Candidates for Board of Governors

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Back to State Bar 2022​ election information.

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 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 16 will elect governors in 2022. District 2 (Milwaukee) will elect five; District 6 (Waukesha) will elect two; District 9 (Dane) will elect four; and all other districts will elect one.

All State Bar elections (including for State Bar divisions and sections) will be held via an electronic ballot in 2022. Ballots are emailed by the second week in April, and the election closes at noon Central time on April 22, 2022.

Persons elected will take office July 1, 2022.

District Map | View Officer Candidates

District 2 (five vacancies)

• Ryan M. Billings, Kohner, Mann & Kailas S.C., Milwaukee, Harvard Law School 2004
• Randal J. Brotherhood, Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C., Milwaukee, Washington University School of Law 1981
• Lisa M. Lawless, Husch Blackwell LLP, Milwaukee, Maurer School of Law, Indiana University-Bloomington 1992
• Felicia L. Owen, Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Marquette 2021
• Nicholas C. Zales, Zales Law Office, Milwaukee, Marquette 1989

District 4 (one vacancy)

• Julie F. Stodolka, Plymouth, University of California-Los Angeles School of Law 1987

District 6 (two vacancies)

• Alexandra K. Evans, Hippenmeyer, Reilly, Blum, Schmitzer, Fabian & English S.C., Waukesha, Marquette 2021
• AnnMarie M. Sylla, Schott, Bublitz & Engel S.C., Waukesha, New England School of Law, 2013

District 8 (one vacancy)

• Gregory J. Banchy, Banchy Law Center LLC, Eau Claire, Marquette 1987

District 9 (four vacancies)

• Elizabeth A. Fernandez, Wisconsin Education Association Council, Madison, U.W. 2001
• C. Kai Hovden, DeWitt LLP, Madison, U.W. 2017
• Mitch, University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, U.W. 2003
• Sarah A. Zylstra, Boardman & Clark LLP, Madison, U.W. 1998

District 10 (one vacancy)

• Starlyn R. T. Miller,Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Keshena, U.W. 2008

District 12 (one vacancy)

• Shanna M. Sanders, State Public Defenders Office, Janesville, U.W. 2011

District 14 (one vacancy)

• Rachel E. Maes, City of Green Bay, Hamline University School of Law 2014

District 16 (one vacancy)

• Lawrence J. Wiesneske, O'Melia, Schiek & McEldowney S.C., Rhinelander, U.W. 1982

District 2

Ryan M. Billings of Milwaukee. Harvard Law School, J.D., 2004, Princeton University, B.A., 2001. Ryan is a Shareholder and Chair of Litigation at Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C. He has been a District 2 Representative to the Board of Governors from 2019-22, serving as Chair of the State Bar’s Policy Committee and as the Board of Governors’ liaison to the Business Law Section. Ryan practices complex commercial litigation on a nationwide basis across a broad spectrum of subject-matters, but with a particular focus on non-compete, antitrust and trade secret law. He has lectured and written extensively on emerging discovery law and practices, including for the Wisconsin Lawyer, the Wisconsin Law Journal, and serving for many years as the co-editor of the Electronic Discovery Law chapter of Wisconsin Discovery Law and Practice. Ryan has been selected as a Super Lawyer and Best Lawyer for many years running, and is a Member of the State Bar, American Bar Association, Seventh Circuit Bar Association, Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association, Milwaukee Bar Association, and the Thomas E. Fairchild Inn of Court. He is married to an author of historical fantasy novels (who always spoils the ending), and enjoys reading, camping, and classic rock.

Ryan M. Billings Campaign Statement

I am asking for your vote so that I can continue working hard with the other Governors to make our Bar the best in the country. That starts and ends with our members, but the task of the Board of Governors is to ensure that the Bar provides our members with everything they need to shine. As a relative newcomer to the Board of Governors, I approach the work with both enthusiasm and skepticism that “business as usual” is necessarily the best way. When a member suggests something to me, my attitude is: “Tell me why we can’t?”

The world and our profession are rapidly changing. As technology continues to develop at a dizzying pace and as remote practice becomes the new normal, we need to keep up. The Bar can and should provide information, tools and critical resources so that our members can stay current with industry innovations and emerging methods of practicing law, so that we can all serve our clients at the highest level. The Bar should be every Wisconsin lawyer’s sidekick, with us every step of our practice to help us be the best lawyers we can be.

