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Kelli Thompson

State Public Defender Kelli Thompson.
Sep 15, 2023

State Public Defender Kelli Thompson resigns

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson's daughter says low pay, long hours, heavy caseloads and burnout had nothing to do with her resignation.

Dec 20, 2021

First female state public defender leads staff of 620

While at Marquette University Law School, Kelli Thompson said she didn't envision herself practicing law. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do, but knew a law degree would lead to other paths.

Mar 1, 2021

Evers signs bill to restore raises for state public defenders

Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill to restore raises for Wisconsin state public defenders.

Feb 18, 2021

Brennan elected as chair of Wisconsin Public Defender Board

James Brennan has been elected as chair of the Wisconsin Public Defender Board.

Feb 16, 2021

Senate passes bill to restore pay parity for public defenders

A bill to restore raises for state public defenders is moving forward in the Wisconsin Assembly.

Nov 22, 2019

Bill proposes $20,000 in student-loan repayments for rural public defenders

Attorneys who take public-defender cases in rural Wisconsin could receive as much as $20,000 a year in student-loan repayments under a proposed bill.

Oct 31, 2019

Public defenders talk about struggle to find, keep candidates

The Wisconsin Public Defenders Office revealed at a hearing on Thursday that it's struggling to find candidates for public defender positions.

Oct 31, 2019

Lawmakers trying to lessen discrepancy between pay for prosecutors, public defenders

A discrepancy in pay for prosecutors and public defenders is threatening to tip the scales of justice in Wisconsin.

May 28, 2019

WIN, WIN, WIN: Committee votes to increase private bar rate, pay for prosecutors, public defenders

The state’s powerful budget writing committee voted on Tuesday afternoon to increase pay for prosecutors and public defenders as well as increase compensation for private attorneys appointed to represent indigent criminal defendants.

Sep 19, 2018

SPD calls for tuition reimbursement, increase in rate for private-bar appointments – again

The Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office is again asking the state Legislature and Gov. Scott Walker to increase the pay rate for private bar attorneys appointed to take cases for the agency.

Mar 18, 2013

Progress, room for improvement 50 years after Gideon decision

Fifty years ago today, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black delivered the unanimous, nine-page majority opinion in Gideon v. Wainwright.

Jun 29, 2012

Who’s Doing What: Daniels, wife named 2012 Parents of the Year; Thompson elected chair of State Bar BOG

John Daniels Jr., of Quarles & Brady LLP, Milwaukee, and his wife, Irma, were named 2012 Parents of the Year by COA Youth and Family Centers.

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