Candidates for Board of Governors

The following names were submitted by nomination petition for election to the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is the State Bar's policymaking body. Governors serve two-year terms.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 will elect governors in 2025. District 2 (Milwaukee) elects seven; District 9 (Dane) elects three; and all other districts elect one.

All State Bar elections (including for State Bar divisions and sections) will be held via an electronic ballot in 2025. Ballots are emailed starting April 10, 2025. The election closes at noon Central time on April 25, 2025.

Persons elected will take office July 1, 2025.

District Map | View Officer Candidates

District 1 (one vacancy)

• Haley J. Johnson, Walworth County Corporation Counsel, Elkhorn, U.W. 2010

District 2 (seven vacancies)

• Christopher P. August, Assistant State Public Defender, Appellate Unit, Milwaukee, U.W. 2013.
• Christina E. Balistreri, Webb Law Services, LLC, Milwaukee, U.W. 2012.
• Karen Bauer, Milwaukee, U.W. 2009.
• Daniel J. Blinka, Godfrey & Kahn SC, Milwaukee, U.W. 2009
• Scott F. Brown, Corporation Counsel, Milwaukee County, Rutgers 2005.
• Monica Cail, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Marquette 2015.
• Jade K. Hall, Office of the State Public Defender, Milwaukee, Marquette 2019.
• Russell J. Karnes, Mallery, S.C., Milwaukee, Marquette 2010.
• Anna Muñoz, Senior Director of Legal Operations, Licensing, and Risk at Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Milwaukee, Marquette 2005.

District 3 (one vacancy)

• Angela Rust, von Briesen & Roper SC, Neenah, Marquette 2007.

District 5 (one vacancy)

• Shari LePage Locante, Arndt, Buswell & Thorn SC, Sparta, Hamline University 1985.

District 6 (one vacancy)

• Erin E. Block, Dewitt LLP, Brookfield, Marquette 2015.
• Robert B. Teuber, von Briesen & Roper, S.C., Waukesha, Marquette, 2000.

District 7 (one vacancy)

• Steven H. Thompson, Anderson O’Brien, LLP, Stevens Point, U.W. 2018.

District 9 (three vacancies)

• Richard Niess, Madison, Duke, 1978.
• Kathleen Pakes, Assigned Counsel Division Director and a Forensic Practice C​oordinator, Wisconsin State Public Defender, Madison, Brandeis, 1995.
• Jessica J. Shrestha, Fredrikson & Byron PA, Madison, U.W. 2009.
• Annabelle K. Vang, Kowalski Wilson & Vang LLC, Madison, Marquette 2014.

District 11 (one vacancy)

• Courtney L. Graff, Schmiege, Graff & Koch Law Firm Ltd., Medford, Ave Maria 2012.

District 13 (one vacancy)

• Maria A. Penkwitz, Penkwitz Law Office, Port Washington, Marquette, 2022.
• Tatiana Shirasaki, Dodge County Corporation Counsel, Juneau; Toledo Brazil 1998, U.W. 2014.

District 15 (one vacancy)

• Ali Mahmood, Wisconsin State Public Defender, Racine, Marquette 2022.
• Elizabeth Stinebaugh, Legal Action of Wisconsin Inc., Racine, University of the District of Columbia 2013.

District 1

​ HALEY J. JOHNSON of Elkhorn. University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D. 2010. University of Wyoming, B.A. 2007. Walworth County Corporation Counsel.

District 2

CHRISTOPHER P. AUGUST of Milwaukee. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, BA 2009. University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 2013. Assistant State Public Defender, Milwaukee Appellate Unit 2016-present. Member State Bar of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bar Association. Graduate of State Bar Leadership Academy 2018. Member of Bench/Bar Committee 2018-2020. Member of Appellate Practice Section Board 2024-present. Member of Glendale Architectural Review Board 2018-2022, Glendale Board of Review 2018-present. Most importantly, proud parent of two amazing girls, husband to a wonderful wife, and owner of way too many adopted pets.

