2009 Women in the Law
Public servant was out in front at an early age Rosemary Elbert Full Story >> . . . Attorney promotes opportunities for women Linda Benfield Full Story >> . .. . . When it comes to litigation, Braza plays ball Mary K. Braza Full Story >> . . . Carter didn’t set out to be […]
Jacobs shows versatility, commitment in her career
It’s no surprise that the new acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Michelle L. Jacobs, tackles sprint triathlons in her free time. After all, her professional accomplishments have duly prepared her for a sporting event that requires so much versatility and commitment. Jacobs manages the daily operations of a large staff of […]
Publisher’s Note
Impressive. That’s an apt description of our 2009 Women in the Law honorees. When we set out to recognize achievements by Wisconsin’s leading female practitioners, we knew we would hear stories about overcoming obstacles, hard work, dedication and leading by example. But what was surprising was that most of their achievements go unheralded. No matter […]
Public servant was out in front at an early age
Rosemary Elbert has seen a lot in her nearly half-century of practice. “I was the first woman lawyer in Milwaukee County Corporation Counsel’s office,” explains Elbert, who in 2004 also became the first permanent executive director of Wisconsin Judicare Inc. in Wausau. “The attitude of other lawyers was shock. I remember waiting outside a judge’s […]
Attorney promotes opportunities for women
As the mother of three children, including twins, Linda Benfield had to find a way to balance her children’s needs with her career as an environmental lawyer. Her balance meant working one day a week from home and often returning to work after the children went to bed. “I wanted to figure out a way […]
When it comes to litigation, Braza plays ball
In 1981, brand-new litigator Mary K. Braza’s opposing counsel continually referred to her as “little lady” during a deposition. Braza decided to play his game — drawing attention to his advanced age, just as he had drawn attention to her gender. She started asking the deponent, his client, every few minutes if his lawyer needed […]
Carter didn’t set out to be trailblazer
Eugenia “Gina” Carter’s resume has some achievements many people thought weren’t possible for women 20 years ago. She’s attained shareholder status at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. in Madison. And she’s the head of litigation for intellectual property, a field dominated by men. Her colleagues call her a trailblazer, but that isn’t what she set out […]
Attorney general devotes her career to Indian law
Sheila Corbine got swept off her feet in her first year of law school. “I did volunteer work for the Lac Courte Oreilles tribal legal department, and that’s when I fell in love with the idea of working for the tribe,” says the current attorney general of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Black River Falls. “The […]
Late law school bloomer finds her calling in public service
What kind of attorney walks away from a lucrative private practice? One who finally feels able to pursue her passion — helping the less fortunate of the community in which she was raised. “I had a very successful and lucrative general practice for more than 16 years,” explains Karen Dardy, supervising attorney at the Legal […]
Hospital’s general counsel built healthy career
Every woman lawyer who practiced in the 1980s has a humorous anecdote about making her way in the male-dominated world of law. So says Catherine Mode Eastham, who recalls when a client of her medium-sized Milwaukee law firm passed her in the hallway and remarked to his male attorney, “Oh, you have those women lawyers! […]
Ginger educates legislators about SPD’s role
The eligibility standards for defendants seeking representation by the Wisconsin State Public Defender have not changed since 1987. The most recent legislative attempt to raise them failed, despite receiving support from committees in the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly. Not surprisingly, it was a disappointment to Krista L. Ginger, executive assistant/legislative liaison for the SPD. “But, [&hell[...]
Life offers opportunities for personal growth
Sandy Hupfer’s father once mused about her extended studies. After an undergraduate degree in music, a law degree from the University of Wisconsin, and a practice with Stellpflug Law in DePere, he thought his 50-year-old daughter was done with school. But course by course, taking just a class or two each year for the last […]
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- Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race, endorses Harris
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- Class action filed against Walgreens
- Former Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant pleads guilty to smuggling contraband
- Two dead, one injured after Ozaukee County water rescue
- RNC Final Day: Trump accepts GOP Nomination
- Wisconsin officials intervene in Planned Parenthood action
- 7th Circuit adopts modifications to Rules 31, 34, 40, 47 and 60
- MPD issues statement on outside agency officer assignments
Case Digests
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel; Double Jeopardy; Sentencing
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel; Sexual Assault-Prosecutorial Misconduct
- Contract-Negligence
- Criminal Law; Juvenile Law; Discovery
- Family Law; Child Support; Property Division First paragraph(s)
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel- Exclusion of Evidence of Witness Bias
- Postconviction Relief-Sentencing-Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
- 14th Amendment – Due Process
- Criminal-Sentencing Guidelines – Enhancement
- Bankruptcy-Tax
- Civil Rights – 14th Amendment-Jury Instructions
- Contract; Foreclosure and Property