Candidate for Secretary
Sherry Coley
Godfrey & Kahn SC, Green Bay
Email: scoley@gklaw.com
Comments
I am honored and humbled to be nominated as Secretary of the State Bar. Like many of you, my career as a lawyer has had many interesting twists and turns. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have as a lawyer at Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. in developing my skills, serving my clients and serving the State Bar.
In 2005, I ran for a position on the Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors. I served on the YLD Board until 2010, when I retired before aging out. In 2011, I was convinced to come back from retirement and appointed President-elect.
Also in 2011, Past President Brennan asked me to co-chair the Challenges Facing New Lawyers Task Force. Working with the Task Force was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I truly hope that our work will provide much needed relief to young lawyers. We cannot afford to lose an entire generation of lawyers who leave the profession.
Last year I served as YLD liaison to the Board of Governors. At the end of last year I was elected Chairperson of the Board. These positions have provided me with a greater understanding of State Bar governance, policies and procedures. I am encouraged by the Board of Governors and leadership of the State Bar – who believe that we can assist young lawyers by working together. I respectfully ask for your vote, so that I may serve you and continue in this great work.
Biography
Sherry D. Coley is an associate on the Litigation Practice Group in the Green Bay office. Her practice focuses on complex business litigation, with a particular emphasis on contract disputes, business torts, financial services litigation, real estate foreclosures and work-outs, and tax assessment appeals. Sherry has represented financial institutions in state and federal court for a variety of commercial lending disputes, defense of counterclaims raised in response to foreclosure or deficiency actions, and disputes arising from insolvent borrowers, including proceedings in bankruptcy court.
Sherry is also a member of the firm's Product Liability and Tort Practice Group. She defends manufacturers in product liability actions involving personal injury, wrongful death and property damage. She has counseled and defended clients on matters involving numerous products. Sherry is also a member of Defense Research Institute and the American Bar Association, Products Liability Section.
Sherry’s trial experience includes court and jury trials in both state and federal courts. She has also represented clients in appeals pending in the state appellate courts of Wisconsin and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Sherry earned her law degree at Marquette University Law School. While at Marquette University Law School, Sherry competed on the cyberlaw and patent law teams of the Moot Court Board. She completed her undergraduate education at Drake University, graduating magna cum laude and with honors, in political science and international relations.
Sherry speaks French. Before joining the firm, Sherry practiced law in Atlanta, Georgia, assisting on an antitrust litigation.
Admissions, Activities & Honors
Admitted to Practice
Georgia – 2003
Wisconsin – 2003
Court Admissions
State of Georgia
State of Wisconsin
United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
Professional Association Memberships
Brown County Bar Association
Outagamie County Bar Association
Defense Research Institute
American Bar Association, Products Liability Section
Activities
Wisconsin State Bar, Board of Governors, Chairperson, 2013-2014
Wisconsin State Bar, Board of Governors, YLD liaison, 2012-2013
Wisconsin State Bar, Board of Governors, Challenges Facing New Lawyers Task Force, Co-Chair, 2011-2013
Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Board of Directors, Secretary, 2013-present
Phoenix Fund, Board of Directors
Executive Women's Golf Association, Fox Cities/Green Bay Chapter
Honors
Recognized as a Wisconsin Rising Star (2009 - 2013)
News, Updates & Events
News & Publications
The Law of Damages in Wisconsin, Chapter 20, Contracts for Sale and Lease of Personal Property, chapter editor (2011-2013)
Wisconsin State Bar, Board of Governors, Challenges Facing New Lawyers Task Force Report, December 2013
The Business Journal, People on the Move, Dec. 20, 2013
Sherry Coley pictured at the Young Lawyers Leadership Conference (Wisconsin Lawyer) June 22, 2011
Sherry Coley was quoted in "Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission OKs delay of Marina View apartments Schott appeals decision to tear out lot." (Green Bay Press Gazette), Sept. 04, 2010
Sherry Coley was mentioned in "Lifetime Achievement Golden Gavel Award presented by State Bar" (WisPolitics) Aug. 24, 2010
Godfrey & Kahn Product Liability and Tort Practice Brochure, Feb. 17, 2010
Events
Wisconsin State Bar, Leadership Committee, Leadership Summit, Speaker and presenter, March 2013
Fundamentals of Employment Law Seminar, Feb. 17, 2010
Post Judgment - How to Collect: Finding the Goose that Lays the Golden Egg, Jan. 15, 2008
Education
Juris Doctor, Marquette University Law School
Bachelor's Degree, Drake University, magna cum laude, with honors
