquette 2023, has been promoted to partner at Johns, Flaherty & Collins S.C., La Crosse. Shim focuses on family law and probate litigation, bringing strong advocacy and compassion to her work with clients.
William Brookley, Marquette 2021, has joined the firm as an associate, bringing experience in civil litigation, insurance defense, real estate disputes, business matters, and municipal prosecution. Brookley previously practiced at Cross Jenks Mercer & Maffei LLP.
Megan Kelly, William Mitchell 2015, has joined Weld Riley, in Eau Claire, Menomonie, Black River Falls, and Wausau, and practices with the firm’s Civil Litigation, Municipal, and Business sections. Previously, Kelly served as an assistant district attorney in the St. Croix County District Attorney’s Office and the Dunn County District Attorney’s Office. She handled a wide range of criminal and non-criminal matters, including domestic violence, controlled substance crimes, property crimes, DNR violations, traffic, and juvenile cases; worked closely with law enforcement during investigations, providing legal guidance on Fourth and Fifth Amendment issue; and met with crime victims to ensure their voices were heard throughout the judicial process.
Carrie Killoran, Harvard 1999, has joined Godfrey & Kahn’s Corporate and Health Care practices in the Milwaukee office. She brings more than 20 years of experience in health care law, compliance, and executive leadership and plays a key role in leading the firm’s Health Care team.
Sam Mitchell, U.W. 2016, has joined Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP as a partner in the Litigation Practice, based in the Chicago office. Mitchell, previously with Husch Blackwell, represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, employment litigation, and appeals. His experience includes matters involving business torts, breach of contract, class and collective actions, fraud, trade secret misappropriation, restrictive covenant violations, and executive and workplace disputes. Mitchell also advises companies on the governance and risk management challenges associated with artificial intelligence (AI), including liability exposure, employment-related algorithmic decision-making, contractual allocation of AI-related risk, and emerging regulatory frameworks.
Greg Rutzen, Indiana (Maurer) 1987, has joined Mount Mary University in Milwaukee as vice president for advancement.
Kelly J. Stohr, U.W. 2004, has joined Bell, Moore & Richter S.C., Madison, as a shareholder. Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, real estate, and business law.
Mergers, Relocations, New Offices
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has opened a new office at Greenway Station in Middleton. The office, the firm’s 87th across the U.S., provides full-service litigation with a focus on employment law, professional liability defense, and commercial litigation. Attorneys based in the office represent businesses, insurers, professionals, and institutions throughout Wisconsin, combining courtroom experience with strategic counseling, risk assessment, and proactive problem-solving. The office is led by Stephanie Jones, Univ. of Illinois Chicago 2013, and includes partner Jennifer Williams, Marquette 2007, senior counsel Vanja Pemac, U.W. 2020, and associates Mohammad Ahmad, U.W. 2024, Kendall Means, Marquette 2023, and Sam Smith, Marquette 2025.
Appointments, Elections
Alexis Nash, Widener 2021, was appointed Price County District Attorney by Governor Tony Evers, filling a vacancy created by Matthew McElroy’s resignation. Nash will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2029. Beginning in 2023, Nash was an assistant district attorney in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, managing a high-volume caseload ranging from misdemeanors to serious violent felonies and trying 16 cases to verdict. Working with the Family Drug Treatment Court, she gained experience in collaborative problem-solving within the drug treatment and child welfare systems. Earlier in her career, Nash practiced family law.
Maureen O’Leary-Guth, Marquette 2008, president of O’Leary-Guth Law Office S.C., Mequon, has been elected Wisconsin State Chair for the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). ACTEC is a peer-elected organization of leading trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the world committed to continually improving the practice of trust and estate law.
Authors, Speakers
Rick Donner, Brooklyn 2003, and Migena Vula, U.W. 2025, created the recently published 2025-26 update to Condemnation Law and Practice in Wisconsin, the definitive State Bar of Wisconsin resource for attorneys and professionals managing eminent domain cases. It provides comprehensive guidance on procedures, compensation, and legal strategies for both condemning authorities and property owners. John Van Lieshout, Marquette 1981, and Donner coauthored the book. All practice with Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.