Christopher P. August Campaign Statement

As a member of the Board of Governors, I plan to focus on three important issues. First, because our State has a mandatory bar, I believe the Bar’s primary goal should be lawyer well-being. While I know that each generation has its own challenges, as a young(er) lawyer, I’ll try to focus on what I know best—the unique issues faced by my generation and those who have come after. Young lawyers face an uncertain student debt repayment landscape as well as a continued inability to grasp the same opportunities seized on by previous generations. Moreover, while the COVID pandemic had the side effect of reorienting the work/life balance, ushering in a remote-work revolution and encouraging many to find new ways to attend to their physical and mental health, our society is in the midst of an equally historic pushback against those positive changes. While I cannot fix the structural problems in our society and in our profession that drive many toward overwork and overindulgence, my primary goal is to advocate for and support initiatives that improve the health and well-being of members of the Bar in whatever way possible.

Second, it is also an unfortunate reality that our country is encountering a depressing backlash against (admittedly minimal and belated) efforts to diversify our workplaces and our power structures. The Bar faces a massive challenge in trying to continue its recent efforts at improving the diversity of our profession while also avoiding ideologically minded litigation and political attack. If elected, I promise that I will not abandon the Bar’s work-to-date. Legal challenges spur innovation and I hope to work together with other members to ensure that this work continues, in whatever way possible.

Third, as my resume suggests, I have largely dedicated my legal career to fighting for the interests of the indigent. As a result, it will always be my goal to ensure that public interest legal issues have a seat at the table and remain a vital part of any conversation about Bar priorities. The Bar has historically supported indigent and pro bono representation in a commendable fashion and I hope to continue and deepen those commitments.

Accordingly, I respectfully ask for your vote and your support.

CHRISTINA E. BALISTRERI of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin, J.D., 2012. Webb Law Services, LLC. Member, State Bar of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bar Association. Board Member, Public Interest Law Section, 2023-present, member of Bench/Bar Committee 2024-present.

KAREN M. BAUER of Milwaukee. University of Wisconsin, J.D., 2009. Board of Governors Representative for Milwaukee, 2017-20; 2023-25. BOG Policy Committee. U.S. Dept. of Education Office of General Counsel (litigation, regulatory and compliance issues). Formerly: Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee and Judicare Legal Aid, Wausau (consumer law). Awards: 2014 YLD Outstanding Young Lawyer, WisLAP Volunteer of the Year. Volunteer work: Board Member, Believe in Students FastFund for MATC Students, Girl Scout Troop Leader, State Bar of Wisconsin WisLAP Peer Mentor and Monitor.

Karen has written articles for the Wisconsin Lawyer and has taught many CLE courses on student loan repayment. She is a member of the Association for Women Lawyers, and the National Association of Consumer Advocates. She is a Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation and American Bar Foundation. She served two terms on the New Lawyer Challenges Committee, three terms on the Young Lawyers Division Board, two terms as Chair of the Public Interest Law Section, and was the founder of the Marathon County Bar Young Lawyers Division.

DANIEL J. BLINKA of Milwaukee. University of Wisconsin, J.D., 2009, Godfrey & Kahn S.C., Milwaukee. I have worked at Godfrey & Kahn my entire career. My practice focuses on litigation and regulatory investigations, primarily related to securities and environmental laws. I enjoy representing clients in various industries, including manufacturers, accounting firms, investment advisors, as well as individuals. I have been an active member of the State Bar. Over the course of my career, I have served on the Board of Governors for six years. I have served on several State Bar committees. I am also a member of the Wisconsin Judicial Council, the Milwaukee Bar Association, and Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors. I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy for the State Bar Board of Governors, through which I would like to continue to serve our bar.

SCOTT F. BROWN of Milwaukee County. Mr. Brown is currently serving as Corporation Counsel for Milwaukee County a position to which he was appointed in 2024. Prior to his appointment he served in the roles of Deputy and Assistant Corporation Counsel. Mr. Brown worked in private practice for several years before joining the County, and before that he was a Public Defender in Philadelphia, PA. He received his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law in 2005. He has served on State Bar’s Government Lawyers Division from 2020 to present. He’s a member of Governor Evers’ Judicial Selection Advisory Committee, the Wisconsin Association of African-American Lawyers, and the Milwaukee Bar Association.

Scott F. Brown Campaign Statement

I am writing to ask for the opportunity to serve as your District 2 representative on the State Bar’s Board of Governors. I am seeking election because I believe that strong leadership is essential during times of significant change. As the legal profession navigates an evolving landscape, attorneys play a critical role in upholding the rule of law and strengthening the institutions that sustain our society.