I was raised in Sheboygan before heading out east for school. After graduating from law school, I spent my first six years of practice working for Big Law in New York City. Although the cases and experience were tremendous, the quality of life was non-existent, and I came to my senses in 2011 and returned home to Wisconsin. Since then, I’ve been with small firms, and now work with a great group of lawyers at Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C. (my hopefully-forever-home). With a small-town heart and big-city experience, I feel equipped to take on any challenge, but also have the luxury to spend some actual free time with my wonderful wife Megan in the unique hybrid of green spaces and metropolitan culture that is Milwaukee.

But enough about me. The Bar is about YOU. If elected to another term, I promise to be an open-door for questions, concerns, ideas and criticisms, and a free-flowing conduit of information to and from the board. My email inbox is open 24-7, and while I cannot promise an instant response (see quality of life comments above), I do promise there will be one. Every time. I ask you for your vote, and invite you to take me up on the offer.

Randal J. Brotherhood of Milwaukee. Brotherhood is a shareholder in the law firm of Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. His primary practice areas include corporate and business organizations and governance, trade associations and nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and foundations, intellectual property matters, securities regulation and acquisition transactions. Brotherhood received his B.A. degree (cum laude) from Marquette University in 1978 and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1981, where he served as Senior Editor of the Washington University Law Quarterly. He is a member of the American, Wisconsin and Milwaukee Bar Associations. His activities with the State Bar of Wisconsin include: Vice Chair of the Section Leaders Council (elected as Chair for term beginning July, 2022); Section Leaders Council Building Bridges Liaison to the State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors; advisor to, and former Chair of, the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin; Chair, Business Law Section Corporations Committee; member, State Bar Board of Governors Strategic Planning Committee; former member, D&I Action Plan Implementation and Oversight Committee. Brotherhood has been named to Best Lawyers in America® and Wisconsin Superlawyers®. He has chaired and served on the governing boards of numerous civic, charitable and nonprofit organizations, both locally and nationally. Brotherhood is a frequent lecturer and author on a variety of business-related legal topics.

Randal J. Brotherhood Campaign Statement

I appreciate this opportunity to express my interest in serving as an elected member of the State Bar Board of Governors. I am currently serving as a Building Bridges Liaison to the Board of Governors in my current capacity as Vice Chair of the Section Leaders Council (having recently been elected as Chair of the Section Leaders Council for a term beginning in July, 2022), so I am familiar with the important issues facing the Board of Governors. I have served the State Bar of Wisconsin in numerous other capacities for several years, having served as Chair of the board of directors of the Business Law Section from 2016 to 2018. My activities with the Business Law Section have included, among other things, work with the BLS board and various board members in connection with the revision and updating of Wisconsin’s business entity statutes, a multi-year effort which resulted in the recent approval of state legislation effecting such revisions and updates.

The Board of Governors consists of many outstanding lawyers from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and areas of practice. I believe that I can contribute positively to the already diverse mix of voices on the Board of Governors and help advance the important work of the State Bar of Wisconsin in this position.

Lisa M. Lawless of Milwaukee. Indiana University, J.D. 1992, summa cum laude; University of Virginia, B.A. 1989. Husch Blackwell LLP (formerly, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek), 2016-present; Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, 2002-16. Foley & Lardner, 1993-98; Fenwick & West, 2000-02; Troutman Sanders, 1998-2000; Law Clerk, Chief Justice Randall Shepard, Indiana Supreme Court, 1992-1993. Bar Activities: Fellow, Wisconsin Law Foundation; State Bar: Board of Governors, 2017-21; 2011-15; 2004-08; President’s Awards, 2015, 2007; Chair, Strategic Planning Committee, 2014-15, member, 2017-18, 2011-14; Policy Committee, 2020-21; Governance Committee, 2018-20; Appellate Help Desk, 2016-21; Liaison, Communications Committee, 2020-21, and Appellate Practice Section, 2020-21; Liaison, ADR section, 2017-19; Liaison, IP section, 2011-15; 2004-08; Law-Related Education Committee, 1996-97; Milwaukee Bar Association: Board of Directors, 2008-11; Co-Chair, Bench Bar-Appeals Committee, 2015-present; Co-Chair, IP Section, 2004-07; Professionalism Committee, 1994-96, vice-chair, 1996-97, chair, 1997-98; MYLA secretary, newsletter editor, 1996-1997. Community Activities: Wauwatosa School District: Co-Chair, Facilities Advisory Committee, 2017-18; Legislative Advocacy Committee, 2018-19; Wild Space Dance Company Board of Directors, 2007-present; 1995-98; Tosa Kickers Board of Directors, 2015-present; Women’s Soccer Club; Nicolet High School Foundation Board of Directors, 2004-08. Other: Author, Annual Review of Wisconsin Supreme Court Decisions, Wisconsin Lawyer, Dec. 2015-Dec. 2021; Thomas E. Fairchild Inn of Court, 2004-present; Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated; Leader in the Law 2019; Super Lawyer® 2010-12.

