April 11, 2025 – The State Bar of Wisconsin’s 53-member Board of Governors today selected Jill Creston Rothstein as the State Bar’s next Executive Director. Rothstein, currently general counsel for the South Carolina Bar, will succeed Larry J. Martin, who is retiring effective Sept. 2, 2025.
“Jill is brilliant, curious and thoughtful, pairing a strong analytical mind with a deep passion for lawyers and the good works that bar associations do,” said State Bar President Ryan Billings, chair of a 12-person Executive Director Transition & Search Committee that recommended Rothstein to the Board of Governors after a months-long process.
“She connects almost instantly with people and is committed to working collaboratively with lawyers of all different stripes and viewpoints to find solutions to the difficult problems lawyers face. Coupled with nearly 20 years of bar experience, I could not think of a better person to fill Larry Martin’s very big shoes.”
Rothstein has served as in-house general counsel at the South Carolina Bar for the last year and previously held different roles within that organization over a 16-year period, including risk management director, director of public services, and program counsel.
A 1996 graduate of the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Rothstein also served as general counsel to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (2017 to 2019), assistant general counsel at Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough (2019 to 2022), and associate general counsel for the Womble Bond Dickinson law firm (2022 to 2024).
“I was most impressed with the breadth and depth of Ms. Rothstein’s experience and service to the South Carolina Bar,” said State Bar President-elect Dan Gartzke, also a member of the Executive Director Transition & Search Committee.
“I am looking forward to having her join our team in Wisconsin and put her wonderful experience to work for us.”
Former State Bar Executive Director George Brown (2000 to 2017), also a committee member, said “Jill brings to the State Bar of Wisconsin a wealth of leadership experience and a thorough understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing both lawyers and mandatory bar associations.”
Rothstein will be the first woman in the State Bar’s history to lead the organization when Martin retires after 14 years at the organization, seven as executive director.
She started her career as a prosecutor, working on child abuse and neglect cases, and then served as a staff attorney to the Labor Commerce and Industry Committee of the South Carolina House of Representatives before joining the South Carolina Bar staff in 2001, serving a 16-year stint in various roles.
A 1990 graduate of Merideth College, Rothstein obtained degrees in English and political science. She also obtained a L.L.M. degree in firm management and operations from Sanford University’s Cumberland School of Law.
Rothstein previously served as a South Carolina Supreme Court Commissioner on Lawyer Conduct, chair of the South Carolina Bar’s Professional Responsibility Committee, a court certified mediator, president of the Haynsworth/Perry Inn of Court, a high school mock trial team coach, and held various other volunteer and community positions during her career.
“Jill’s experience and warm, approachable personality make everyone feel comfortable and heard,” Tatiana Shirasaki, also a member of the Transition and Search Committee. “She’s the kind of leader who brings people together and we can’t wait to see where her leadership takes us."
Executive Director Search and Transition Committee
- President Ryan Billings (chair),
- Immediate Past President Dean Dietrich (vice chair),
- President-elect Dan Gartzke
- Melodie Wiseman (BOG chair)
- Jennifer Johnson (BOG representative)
- Tatiana Shirasaki (BOG representative)
- Lisa Lawless (BOG representative)
- Anna Muñoz (former State Bar secretary)
- Rebeca López (director, Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association)
- George Brown (past State Bar executive director)
- Paul Swanson (State Bar past president)
- Tom Watson (president & CEO of Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co.)
Other Committee Member Comments
“Jill brings exactly what the Bar demands – clear-eyed leadership, deep integrity, and a commitment to building a legal community where everyone belongs.” – Jennifer L. Johnson.
“Jill Rothstein understands the operational complexities of our organization, bringing valuable leadership experience from her role at another mandatory state bar, volunteering on local boards, practicing law, and leading her staff to excel. She has a deep commitment to bar service and to the betterment of the legal profession. I am excited to welcome her home to the great state of Wisconsin, and to the State Bar.” – Melodie Wiseman
"Jill repeatedly demonstrated in the extensive interview process great leadership qualities, a unique ability to connect quickly with people and an astute grasp of issues thrown at her. We are very confident Jill will help lead the State Bar into the future, working collaboratively with staff and the Board of Governors to drive impactful results and foster strong relationships with members as well as key stakeholders. Her visionary approach to leadership, combined with an unwavering commitment to Bar members, makes her the perfect fit to guide our organization toward even greater success." – Thomas J. Watson.
“In conducting a thorough search for the next State Bar Executive Director, Ms. Rothstein stood out in a competitive field of candidates. The committee was impressed with Ms. Rothstein’s extensive experience with the South Carolina State Bar and her commitment to the legal profession, as well with her strong communication and analytical skills.” – Anna Muñoz
“I was very impressed with the experience that Jill brings to the table. I believe she will fit very well with the culture of the Bar.” – Dean R. Dietrich
“The State bar of Wisconsin’s excellent reputation nationwide has enabled us to draw extremely strong candidates for the Executive Director position. Given the rapidly changing world lawyers find themselves in today and the challenges the State Bar faces from various directions, Jill will be an excellent Executive Director. Wisconsin lawyers will be very well served by Jill’s energy, intelligence, and experience, and her strong dedication to the legal profession and the justice system.” – Lisa Lawless
“Jill is well positioned to receive the baton from Larry Martin and continue to move our State Bar forward. She offers a wealth of experience, tireless energy, an understanding of practice, and an innovative lens that will benefit the organization and our members.” – Rebeca M. López