If elected, I will advocate for lawyer well-being, ensuring that both new and experienced attorneys receive the support they need to thrive – professionally and personally. I will support and advance the Board of Governors comprehensive plan to foster diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. In doing so, I would advocate for a strategic approach in confronting the challenges we are currently facing in that arena. Most importantly, I am committed to upholding the finest traditions and standards of our profession – because the public’s trust in us bolsters trust in the institutions we serve.

I would be honored to bring my experience and dedication to the Board of Governors, and I respectfully ask for your support.

MONICA L. CAIL of Saint Francis. Marquette University, J.D., 2015. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc., Milwaukee. Member State Bar of Wisconsin, National Legal Aid and Defender Association. Fellow: Wisconsin Law Foundation. State Bar of Wisconsin Board Governor for District 2 since 2023. Member, State Bar DIOC Outreach & Engagement Subcommittee. Former Board President: ArtWorks for Milwaukee (2022-2023).

Monical L. Cail Campaign Statement

Hello, I’m Monica Cail, and I am running to continue representing District 2 on the Board of Governors (BOG). Serving on the BOG is an opportunity to help shape a profession that upholds justice, equity, and integrity for all its members, and I am eager to bring my experience and perspective to this role.

As Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Director of Racial Justice Litigation and Advocacy, I lead efforts to ensure that civil legal services are delivered through a racial equity lens. My work is both a privilege and a profound responsibility, and I remain committed to the pursuit of justice for all. Previously, I was a family law attorney advocating for indigent survivors of domestic violence. Beyond my legal practice, I have been deeply engaged in shaping efforts to foster a more inclusive and equitable legal profession efforts within my firm, including serving as a long-standing leader in discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering fairness and equity.

My commitment to the legal community extends beyond my firm. I have presented on issues of racial equity, cultural intelligence, ethics, and attorney well-being at local, state, and national conferences. In addition, I serve on the State Bar’s DIOC Outreach & Engagement Subcommittee. I also previously served as Board President of ArtWorks for Milwaukee (2022-2023) and have volunteered with organizations including Pearls for Teen Girls, Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

My path to the legal profession was unconventional. I attended Marquette University Law School while working full time as a social worker and raising children, graduating at 40 years old. As a first-generation college graduate and lawyer, I understand the barriers that many attorneys face in entering and thriving within the legal field. The State Bar’s resources such as mentorship programs, continuing legal education, and initiatives that increase access to justice, have been invaluable to my journey, and I want to help ensure that these resources continue to evolve to meet the needs of all attorneys.

If reelected, I will continue to bring my dedication, leadership experience, and commitment to equity to the Board of Governors. I appreciate your consideration and would be honored to continue serving.

JADE K. HALL of Milwaukee. Marquette University, J.D. 2019. Office of the State Public Defender, Milwaukee Trial. Member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bar Association. Board Member of Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers 2022-present, Member of the Legal Assistance Committee 2023-present.

RUSSELL J. KARNES of Milwaukee. Marquette University, J.D., 2010. Mallery, s.c., Milwaukee (Shareholder). Member State Bar of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bar Association. Volunteer Wisconsin State Bar Fee Arbitrator. Member of Milwaukee Bar Association’s Golf Committee. Volunteer for Milwaukee Justice Center Mobile Legal Clinic and Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic. Graduate of State Bar of Wisconsin’s G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy. Recognized as Super Lawyer, Best Lawyer and Mobile Legal Clinic Volunteer Jon Allen Pace Setter Award.

Russell J. Karnes Campaign Statement

I am excited to announce my candidacy to serve a second term on the Wisconsin State Bar Board of Governors serving District 2 – Milwaukee. As a Shareholder at the Milwaukee law firm Mallery, s.c., practicing civil litigation, real estate and business law, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing lawyers today. I am committed to my continued support of the State Bar’s efforts at promoting lawyer well-being and expanding access to justice for all Wisconsinites. The State Bar must continue its work to promote and maintain the high standards for ethics, justice, and integrity that we set for ourselves as Wisconsin lawyers.

