LEADER IN THE LAW – Christa Westerberg – Pines Bach

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Over the last two decades, Christa Westerberg has become one of Wisconsin’s top lawyers on open government and environmental protection issues.

The University of Wisconsin Law School graduate is a partner with the Madison-based Litigation Practice Group at Pines Bach. Her work on open government matters, including public records and open meetings, has resulted in numerous published court decisions on the public’s “right to know.”

“Again and again she has been a fierce advocate for voters, journalists and citizens working to keep government transparent,” said Lester Pines, senior counsel and one of the founders of Pines Bach. “Most recently, she was counsel on numerous cases leading to the release of records from the investigation of the 2020 election done by former Justice Michael Gableman,” Pines noted.

Before she became a lawyer, Westerberg knew she wanted to do something to help improve the environment, “but I didn’t think I had the patience to be a scientist,” she said. “Doing environmental law seemed like the next best thing. That’s led to working in other practice areas that I enjoy, such as open records.”

On the environmental side of her practice, Westerberg uses her expertise in regulatory and zoning matters to help nonprofits, homeowners and renewable energy developers navigate rules for solar and wind projects.

“She routinely counsels grassroots citizen groups around the state that are fighting to protect those natural resources, preserve outdoor recreation opportunities and achieve environmental justice,” Pines said.

In addition to her work as an attorney, Westerberg regularly gives back to the community and legal profession. She is the vice president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council and also serves as chair of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Administrative and Local Government Section.

A highly regarded legal writer, she has twice received the Charles Dunn Distinguished Author Award by the State Bar of Wisconsin.