Lisa M. Lawless Campaign Statement

I am a former member of the Board of Governors seeking election to represent District 2. I previously served on the BOG for six terms (12 years) during 2004-21. I am running to serve the State Bar and Milwaukee lawyers. I am also an active participant and volunteer in State Bar activities. For the last seven years, I have authored the annual review of Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions for Wisconsin Lawyer and for several years served as a monthly volunteer for the Appellate Help Desk, an innovative and excellent pro bono initiative.

From my time on the BOG and leadership roles including as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and member of the Policy and Governance Committees, I have seen the great services, initiatives, and opportunities offered by the Bar and gained a broad understanding of its operations and functions. As a mandatory bar for which members pay substantial fees, I am especially attuned to its finances, both revenues and expenses, and our obligation to act as fiscal stewards for our members.

Equally important to providing excellent services and programs is communication with Bar members to inform of these activities and of current and impending challenges to the Bar and the profession. In our Milwaukee legal community in particular, it is vitally important to keep strong lines of connection.

Areas of particular importance and focus to me are:

• Fiscal responsibility and attention to spending and Bar dues: Carefully review expenditures and revenues, with an eye to cutting expenditures before taking the step of raising dues.
• Member communication, both outgoing and incoming: Share information about Bar activities and initiatives and policy decisions and listen to members to identify and hear their concerns, challenges, and needs, to ensure the Bar is serving them.
• Leadership and diversity of the Bar and Bar leadership: There is a wealth of untapped talent, experience, and energy amongst Milwaukee lawyers. That pool should be tapped and nurtured to increase Bar involvement and cultivate new leaders.
• Service to the justice system and our community: The Bar should continue its excellent programs and also identify unserved needs and opportunities to partner with our communities and local and specialty Bar associations.

I am a litigator with Husch Blackwell (formerly Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek) in Milwaukee with an emphasis in appellate practice and commercial litigation. A resident of Wauwatosa, I am married with two adult daughters. I am a mentor for Wauwatosa West’s “We the People” program and I serve on the boards of Wild Space Dance Company and Tosa Kickers. In 2017-18 I co-chaired the Facilities Advisory Committee of the Wauwatosa School District, culminating in a referendum for school facilities approved by voters in November 2018, resulting in construction of four new elementary schools and improvement of all school buildings.

Felicia L. Owen of Milwaukee. Felicia is a recent graduate of Marquette Law School where she served as the President of the Hispanic-Latino Law Student Association, the Student Liaison for the Milwaukee Bar Association and a grad student member of the University of Marquette’s Committee on Diversity and Equity. Felicia also served as a Staff Editor for the Marquette Benefits and Social Welfare Law Review and her comment has been chosen for publication in the Spring 2022 Edition. She also worked as a legal intern for the Governor’s Legal Counsel, Milwaukee County’s Corporation Counsel, and the Juvenile Department for the Milwaukee Public Defender’s Office. Felicia works for the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee as a Family Court Guardian ad Litem. Outside of work she serves on the board for New Leaders Council as Institute Chair where she facilitates leadership training for young progressives hoping to have a positive impact on their communities across the state of Wisconsin. Felicia grew up in the city of Milwaukee and the lived experiences of her friends, family and loved ones is what brought her to the legal field. It is her passion to break down the barriers that continue to hold back communities of color here in Wisconsin.

