Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Bablitch dies, career spans three branches of government

Feb. 17, 2011 – Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice William A. Bablitch died yesterday, he was 69. Upon retiring from the supreme court in 2003, Bablitch joined Michael Best & Friedrich as a partner, focusing on appellate practice, government and public policy, and alternative dispute resolution.

His long career of public service encompassed all three branches of government – as a public prosecutor, state legislator, and supreme court justice – and included two years in the Peace Corps in the late 1960s.

“I first became acquainted with Bill when he was a bag-boy at our local country club and last as a retired supreme court justice,” said former State Bar President and long-time friend from Stevens Point, Gerald O’Brien. “In between he had an illustrious career serving our state and its citizens. He was also a close friend, and as a friend I knew of his love for people, of his love for the outdoors and our environment, and of his loyalty and love for his friends and associates. He was always happy, optimistic, and warmhearted. He’ll be missed by all of us.”

Early years

Bablitch was elected Portage County district attorney in 1968. In 1972, he was elected state senator, relying on a grassroots campaign comprising mostly student volunteers.

State Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, a former Bablitch colleague in the Senate, said, “He was my best friend and I will miss him forever.”

Bablitch’s proudest accomplishment in the senate was passing revised sexual assault laws. He authored the bill and led the fight in the legislature to modernize Wisconsin’s antiquated rape law. The new law became a model for legislation nationwide. Bablitch also authored the first campaign reform law, which restricted campaign spending and established public financing of political campaigns. Other leadership accomplishments in the legislature include creating the Citizens’ Utility Board, expanding mandatory reporting of child abuse, and passing the marital property law.

In 1983, Bablitch ran successfully for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. As a justice, Bablitch authored many opinions supporting Wisconsin’s environment, open government, consumer protection, and victims’ rights. He authored a dissenting opinion in support of Wisconsin’s hate crimes law, a position that the U.S. Supreme Court later adopted.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson recalled, “He brought to the court a wealth of knowledge and experience as a former prosecutor, legislator, and Peace Corps volunteer. His diverse interests – fishing, cooking, gardening – found their way into many of the opinions he authored.”

“Bill Bablitch served 20 years on the court,” said Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David T. Prosser Jr.  “I think he was a very important jurist who issued and wrote hundreds of memorable opinions. He had a very effective way of writing so that it would reach many and make the law understandable to ordinary people. I was proud to call him a friend.”

In 1995, Bablitch originated and planned the Judicial Glass Ceiling conference, encouraging women to enter the judiciary, which drew 250 attendees and inspired many women to seek judicial careers.

Widely regarded as a moderate on the court, Bablitch was a regular faculty member of the Institute of Judicial Education at New York University Law School and a frequent lecturer at American Bar Association programs for appellate judges.

“Justice Bill Bablitch served us in so many ways,” said Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice N. Patrick Crooks. “He was a great Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for 20 years, working on and authoring many memorable opinions. He was also an excellent teacher of the law, lecturing for many years at the new appellate judges' program at NYU Law School and to judges throughout our country, as well as internationally. Bill also served as a district attorney, an attorney in private practice, and as the Democratic Majority Leader in the Wisconsin State Senate. He was an avid fisherman, as well as a hunter of wild turkeys. Bill was an excellent chef and collected and appreciated fine wines. Justice Bill Bablitch was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband, as well as a loyal friend. It should also be noted that he was a great fan of the Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. He will be missed by so many people who had the pleasure to know and appreciate him. I know that I will personally miss his friendship and wise counsel.”

After the supreme court

Following his retirement from the supreme court in 2003, Bablitch joined Michael Best & Friedrich as a partner in the law firm’s Madison office in its litigation and government and public policy groups.

“Bill was a giant in Wisconsin politics and government,” said David J. Hanson, Michael Best partner and lifelong friend.  “As a partner at Michael Best from 2003 to 2010, he participated in many major appellate cases, shared his wisdom and great stories to young and old alike. Bill continued to counsel governors, legislators, and political candidates from both parties. Many of us looked forward to Bill's return from Hawaii each spring as much as we looked forward to the return of the robin. Bill will be missed by many friends, colleagues, and confidants. He was a great counselor.”

Bablitch is survived by his wife of 25 years, Anne Milne, his daughter Bulleh Bablitch-Norkeh, and two grandaughters.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet.