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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.
Editorial: A step toward a more just system
A proposal in the Wisconsin Legislature to increase pay for public defenders and assistant district attorneys strikes us as a necessary step to safeguard both public safety and the rights of those accused of crimes.
Pandemic pushes public defender system to the brink
In Wisconsin, where starting pay for public defenders is $27 an hour, there's a shortage of 60 attorney positions statewide.
Minnesota public defenders reach deal to avert strike
Minnesota public defenders reached a tentative contract agreement, union officials said over the weekend, averting a walkout that threatened to bring much of the state court system to a standstill.
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.
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.
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.
Lawyers gearing up to defend request to increase private bar rate
Long stagnant, the compensation rate for private lawyers representing indigent criminal defendants will go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court for a possible increase in the court's next term.
Barrientes a tireless advocate for her young clients
Sally Barrientes knew from a young age what she wanted to do.
SPD’s budget request includes private attorney rate hike
The State Public Defender's 2015-17 biennial budget request includes a proposal to increase to up to $60 per hour the rate paid to private attorneys who take on case work for the office.
Bill meant to prevent ’empty chairs’ in parental-rights cases
A bill being pushed by Republican lawmakers is meant to prevent defense attorneys, in cases involving the termination of parental rights, from having to waste time sitting next to “empty chairs.”
Burlington attorney suspended for 6 months
A Burlington attorney has been suspended by the state Supreme Court for six months for 20 ethics violations, including lying about being sick and missing a hearing for a criminal case.
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- Wisconsin Ethics Commission staff leakers face 9 months prison, $10,000 fine
- Republican legislators fail to respond to child care crisis survey
- Russian International Money Launderer arrested over military grade microelectronics
- Gov. Evers Appoints Jorge Fragoso to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court
- Wisconsin Legislature set to reject governor’s special session on child care, worker shortages
- Wisconsin Republican leader blocks pay raises in continuation of DEI fight
- Wisconsin redistricting fight focuses on the recusal of a key justice as impeachment threat lingers
- Georgia Republican moves forward with attempt to defund FBI, DOJ
- Republicans propose spending $614M in public funds on Milwaukee Brewers’ stadium upgrade
- Woman accused of pepper spraying four Chicago Police Officers first to be sent home under state’s cashless bail system
- Computers seized from city treasurer’s office
- Former Sun Prairie officer charged with sexually assaulting, exposing himself to juveniles
WLJ People
- Evers appoints McElroy as Price County district attorney
- Evers appoints Ann Peacock to Dane County Circuit Court
- Michael Best appoints Sarah Alt to new role as chief process and AI officer
- Attorney Peter Baziano joins Murphy Desmond in its Business and Real Estate practice groups
- GRGB partner Karnes honored at Run for Justice
- DeWitt’s Miotke reappointed to SPD’s Board
- Hupy and Abraham wins award for ‘Behind the Handlebars’ video series
- Evers appoints trio to Milwaukee County Circuit Court
- Kubiak joins Amundsen Davis’ Business Litigation Service Group
- GRGB partners Jason Luczak, Nicole Masnica honored with Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers award
- Teuta Jonuzi, Joshua Hargrove promoted to equity partners at Tracey Wood & Associates
- Reinhart’s Taggatz joins International Association of Defense Counsel