Nicholas C. Zales of Milwaukee. Marquette University, J.D., 1989. Founder of the Zales Law Office. Admitted to practice in Wisconsin in 1989, the U.S.D.C. (E.D. Wis.) in 1989, and the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in December 1998. Professional Memberships and Publications: Board of Governors, District 2 (Milwaukee County): 1995-97, 2002-05, 2007-11, 2012-14, 2015-19 & 2020-22. Chair of the State Bar Finance Committee (2009-10). Recipient: State Bar President's Award for excellence in service (2010). Member: Communications Committee (2011-17) BOG Strategic Planning Committee (2016-19). BOG Chair Nominating Committee (2009). BOG Liaison to the Communication Committee: (2003-04), (2012-13) & (2016-19). BOG Liaison and Treasurer (2022) to the Appellate Practice Section Board: (2002-04), (2013-14), (2015-19) & (2020-22). Section Memberships: Appellate Practice (2002-22) Family Law (2011-15) & Solo Small Firm & General Practice (2018-22). Author: Sixteen book reviews for the Wisconsin Lawyer magazine (1996-2019); Seventeen “In Chambers” interview articles on Wisconsin Court of Appeals judges and Supreme Court Justices for "De Novo," the newsletter of the Appellate Practice Section; Member: Wisconsin Judicial Council - President-elect James Brennan's designee (2010-11); WisTAF Board of Directors (2010-16) & Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission Board Member (WisTAF designee) (2017-22). Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellow: (2016-).

District 4

Julie F. Stodolka of Plymouth. Stodolka was born and raised in southeastern Wisconsin, her family eventually settling in rural Sheboygan County. After graduating from North High School, she earned an A.B. degree from Cornell University and moved to California, earning an M.A. in European History from the University of California-Berkeley and a J.D. from UCLA. Between degrees she worked at a psychology school and as a legal secretary, her experiences forming an interest in how people react to overwhelming circumstances. As a bankruptcy lawyer in California, she practiced with firms of all sizes and as a solo practitioner for eighteen years. Moving back to Wisconsin, she continued to practice with local firms, eventually retiring from Steinhilber, Swanson & Mares in Oshkosh. The grand-daughter of Wisconsin farmers, she was especially alert to the often-overlooked needs of rural businesses and banks. After a few post-retirement years devoted to private projects and catching up on sleep, she became an active member of the Sheboygan County Bar Association legal aid & eviction assistance projects and a volunteer with local voter access programs. As a Governor of the State Bar, she hopes to continue to strengthen the State Bar as an institution that helps the profession serve all Wisconsinites.

District 6

Alexandra K. Evans of Waukesha. Evans is an associate attorney with Hippenmeyer, Reilly, Blum, Schmitzer, Fabian & English, S.C., having graduated from Marquette University Law School in May of 2021. Attorney Evans’s interests primarily lie with family law matters, including divorce, post-judgement custody, placement, and child support issues, as well as guardian ad litem work. Attorney Evans has also done work involving real estate, estate planning, guardianships, and probate. While in law school, she served as Marquette Sports Law Review’s Index and Survey Editor. Additionally, Attorney Evans’s Comment, “Who Knows the Difference Between Competitive Cheerleading, Sideline Cheerleading, Acrobatics and Tumbling? Why This Distinction is so Important for Title IX” was published in the Marquette Sports Law Review in the Fall of 2020. In second year of law school, she was awarded the Annual Sports Law Alumni Achievement Award and ultimately earned a Certificate in Sports Law from the National Sports Law Institute. She is a member of several organizations including the Wisconsin State Bar, the Waukesha County Bar Association, the Milwaukee County Bar Association, and the National Sports Law Institute’s Sports Alumni Association.

Annmarie M. Sylla of Waukesha. AnnMarie is a family law attorney at Schott, Bublitz & Engel, s.c. AnnMarie has served as a governor of District 6 (Waukesha County) for the last two years. AnnMarie has also served on the Waukesha County Bar Association Board of Directors since 2018, currently as President-Elect. She primarily handles divorce and other family court litigation throughout Southeast Wisconsin. She is married to her husband Josh Sylla (Snyder & Ek), and outside of practicing enjoys family time, traveling, and hiking with their golden retriever. Education: J.D., New England School of Law; B.A., Marquette University. Practice: Schott, Bublitz & Engel, s.c. (2017-present); Seymour, Kremer, Koch, LLP; Gende Law Office, s.c.. Languages: English; Spanish (proficient). Professional Memberships: State Bar of Wisconsin, Waukesha County Bar Association, American Bar Association, Association for Women Lawyers. Honors: Rising Star (Super Lawyers) (2019, 2020, 2021).

