Evers taps State Bar President-Elect Bucher for Circuit Court Judge

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On Friday, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers tapped State Bar of Wisconsin President-Elect Jane Bucher to the Green County Circuit Court – Branch 2.

State Bar of Wisconsin President Dean Dietrich in February formed a nominating committee tasked with navigating the vacancy of Bucher, the State Bar of Wisconsin said Friday in a blog post.

The State Bar of Wisconsin recently announced it will elect a president-elect, a secretary, a Judicial Council representative, and Board of Governors representatives in April 2024. The president-elect serves a one-year term before becoming president. The secretary holds the position for two years, while the Judicial Council representative serves a three-year term.

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. Those elected take office July 1, 2024, according to the State Bar of Wisconsin.

President-elect candidates include: Ryan Billings and Jennifer L. Johnson.
Secretary candidates include: Martina Gast and William Wallo.
Judicial Council candidates include: Margo Kirchner and Matthew Rowe.

The Wisconsin Law Journal reached out to all of the above candidates requesting an interview on Thursday.

Gast and Wallo declined to be interviewed.

A response from the other candidates was not received prior to publication.

Evers’ appointment will fill the vacancy created by Judge Thomas J. Vale’s resignation, effective April 5, 2024.

Bucher will complete a term ending July 31, 2025.

“Jane Bucher is a well-respected attorney with a breadth of experience who is committed to public service and improving her community,” said Evers.

“She will be an excellent judge for the people of Green County,” Evers added.

Presently, Bucher is a partner at Russell Law Offices SC, where she practices criminal and family law primarily in Green, Lafayette, Iowa, and Rock Counties.

Prior to her current role, she spent a decade as an assistant state public defender representing children, juveniles, and adults in both criminal and civil cases. During that time, she helped lead the creation of the Green County Drug Court and attended the Juvenile Training Immersion Program Summer Academy at Georgetown Law School.

Prior to attending law school, Bucher worked in mental health outreach and spent two years with the Peace Corps in Senegal as a rural health education volunteer.

Legal community response

“In my 30-plus years as a Wisconsin judge, thousands of attorneys have appeared in front of me,” said retired Judge Sarah O’Brien.

“Jane Bucher stands out as one having the skills and temperament needed to be a good judge. Jane listens carefully and works hard. She has worked with diverse populations in her law practice and her extensive volunteer work. She is decisive and able to make tough decisions. Green County will be well served by her knowledge and ability as a circuit court judge,” O’Brien added.

Other attorneys agreed.

“Jane Bucher demonstrates the commitment to ethics, the law, and hard work we expect from our judges,” said Attorney Amanda Fields.

“She has earned the admiration of the local legal community because of her skills as an attorney and her willingness to collaborate and share her knowledge. She is a great addition to the judiciary,” Fields added.

Bucher lives in Monroe, Wis. with her family and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. She is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including extensive work with the State Bar of Wisconsin, and past service as a board member for Family Promise of Green County, and as a co-chair and founding member of southwest Wisconsin’s MultiCultural Outreach Program.

“It is an honor to be appointed by Gov. Evers to serve all the people of Green County as judge,” said Bucher.

“As a judge, I look forward to serving with humility, fairness, and respect. I will work collaboratively to strengthen the justice system and strive to ensure equal justice under the law,” Bucher said.