The State Bar serves a vital role in supporting lawyers and the legal community. It is the role of the Board of Governors to ensure that Wisconsin lawyers continue to receive the highest value from the State Bar. If reelected to the State Bar Board of Governors, I promise to work together with my colleagues and collaborate to address the issues facing our profession.

Thank you for your consideration.

ANNA MUÑOZ of Shorewood. Anna is the Senior Director of Legal Operations, Licensing, and Risk at Brookdale Senior Living Inc., and has been with Brookdale since graduating from Marquette University Law School in 2005. Anna has a B.A. from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She began her State Bar involvement in 2010 joining the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) and has served in a variety of capacities with the LDC since then including Committee Chair (2013-2014); G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy Subcommittee Co-Chair (2017-2018) and Chair (2018-2019); and Ready.Set.Practice. Mentoring Subcommittee Chair (2020-2024). Anna served on the Board of Governors from 2019-2022 and as State Bar Secretary from 2022-2024.

In addition to State Bar activities, Anna is board member of the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation (WisTAF) and enjoys supporting law students at Marquette University Law School’s Small Claims Court Mediation Clinic and client skills student competitions. She is a Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation and a member of the State Bar Health Law Section. Anna is married to Juan Muñoz, who leads the data strategy and innovation team at Breakthrough. They enjoy spending time with family and are big tennis and Brewers fans.

District 3

ANGELA RUST of Neenah. Marquette University, J.D., 2007; Medical College of Wisconsin, M.A. (Bioethics), 2007. Service on Health Law Section Board since 2011, including as President in 2016. Member: American Health Law Association, American Society of Medical Association Counsel, Winnebago County Bar Association, Tempo Fox Valley, Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Oshkosh North Booster Club.

Angela Rust Campaign Statement

I have served on the Health Law Section Board since 2011. This has given me an appreciation for the support attorneys can provide to one another through the State Bar, and I would be honored to represent District 3 on the Board of Governors. I have lived in Oshkosh for more than a decade. I received my undergraduate degree in Fond du Lac from Marian University, where I’ve also taught on an adjunct basis. My connections to our District run deep, and I enjoy finding ways to engage attorneys throughout the state in the activities of the State Bar, especially those of us who live and work outside of the largest cities.

District 5

SHARI LEPAGE LOCANTE of West Salem. Hamline University, J.D., 1985. Arndt, Buswell & Thorn, S.C., Sparta. Member State Bar of Wisconsin, Monroe County Bar Association, Ho-Chunk Nation Bar. Former Board Member: Western Wisconsin Legal Services. Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellow.

District 6

ERIN E. BLOCK of Brookfield. Marquette University, J.D. magna cum laude, 2015, UW-Milwaukee, BS Computer Science, 2010. Erin is part of the Intellectual Property and Tax practice groups at DeWitt LLP. She has diverse legal experience in bankruptcy, consumer protection, trusts, estates and probate, criminal, family, and personal injury law. Erin is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association serving as a Committee chair and vice-chair (2021-present), the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association, and the Wisconsin Intellectual Property Law Association. Erin also volunteers with Project Horizon Workforce Development Committee for Meta House (2022-present) and it a longtime volunteer with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic/Milwaukee Justice Center (2011-15 (student), 2018-present (attorney)). She was selected as a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star 2025 and has presented and written on many areas of patent law, including the hot topics of subject matter eligibility and artificial intelligence. Erin is married to a software engineer, so she never strays too far from her computer science roots. When she does stray from her computer, Erin enjoys crocheting, strategic board games, and outdoor activities.

Erin E. Block Campaign Statement

I am running for a position on the State Bar Board of Governors representing District 6 (Waukesha) because I believe my broad experiences provide me with a unique perspective that will assist the State Bar in advancing its mission and serving its members. Having lived and worked in rural, suburban and metropolitan Wisconsin, I have seen the dire need for access to legal services throughout the state, and I would like to help address those needs.

During undergrad and law school, I was a paralegal and ran day-to-day operations for two different small firms with focuses on criminal, family, CHIPS, personal injury, and trusts/estates law. Since obtaining my J.D., I have practiced bankruptcy, consumer protection, and probate law before obtaining my current position practicing intellectual property and tax law with a midsized firm. From my experience practicing in many areas of law and working for firms of different sizes, I have gained an understanding of the needs and difficulties experienced by practitioners throughout Wisconsin.