District 8

Gregory J. Banchy of Eau Claire. Greg grew up in Eau Claire, attending Regis High School (class of 1976) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Class of 1981). Greg attended Marquette University Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 1987. Greg’s areas of practice primarily include estate planning, elder law and probate law. Greg is active in the elder law community in Wisconsin, presently serving as a director on the Elder Law and Special Needs Section Board of the State Bar of Wisconsin and as President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Elder Law Attorney (NAELA). Greg is a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association, the Eau Claire County Bar Association, and is admitted to practice in both the Eastern District and the Western District of Wisconsin at the Federal level.

District 9

Elizabeth A. Fernandez ​ of Madison. Elizabeth is a graduate of U.W.-Madison Law School, Class of 2001. She was an Assistant State Public Defender from January 2002 until January 2009 in the Milwaukee Trial Division and continued practicing criminal defense in private practice until late 2014, both in state court and as a member of the CJA panel in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Since December 2014, Elizabeth has been Legal Counsel for Wisconsin Education Association Council in Madison, representing member teachers and support staff around the state in employment related matters. She serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Civil Rights & Liberties Section Board and is a member of the Labor & Employment Section. Elizabeth lives with her two teenagers, her partner, and their regal yet goofy rescue greyhound. She can be seen cheering on the sidelines at 56ers and West H.S. girls’ soccer games, running & biking at a mediocre pace, and supporting her neighborhood bakery and restaurants.

Elizabeth A. Fernandez Campaign Statement

I am running for a position on the Board of Governors to continue my service to the State Bar of Wisconsin. I have served on the Civil Rights & Liberties section as a board member and currently as Secretary/Treasurer. I have attended and participated in meetings, recorded the minutes, reviewed the section’s budget and financial transactions, and spoken on behalf of the section to state legislative committees. The State Bar’s guiding principles for public policy positions include delivery of legal services and funding the justice system. Advocating for an increase in court-appointed attorney fees as well as SPD-appointed attorney fees is imperative to both principles as it encourages attorneys to accept appointments and provides services to more people in need. Additionally, we need to listen to our members’ concerns about affordable, available, and practical CLE options.

Prior to law school, I was a legal assistant for two years at a large international law firm in California where I worked on energy deregulation. After law school, I advocated for indigent clients for over 13 years in a wildly overburdened court system that struggled to meet the needs of its community. I now see backlogs in administrative cases of employment matters. I have seen the challenges and rewards of each practice area and setting, and I will bring those diverse perspectives to the Board of Governors.

I ask for your vote so I may serve District 9 and address the issues faced by our fellow Wisconsinites in our legal system. Thank you for your consideration.

C. Kai Hovden of Madison. Kai lives in Sun Prairie with his wife, Ashton, and their one-year old daughter, Isla. Kai graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2017, and before that, earned degrees in international political science and Spanish from Winona State University. Kai is a wildlife photographer, and one of his favorite activities is to get outside with family and friends to enjoy Wisconsin’s natural areas and photograph its wildlife. He is a member of the Madison Audubon Society and the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. Kai is also an avid soccer fan, and would love to chat with you about recent developments in the Premier League or the Champions League. Kai’s practice at DeWitt LLP focuses on litigation and spans several substantive areas, including trust and estates, intellectual property, and transportation litigation. He is also a member of the litigation and appellate practice sections of the State Bar of Wisconsin, as well as the ligation and young lawyers division of the Dane County Bar Association. Providing pro bono or low-cost legal services is also important to Kai – he regularly volunteers with the State Bar’s Lawyer Hotline service, and has taken several pro bono appointments in state and federal court.

C. Kai Hovden Campaign Statement

I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors for District 9. In this role, I would like to work to address a number of issues that impact the practice of law in Wisconsin, including:

• How to provide better access to legal services for underserved and underrepresented populations, including low-cost or pro bono services, and legal services for rural Wisconsinites and immigrants to Wisconsin;
• Increased rates and funding for court-appointed attorneys, especially public defenders;
• How to best use the technologies that became common during the pandemic in our court system moving forward.

In my career thus far, I have practiced in a number of completely different settings: I have represented immigrants facing deportation in immigration court during my time with the Immigrant Justice Clinic; I have worked on landlord-tenant and business disputes in state court and small claims court; and I have worked on high-value intellectual property disputes in federal court. I hope this range of experience will help me bring perspective and insight to the Board of Governors and State Bar leadership.

