Candidate for President-elect
Jennifer L. Johnson
Legal Action of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Email: jlj@legalaction.org
Platform Statement
I am excited to share my vision as a candidate for the position of president-elect, with an acute focus on two chief pillars: promoting mental health among attorneys and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. As an attorney with a background deeply rooted in public interest law, I bring a unique perspective that underscores the critical importance of these issues.
Promoting Mental Health Among Attorneys
Having practiced in public interest law from the outset of my legal career, I intimately understand the challenges that attorneys face, particularly the toll that heavy caseloads can take on both newer and experienced professionals. I deeply understand the emotional toll of secondary trauma that we frequently encounter when closely engaging with clients navigating some of the most difficult circumstances in their lives. If entrusted with the role of State Bar president, I will be steady in my commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues in our legal community. By fostering an environment that prioritizes mental well-being, we can strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of our legal community.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices
A diverse and inclusive legal community is not only ethically imperative, but also a source of strength and innovation. Drawing from my role as Director of Diversity & Inclusion and my active participation on the Diversity Inclusion and Oversight Committee, I am well-versed in championing for DEI practices. As your president, I will diligently work to implement and fortify initiatives that promote diversity at all levels of the legal profession, including (but not limited to) racial, gender, geographical, and intellectual diversity. Our legal community should reflect the diverse clients we serve, and I am devoted to ensuring that every attorney feels valued, supported, and included.
In addition to these vital initiatives, I will work to establish comprehensive support programs for attorneys facing challenges. This includes the promotion of mentorship initiatives like the State Bar’s “Ready.Set.Practice.” program. By providing a robust support system, we can empower attorneys to not only navigate challenges but also to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of justice.
Together, let us elevate the State Bar of Wisconsin to new heights by prioritizing the mental health of our attorneys and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. With your support, I am dedicated to leading our legal community toward a future marked by compassion, resilience, and true excellence.
Biography
Jennifer L. Johnson was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marian (College) University in 2005 and her law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2014.
Her legal career officially began in 2016 at Legal Action of Wisconsin, a nonprofit law firm in Milwaukee. In her role as a staff attorney, she specialized in poverty law, assisting clients with low incomes in addressing legal barriers to employment. She effectively litigated against civil legal matters like driver’s license suspensions, owed court financial obligations and expungable convictions.
In 2019, she assumed the firm's inaugural position as Director of Diversity & Inclusion. Her expertise lies in promoting cultural intelligence and fostering an inclusive environment by increasing awareness of unconscious biases, implementing targeted DEI programs, and facilitating meaningful dialogue while achieving cultural transformation within the organization.
She actively participates in the State Bar of Wisconsin, most recently she was reelected by District 2 (Milwaukee) as a governor for the Board of Governors and reappointed to the Diversity Inclusion and Oversight Committee. Additionally, she has served on various boards and committees including: the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers, the Public Interest Law Section, the Communications Committee (still an active committee member), and the Local Bar Relations Committee. This past October she was inducted into the Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellows 2023 class.
In her personal time, she serves as one of the newest members of the board of trustees for the Old World Foundation and recently completed a 4-year commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her most noteworthy role is that of mother to her 2-year-old son, Eko ("echo").
Publications
"Building a Foundation of Support: Promoting Mental Health and Wellness of Black Women in the Legal Profession," MIE Journal, Summer 2023
"Check Your Assumptions When I Bring My Authentic Self to Work," InsideTrack, February 16, 2022
"Don't Stop Believing ... in Yourself," Wisconsin Lawyer, June 2019
"How Diversity & Inclusion Benefits Us All", PILS Blog, January 2019
Presentations
Doing the Work: Creating and Implementing a Race Equity Plan in Real Life, October 2022; May 2023 NLADA, Richmond, VA; ABA, Dallas, TX
Going Beyond Diversity to Meaningful Inclusion, November 2022, Elder Law and Special Needs Law Section; Virtual
The Culturally Intelligent Lawyer: a Primer, November 2022, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.; Milwaukee, WI