My personal background is equally varied. I was raised in rural northern Wisconsin, moved to Milwaukee for college and law school, and practice in Waukesha County. Living and working all over Wisconsin, I acquired an appreciation of the expansiveness of the legal industry, the diverse needs of the population we serve, and the widespread need for legal services. If elected, I will draw upon my personal and professional experiences to represent Waukesha County members and help improve the practice of law.

I currently serve as a committee chair for the American Intellectual Property Law Association, and volunteer with the Project Horizon Workforce Development Committee for Meta House, Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic and Milwaukee Justice Center. While I have significant experience working with numerous nonprofit organizations, I have not previously served in any leadership position with the Bar and believe I could provide a fresh perspective to complement the work of my fellow Governors.

If elected I will work to advance the State Bar’s mission, our District’s interests and goals, and serve our members and the public.

ROBERT B. TEUBER of Waukesha. Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2000. von Briesen & Roper, S.C., Waukesha. Member State Bar of Wisconsin. Member of State Bar of Wisconsin’s Finance Committee 2016 – present (Chair 2023 – present), Continuing Legal Education Committee 2011 – 2018 (Chair 2016 – 2018), Taxation Section Board of Directors 2010 – 2023 (Chair 2018-2020). Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellows – Lifetime Fellow.

District 7

STEVEN H. THOMPSON of Stevens Point. University of Wisconsin, J.D. 2018. Anderson O’Brien, LLP. Member State Bar of Wisconsin, Portage County Bar Association.

Steven H. Thompson Campaign Statement

As a private practice attorney at a medium-sized firm in Stevens Point, my work focuses on helping local families and businesses navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape. I have had the privilege of working with clients across many industries and of all sizes—from low-income individuals in need of affordable legal solutions to large corporations engaged in complex transactions and regulatory compliance. This experience has given me insight into the strengths and opportunities for improvement in Wisconsin’s legal system and its impact on attorneys and the clients we serve. In particular, my background in business, agriculture, estate planning, and real estate law will contribute to the Board’s collective knowledge as it addresses the diverse challenges facing our profession.

One of my priorities will be guiding the practical and responsible integration of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, into legal practice in a way that helps attorneys remain ethical, efficient, and financially sustainable. As a 2018 law school graduate, I no longer consider myself a “new” attorney, but I am young enough to be thinking not just about what legal practice will look like in three years, but in three decades. I believe it is important for that perspective to have voices on the Board. The decisions we make now will shape how technology and innovation are applied in the future.

I am honored to be considered for this position. If elected, I look forward to supporting Wisconsin attorneys as we navigate the evolving legal landscape and ensure the continued strength of our profession.

District 9

RICHARD NIESS (“Rick”) of Madison. Duke University School of Law, J.D 1978. Coyne, Niess, Schultz, Becker & Bauer, S.C. (and predecessors) in Madison, 1978-2004. Dane County Circuit Court Judge, 2004-2020. Board-certified Civil Trial Advocate, NBTA, 1992*- present. Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 1995-2004 (Judicial Fellow, 2005-2020; Emeritus Fellow, 2025). Faculty, Wisconsin Judicial College, 2007-2012* President, James E. Doyle Chapter, American Inns of Court, 2007-2010*. Member, Wisconsin and Dane County Bar Associations. Admitted to Wisconsin Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit. Career: civil trial lawyer 1978-2004; Dane County Circuit Court 15+ years (presiding judge, civil division, 13 years); mediator, complex civil litigation, 2021-2024 (* approximate dates).

Richard Niess Campaign Statement

With 47 years of combined experience in the courtroom and private civil trial practice, I will work to (1) advocate for and facilitate measures that support attorneys in delivering the best possible service to their clients, their communities, and to the court system, and (2) actively guard against and counter threats to our judges, to judicial independence, and to the integrity of our court system as a whole.

KATHLEEN PAKES of Cottage Grove, J.D. 1995 Brandeis School of Law (Louisville, KY), is the Assigned Counsel Division Director, and a Forensic Practice coordinator with the Wisconsin State Public Defender. She frequently presents in the areas of forensic science and medicine. Kathy previously served as the elected District Attorney in Rusk County (2001-2009) and is currently a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Legal Association for Women. She is the editor of the Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual (2016 to present) and a Member of the Office of Lawyer Regulation Board of Administrative Oversight. She previously served on the Plan Commission for the Village of McFarland and the boards of the McFarland Education Foundation and the Rusk County Community Foundation.