If elected, I promise to work diligently for the interests of District 9 and the State Bar membership as a whole. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to connect with you in the future.

Mitch of Madison. Mitch is a Clinical Professor and Director of the Economic Justice Institute, home to the U.W. Law School's Consumer Law Clinic, the new Eviction Defense Clinic, Family Court Clinic, Immigrant Justice Clinic, Neighborhood Law Clinic, Restraining Order and Survivor Advocacy Clinic, and includes the Lawyering Skills Program. Mitch teaches and supervises clinic students who provide quality legal representation to clients, develop practical lawyering skills, and learn to think critically about both the role and limits of the law. Mitch's career has focused on increasing access to justice. Mitch co-founded Community Justice Inc., a nonprofit law firm that provides legal representation to low-income individuals. His practice has focused on housing, employment, government benefits, and GAL work. As a full-time professor, he focuses on creating a challenging learning environment for students who represent clients in all phases of litigation while researching improved methods to further deliver legal services to those in need. Mitch is the U.W. Law School's representative on the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission, a Rent Abatement Hearing Examiner, and a former Chair of the State Bar’s Public Interest Law Section. Mitch lives in Madison with his wife Leah and their rescue dogs Frida, Rico, and Tatsu.

Sarah A. Zylstra of Madison. Sarah is a partner of BoardmanClark LLP, a 60-attorney firm, and has been a trial lawyer for nearly 25 years, performing commercial litigation and insurance defense. Education: University of Wisconsin Law School, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Law Review; University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.A. in Public Affairs & Public Administration; Mount Holyoke College, cum laude, B.A. Bar Involvement: State Bar’s representative for Federal Rules of Practice, Procedure, and Evidence; Judicial Council; State Bar Litigation Section, Board of Directors; Past President, Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association and Pro Bono Fund; Past President, Dane County Bar Association; James E. Doyle Chapter, American Inns of Court, Master of the Bench. Community/Professional Membership: Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow; American Bar Foundation, Fellow; Wisconsin Law Foundation, Fellow; President, Mount Holyoke Club of Madison; Past Secretary, Leadership Greater Madison Alumni Association; Past Treasurer and Secretary of YWCA. Honors: Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent rating; Women in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal, 2013; Business Forum Athena Award Nominee, 2010; Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law, Litigation and Women in the Law; Wisconsin Super Lawyers. Personal: Sarah is married to James, is one of nine children, and enjoys sheepshead, volleyball, cooking, and fishing.

Sarah A. Zylstra Campaign Statement

I am honored to run for a seat on the Board of Governors serving District 9. I have been a trial lawyer for 20 years and believe the Board of Governors’ work is important to the practice of law and the administration of justice. I believe my background as a commercial and insurance defense litigator, who has litigated numerous matters throughout the state and federal courts, including jury trials, makes me well suited to serve of the Board of Governors. In addition, I am a partner in a law firm of approximately 60 attorneys, and serve on the Executive Committee of firm. I will draw upon my experience in providing the perspective of a practicing litigator and as a lawyer actively running a law firm on issues that the Board of Governors considers.

On a personal note, as one of nine children, I know how to work with others and to present contrary views in a respectful manner. I am eager to use my talents to promote collegiality, while at the same time tackling the important issues that face our legal community. I would be honored to have your vote.

District 10

Starlyn Rose Tourtillott Miller of Keshena. Starlyn is Assistant Tribal Attorney for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. She provides legal advice, representation, assistance and support to the Menominee Nation, its government, departments and enterprises, representing the Nation in all aspects of tribal government. She is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison J.D. (2008), University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.S. Education (2005) and certificate in American Indian Studies. Leadership Experience: Chair of the Policy Committee (2020-21); Secretary of the State Bar of Wisconsin (2018-20); Native American Building Bridges Liaison for State Bar of Wisconsin (2016-18); State Bar of Wisconsin Policy Committee member (2016-present); Diversity Inclusion Oversight Committee member (2014-21); Chair –Diversity Inclusion Oversight Subcommittee Education and Communication (2014-16); State Bar Diversity Task Force member (2013-14); Secretary Indian Law Section (2013-14); Leadership Development Summit member (2013); Shawano School District Title VI Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee (2017-present). Personal: Starlyn is an enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Montana and a direct descendant of Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee. Starlyn and her husband, Beau, have three children, Miles Aupaumut (13), Meryl Blue (11), and Moss Campbell (3). They enjoy time together fishing, berry picking, morel mushroom hunting, rabbit hunting, and hand harvesting and fire boiling maple sap into syrup.