Donner, a shareholder with the Real Estate Practice, assists clients with governmental relations, zoning, land use, property tax, eminent domain, financing, sales and acquisitions, and other aspects of real estate development. He represents local, regional, and national developers, as well as individuals, owners, lenders, borrowers, municipalities, and community development associations.
Van Lieshout is a shareholder in the Environmental/Real Estate and Litigation practices, providing knowledgeable, effective counsel on a wide variety of environmental matters including brownfields financing, remediation, and merger-and-acquisition due diligence as well as litigation including Superfund and CERCLA cleanup cases and defense of environmental enforcement and forfeiture cases.
Vula is an attorney in the Real Estate Practice, where she counsels clients on a variety of complex real estate matters, including purchase and sale transactions, property development, commercial leasing, and structuring deals using traditional financings. She assists developers, investors, and businesses in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, supporting them from contract drafting and lease negotiation to closing.
Authors of the recently published
Recognizing and Serving Clients with Mental Health Concerns (State Bar of Wis. 2026) are the following: Dr. Amber L. Ault, State Bar of Wisconsin; Patrice A. Baker, Marquette 1991, BMO Harris Bank NA, Milwaukee; Amanda Mary-Myriah Hall, Suffolk 2009, Disability Rights Wisconsin, Madison; Amanda R. R. Mayer, Marquette 2012, Legal Action of Wisconsin Inc., Wausau; Maeve Pirt Meyer, Marquette 2011, Hawks Quindel SC, Madison; and Megan L. Sprecher, St. Thomas 2007, Legal Action of Wisconsin Inc., Madison.
In Memoriam
Hon. Louis J. Ceci, Marquette 1954, Wauwatosa, Sept. 10, 1927 – Jan. 27, 2026.
Paul R. Gurtler, Hamline 1989, Pittsville, Sept. 17, 1963 – March 14, 2026.
James W. Harris, U.W. 1974, Mineral Point, Nov. 7, 1944 – Oct. 31, 2025.
Robert A. Judd, Minnesota 1972, Minneapolis, Feb. 23, 1945 – March 2, 2026.
Robert F. Kirst, Marquette 1955, Mequon, Oct. 24, 1928 – June 2, 2022.
Patrick J. Knight, Marquette 1979, Milwaukee, April 13, 1954 – Oct. 30, 2025.
David J. Matyas, Marquette 1976, De Pere, Sept. 5, 1951 – March 8, 2026.
Thomas J. Pilacek, Marquette 1971, Winter Springs, Nov. 22, 1947 – March 9, 2026.
Alan S. Robertson, U.W. 1966, Blair, April 10, 1941 – March 2, 2026.
Werner E. Scherr, Marquette 1961, Milwaukee, June 3, 1937 – Feb. 11, 2026.
Roy G. Stohlman, Harvard 1963, Appleton, July 4, 1938 – March 14, 2026.
How to Place your Announcement
If you have moved, become a partner or an associate, or received a promotion or an award, let us know!
Writing guidelines are available here. Questions?
Email us or call (608) 250-6127.
Email announcements to:
MembersOnly@wisbar.org. Notices about State Bar members in good standing are printed as space is available, and subject to editing.
Ineligible announcements: Talks, speeches (unless they are of national stature), honors from other publications (including “Best of...,” “Rising star...,” and other lists), and political announcements are not accepted as announcements.
Photo placement: Submit a professional-quality photo with your announcement. If the photo is used, the State Bar will issue an invoice for $35 per photo. Please acknowledge the photo placement fee in your submission. Group photos and photos copied from websites are not accepted. High-resolution electronic photos are preferred to ensure high-quality production. Images should be sized at least 4”x6”, with a resolution no less than 150 dpi, although 300 dpi is preferred. Print photos will not be returned.
Deadline: Submit announcements by the first of the month preceding publication. For example, to place an announcement in the November issue, it must be received before October 1. Email to:
MembersOnly@wisbar.org. Include your State Bar membership number.
» Cite this article:
99 Wis. Law. 68-70 (May 2026).