JESSICA J. SHRESTHA of Madison. Jessica is an attorney at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. in Madison. She graduated from UW Law School in 2009 and concentrates her practice on real property and energy matters. Jessica is a past chair of the RPPT Section, a contributing Pinnacle author and a frequent presenter for the State Bar. Jessica also serves on the Wisconsin Remote Notary Council representing real estate attorneys.

Jessica J. Shrestha Campaign Statement

I have been actively involved with the State Bar since graduating from law school in 2009. This has included presenting at numerous CLEs, writing for the Wisconsin Lawyer, Inside Track and other State Bar publications, participation in lobbying efforts through the RPPT Section, RPPT Section Board membership and leadership and participation in the Section Leaders Council.

I was first elected as a District 9 representative on the Board of Governors in 2023 and I would like to continue my State Bar involvement through a second term. As a representative, I am interested in facilitating and promoting member engagement and inclusion and diversity at all levels of the Bar. This includes, but is not limited to, encouraging law student participation and supporting first-generation lawyers.

ANNABELLE K. VANG of Madison, Marquette University, J.D. 2014. Kowalski, Wilson, & Vang LLC. Member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Family Law Division and Young Lawyer Division. Member of the Sauk County Bar Association and Dane County Bar Association- Courthouse Committee. Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation. 2016 Graduate of the G. Lane Ware Leadership Development Academy. Recipient of the 2016 Belle Case La Follette Award. Member of the Board of Governors 2023-2025, Executive Committee Member 2024-2025. BOG Liaison to State Bar Ethics Committee. Board member: The Hmong Institute.

District 11

COURTNEY L. GRAFF of Medford. Schmiege, Graff and Koch Law Firm, ltd, Medford, Wisconsin. Member State Bar of Wisconsin since 2012; Treasurer/Secretary Price-Taylor County Bar Association.

Courtney L. Graff Campaign Statement

My goal, if elected for a second term to serve as District 11’s Board of Governor representative, is to connect the northern counties’ attorneys to all the State Bar has to offer. Northern attorneys report an impression of disconnect between the activities that our attorneys’ dues fund and the services and benefits available. During my first term, I saw and experienced the commitment and plethora of benefits available to their members, regardless of location. The needs of District 11 lawyers are vastly different from other Districts, but I have witnessed the State Bar whole-heartedly advance solutions to address the issue of the decreasing northern lawyer population.

I hope to continue to serve as a conduit of all the State Bar has to offer to the counties of District 11 which include. Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Iron, Lincoln, Price , Rusk , Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn).

District 13

MARIA A. PENKWITZ of Port Washington. Marquette University, J.D., 2022. Creighton University, B.S.B.A., cum laude, 2019. Associate at Penkwitz Law Office in Port Washington. Member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Ozaukee County Bar Association, Milwaukee Bar Association. Member of Marquette University Law School Pro Bono Society. Published: Artificial Intelligence Owning Patents: A Worldwide Court Debate, Marquette Intellectual Property and Innovation Law Review, Summer 2023.

Maria A. Penkwitz Campaign Statement

I intend to bring fresh eyes and new perspectives to the issues facing Wisconsin lawyers today. Should I be elected to represent District 13, I promise to listen to the needs of our district and do my best to bring these needs to the attention of the board at large. Furthermore, I will do my best to keep the district informed on all relevant developments of the board and seek appropriate input. Thank you for your time.

TATIANA SHIRASAKI has graduated from a Brazilian Law School in 1998 and The University of Wisconsin in 2014. She is licensed in both Brazil and Wisconsin. She is honored to serve on the Wisconsin State Bar Board of Governors and as a Wisconsin Delegate for the American Bar Association. Committed to service, Tatiana has served as a Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, and Assistant Corporation Counsel. She is currently a Managing Attorney at the Dodge County District Attorney’s Office. As a Governor, she has contributed to key initiatives, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Policy Committee and BOG Liaison for WisLAP and the Legislative Oversight Committee.