Starlyn Rose Tourtillott Miller Campaign Statement

It has been a privilege to serve as your Wisconsin State Bar District 10 Board of Governor for the past two years. I am writing to request your support for nomination as District 10 Board of Governor for a second two year term. District 10 includes Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, and Shawano counties.

During my term as your District 10 Board of Governor, I have always worked to build consensus and I have a strong track record of creating respectful relationships and collaborations that result in meaningful changes in policies and outcomes. My past service to the State Bar of Wisconsin has included service as a Native American BOG Liaison, appointment to Diversity Task Force, seven years of service on Diversity Inclusion & Oversight Committee, and successfully petitioning the Supreme Court of Wisconsin with a colleague for a rule change to allow out of state attorneys to appear in Wisconsin courts for Indian Child Welfare cases without the burden of high costs and local counsel vouchers. I have worked to support rural communities, higher pay for both Wisconsin Prosecutors and Public Defenders, and recently, I chaired the review and evaluation of State Bar policy positions in relation to racial justice, which resulted in changes to State Bar Policy on Law Enforcement Reform, Racial Profiling and Collection of Demographics Data. Through it all, I have built consensus on issues from all sides and perspectives.

There is still more work to do as we move into the future. I certainly recognize that it is a challenging time in all our lives during a once in a century pandemic, struggles for equity and inclusion, and hardships on our local communities and families when it comes to access to justice. I would like to serve another term to work on:

• expanding support for broadband internet for rural communities;
• expanding support for lawyer mental health and wellness;
• continuing work on access to justice; and
• catalyzing the support needed to address the Missing Murdered and Indigenous People (MMIP) epidemic in our state.

I believe the State Bar has the ability to play an important role on these issues and I am committed to serving District 10 fully to see it through. Thank you for your time and consideration of my candidacy.

District 12

Shanna M. Sanders of Janesville. Graduate of U.W.-Madison J.D. 2011. State Public Defender's Office in Janesville. Member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and Rock County Bar Association. Member of the Veterans Treatment Team for Rock County. Board Member: Treasurer of local PTA.

District 14

Rachel E. Maes of Green Bay. Hamline University School of Law, J.D., 2014. Assistant City Attorney City of Green Bay. Member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and the State Bar of Wisconsin. Recognized as one of the 2021 Top 40 LGBTQ Lawyers Under 40, National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Board member: NeighborWorks Green Bay. Committee Member: Greater Green Bay YWCA Mission Advisory.

Rachel E. Maes Campaign Statement

I grew up in Green Bay, and having access to a strong Mock Trial program at Green Bay Southwest High School had a big impact on my decision to become an attorney. My name is Rachel Maes, and I am currently an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Green Bay. I have also served as an Assistant District Attorney and Assistant Corporation Counsel in Douglas County, WI. Having lived in Milwaukee, Madison, Superior, and Green Bay, I recognize that different parts of the state have very different needs from the legal profession and require different kinds of support from the State Bar.

I look forward to contributing to discussions about the legal profession in Wisconsin becoming more diverse and inclusive. Supporting access to strong legal education programs also inspires young people to become attorneys and helps maintain the high standards and credibility of those who practice law in Wisconsin. I have served the State of Wisconsin in a variety of ways, and with the support of the Brown County legal community, I look forward to this next endeavor in public service as Brown County’s representative to the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors.

District 16

​ Lawrence J. Wiesneske of Rhinelander. U.W.-Madison (J.D., 1982). O'Melia, Schiek & McEldowney, S.C., Rhinelander. Member of: Oneida-Vilas-Forest County Bar Association (President 1999); State Bar Member Benefits Committee since 1999; Oneida-Vilas-Forest County Bench Bar Committee Chairperson since 1992; State Bar Member Relations Committee (former Chairperson); member and past President of Rhinelander Kiwanis Club. I am finishing my first term as a member of the State Bar Board of Governors. I will continue to make a search for solutions to the shortage of attorneys in rural Wisconsin my priority.