Samuel Gordon points to his name on the list of new lawyers. Visit the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Facebook page for more photos of this event, for the 9 a.m. ceremony, the 11 a.m. ceremony, and the 1:30 p.m. ceremony​.​ Photos: Shannon Green.​

June 4, 2025 – It’s a ceremony steeped in tradition, and the conclusion of years of work.

On May 29, 2025, in three separate ceremonies before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, 204 U.W. Law School graduates took the final steps to become Wisconsin lawyers.

“On behalf of the entire court, congratulations,” said Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. And to their family members and supporters, “we all know that they could not have done it without your help.”

They received words of wisdom from Justice Brian Hagedorn, who urged the new admittees to live their lives – and their legal careers – with intention.

Rather than chasing the fleeting promises of fame, status, or wealth, he encouraged them to begin with the end in mind: “What do you want to see when you look back on your career and your relationships?” he asked.

In a culture that too often prioritizes image and influence, Justice Hagedorn reminded graduates that “your legal life will not be measured by how much money or how much Bitcoin you made … but whether you loved the truth and were wise.”

“Every time you have a decision to make … you are voting for the kind of person that you are going to be. Be a man of integrity. Be a woman who tells the truth.”

“On this first day of the rest of your life, welcome to the practice of law,” he said.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Brian Hagedorn speaks during the ceremonies, which took place in the Assembly Chamber, in the Wisconsin Capitol, before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Meet Six New Wisconsin Lawyers

Rebekah Blumenfeld credits her success to persistence and a strong support system. “This involved a lot of hard work and dedication – and a lot of support from my friends and family,” she said.

Her journey into law stemmed from a passion for problem-solving and helping others. Starting later in June, she will clerk for three Dane County judges. “It’s crazy that this day has come, after looking forward to it for so long,” she said. “To see my name on that certificate and on the attorney’s list … it’s really amazing.”

Samuel Gordon made the switch to law after feeling unfulfilled in his prior career. “I wanted to help people, and I was frustrated with the work I’d been doing,” he said. After relocating from New Jersey to attend U.W. Law School, he found both a professional direction and a place to call home.

He heads to Janesville to work as a public defender – after hearing about the intensity of the work, he felt drawn to the role. “All I wanted to do after hearing their stories was to do the work,” he said.

The significance of this moment: “It’s kind of surreal, but I am also excited to get to work,” he said. For Gordon, the day represents a turning point—not just a ceremonial milestone, but the beginning of a career deeply rooted in public service.

Sufan Zheng writes her name in the Attorney's Roll book, a tradition for lawyers admitted to practice in Wisconsin, and one of the final steps in becoming a Wisconsin lawyer.

Ja'Lia Butler grew up on Milwaukee’s north side and recognized early on that systemic issues in education and health care are tied to the law. That realization inspired her to become part of the solution. “I just decided then and there that I wanted to be a part of the conversation and a part of the story,” she said.

Next, she takes the New York bar exam and plans to practice in criminal defense with the Legal Aid Society in New York. “It’s great to see my dreams come true and just be a walking testament for everyone else who looks like me that they can do it,” she said. “Whatever you put your mind to, you can do it.”

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet delivers the Attorney's Oath in the 11 a.m. ceremony.

For Samuel Martin, the day had a special gravitas. “Just being here, in the Supreme Court Hearing Room and taking those final official steps to becoming a lawyer, signing the book today, is very special,” he said. As is sharing the moment with family.

Martin was raised around public service – his parents were both Capitol staffers – and a stint in Washington, D.C., after college helped him realize that his future lay in serving the public through the law.

Martin plans to work in state government “to serve the people of Wisconsin,” he said.

Samuel Martin (left) celebrates becoming a Wisconsin lawyer with his dad (right), Larry Martin, State Bar of Wisconsin executive director.

Noemi Reyes began her professional life as a social worker but ultimately sought to expand her capacity to serve others through law. A first-generation college graduate and the first attorney in her family, her admission to the State Bar represents a great personal triumph.

Noemi will begin her legal career in Madison exploring business law and continuing her commitment to community service. For her, the day represented more than just a milestone – it embodied hope and perseverance. “It’s really a reflection of what a dream can come to be,” she said. “Even if you don’t think that you’re what an attorney looks like.”

Steven Slack describes his journey to the law as one of gradual clarity and deep purpose. “With the world changing … your viewpoint on the world and society becomes very crystallized,” he said. A father of three and former small-business owner, photographer, and claims adjuster, Steven credits his wife for pushing him to pursue law after years of contemplation. “I was talking about it for so long that my lovely wife finally said either you need to do this or shut up,” he said, noting her unwavering support throughout.

Slack joins Community Justice Inc., a nonprofit in Madison. He emphasized that he carries with him the legacy of the women around him. “I lost my mother and my grandmother, both of whom raised me,” he said. “That is how I’m here. That’s why I’m here.”

Steven Slack takes the Attorney's Oath during the ceremony on May 29.

Welcome to These New Wisconsin Lawyers