Beyond the Bar, Tatiana serves on the School Board and the District Rotary Grants Committee and will soon become President of the Economic Justice Institute (EJI), supporting Legal Clinics at UW Law and Lift Wisconsin. She is passionate about mentoring future attorneys, previously serving as Assistant Director of Admissions at UW Law and actively participating in mock trials and courthouse events.

Tatiana and her family proudly call Mayville home. Deeply grateful for Wisconsin’s legal community, she remains committed to service and would be honored to continue her role on the Board of Governors.

Tatiana Shirasaki Campaign Statement

I am honored to serve as a current member of the Board of Governors (BOG) and as a Wisconsin Delegate for the American Bar Association. Service has always been at the core of my values. I graduated from a Brazilian Law School in 1998 and The University of Wisconsin in 2014 and I hold licenses to practice law in Wisconsin and in Brazil.

As an attorney, I have dedicated my career to serving my community in various capacities, as a Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, and Assistant Corporation Counsel. Currently, I am a Special Prosecutor and Managing Attorney at the Dodge County District Attorney’s Office.

In addition to my legal practice, I am engaged in leadership and policy within the State Bar. As a Governor, I have had the privilege of serving as Vice-Chair of the Policy Committee, as well as BOG Liaison for the Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program (WisLAP) and the Legislative Oversight Committee. My most interesting participations currently are the Attorney Retention and Recruitment Committee created by Chief Justice Annette Ziegler and the Transition and Search Committee to the new Executive Director for the WI State Bar

Beyond the Bar, I remain committed to my local community. I serve on the School Board and the District Rotary Grants Committee, ensuring that resources reach those in need. Soon, I will assume the role of President of the Economic Justice Institute (EJI), an organization I have been involved with for over a decade. EJI plays a crucial role in supporting clinics at UW Law and Lift Wisconsin, furthering access to justice initiatives.

I also believe in investing in the next generation of attorneys. To that end, I previously served as Assistant Director of Admissions at UW Law School and continue to volunteer for school presentations, mock trials, and courthouse events designed to inspire high school students to consider legal careers.

I am deeply grateful to the Wisconsin legal community for welcoming me. Being able to call Wisconsin my community is important to me. My family and I proudly call Mayville home, and I remain committed to service, both within and beyond the legal profession.

I appreciate your consideration, and I would be honored to continue my service in a final term on the Board of Governors.

With gratitude, Tatiana Shirasaki

District 15

ALI MAHMOOD of Racine. Marquette University, J.D., 2022. Wisconsin State Public Defender: Assistant Public Defender. Member State Bar of Wisconsin. Executive Director of the Young Lawyers Division with the Wisconsin State Bar.

Ali Mahmood Campaign Statement

As a young lawyer, I bring a fresh and unique perspective to the Wisconsin State Bar Board of Governors. I am passionate about advocating for the diverse needs of all lawyers in our district, particularly young attorneys who are just beginning their careers and navigating the complexities of the legal profession.

As the practice of law continues to evolve, we face new challenges that demand thoughtful leadership. As Racine County's representative on the Board of Governors, I am committed to addressing these challenges head-on. I strongly support progressive legal education initiatives that will empower lawyers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

Additionally, I will advocate for greater transparency and accountability in relation to Bar dues and expenditures, ensuring that our resources are used efficiently and in the best interest of the membership.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving Racine County and to working collaboratively with fellow Board members to shape the future of our profession. Together, we can ensure a strong and vibrant Bar for years to come.

ELIZABETH STINEBAUGH of Racine. University of the District of Columbia, J.D., 2013. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Racine. Member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Board member of the Public Interest Law Section, State Bar of Wisconsin, 2016 – 2023. Member of the Section Leader’s Council, 2021 – 2022 and Fee Arbitration District 1, 2022 – present. State Bar of Wisconsin high school mock trial coordinator, Racine/Kenosha division, 2018 and 2019.

Elizabeth Stinebaugh Campaign Statement

I have represented District 15 on the Board of Governors for the past two years and am excited at the continued opportunity to serve.

I have proudly represented low-income Wisconsinites in Racine for the past nine years. During this time, I have had the chance to interact with many attorneys in District 15. I feel confident that I have the knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact both our attorneys and our clients and I am excited for the continued opportunity to represent them both on the Board of Governors.