Dec. 9, 2024 – Johanna R. Kirk and Stephen W. Sawyer have accepted nominations to run for 2025 State Bar of Wisconsin president-elect.

Both candidates are lawyers active in northern Wisconsin. Kirk (Hamline 2006) is with ​Kirk Law Office LLC in Thorp. Sawyer (Notre Dame 1996) is with Sawyer Law LLC in Stevens Point.

The president-elect serves a one-year term before becoming president on July 1, 2026.

The nominees for treasurer are Steven J. Krueger (Marquette 2007) with Law Firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry SC in Green Bay; and Emil Ovbiagele (Marquette 2014) with OVB Law & Consulting SC, Milwaukee.

The candidates for Judicial Council representative are Edward E. Robinson (U.W. 1995), an attorney with Cannon & Dunphy SC in Brookfield; and Sarah Zylstra (U.W. 1998), a partner with Boardman & Clark LLP, Madison.

The Nominating Committee members, appointed by State Bar President Ryan Billings, are:

• Renee Read, chair
• Eric Andrews
• Ryan Long
• Chris Rogers
• Craig Steger

State Bar members can also run for an officer position by filing a petition signed by 100 active State Bar members. The deadline to submit a petition is Feb. 3, 2025. For more information and to receive a petition, contact Kim Jansen via email, or at (608) 250-6106 or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6106.

Those elected take office July 1, 2025.

Candidates Needed for Board of Governors Positions; Submit Petitions by March 3, 2025

The Board of Governors is the State Bar's policymaking body, and governors serve two-year terms.

Consider contributing your time and expertise as a Board representative. Members who wish to run for these positions must file a petition, signed by 10 active State Bar members, by March 3, 2025. To receive a petition, ​ contact Kim Jansen via email or call (608) 250-6106, or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6106.

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.

To receive a petition or for more information, visit the Board of Governors’ page on WisBar.org, or contact Kim Jansen via email, or at (608) 250-6106 or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6106.

Those elected will take office July 1, 2025.

Find out about other State Bar leadership opportunities.

Vote in April: Look for Your Email Ballot

All State Bar elections (including for State Bar divisions and sections) will be held via an electronic ballot in 2025, starting April 10, 2025.

The election closes at noon Central time on April 25, 2025.

Please note: If you have placed any holds on emails from the State Bar, you may not receive an electronic ballot. Contact Customer Service at (800) 444-9404 to verify that your account is set up to receive your email ballot.

State Bar members with no email address on file will receive paper ballots. Paper ballots will be mailed on April 9, 2025.