Courts welcome four new judges

Four new judges have been appointed to fill the terms of retiring judges, including one to the Court of Appeals and three to circuit court branches – one each in Dane, Rock and Taylor counties.

Judge Lisa Neubauer

Neubauer sworn in as District II Court of Appeals' Judge

District II Court of Appeals' Judge Lisa Neubauer was sworn into office during a small ceremony in Racine on January 7. Neubauer, who was appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle, replaces retiring Deputy Chief Judge Neal Nettesheim, who is now a reserve judge.

"Lisa Neubauer will be an excellent judge," Doyle said in announcing her appointment. "Her legal experience and expertise, community involvement, and commitment to the community will serve her well in this position."

Neubauer, who was recently featured in a story in The (Racine) Journal Times, was quoted as saying she held on to the dream that she would someday become a judge but didn’t count on it becoming a reality.

"It was always there, that I would always love the opportunity. To get on the bench, the stars really do have to align," Neubauer was quoted as saying.

Neubauer, the first woman to serve on the District II Court of Appeals, credits her parents with instilling in her a strong commitment to public service. She will serve out a term ending July 31, 2008. 

Neubauer served as an attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP since 1989 and was previously a law clerk for Judge Barbara B. Crabb in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. She received a B.A. in Political Science from UW-Madison and her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School with honors. 

Neubauer is a former member of the Wisconsin Federal Judicial Nominating Commission and has been named a 2006 and 2007 Wisconsin Super Lawyer.  She has served as a board member for the Racine Area United Way, Legal Action of Wisconsin, and the Equal Justice Fund. Lisa and Jeff live in Racine, where they raised their three children, Katherine, Greta and Sam.

Knox-Bauer sworn in Taylor County

Judge Ann Knox-Bauer

Judge Ann Knox-Bauer was sworn in as Taylor County Circuit Court judge on January 3. She was appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Gary  L. Carlson.  She will begin serving in late January for a term ending July 31, 2009. 

"Ann is a respected lawyer in the Taylor County community," Doyle said.  "Her dedication to the people of Wisconsin and to justice will make her an asset on the bench.  She brings great experience and leadership, and I know she will serve well in this judgeship," Doyle added.

Knox-Bauer said she felt privileged to serve the people of Taylor County and to continue the legacy established by Judge Gary L. Carlson during the past 28 years. 

"I am looking forward to fulfilling my duties as Circuit Court Judge with integrity, civility and enthusiasm," Knox-Bauer said in the announcement.

Ann Knox-Bauer has served as an attorney at Salm & Knox-Bauer since 1991. She has served as a Taylor County Court Commissioner since 1999 and as Taylor County Family Court Commissioner since 2006. Knox-Bauer received her bachelor's degree from the UW-Eau Claire and her law degree from Hamline University School of Law in 1991.  Knox-Bauer is a member of the Kiwanis, has volunteered for the Chippewa Fire District, and has formerly served as a Mock Trial judge. She and her husband, John, live in Medford with their two children, Joseph and Amanda.

Forbeck appointed in Rock County

Judge Kenneth Forbeck

Gov. Jim Doyle has appointed Kenneth Forbeck to the Rock County Circuit Court, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge John W. Roethe. 

Doyle said Forbeck brings a wealth of legal expertise and experience to the bench and that he will serve the people of Rock County well.

Forbeck said the appointment is a privilege and an honor.

"I intend to undertake this responsibility and to serve the citizens of Rock County with the fairness, the integrity and the compassion required of the position," Forbeck said.

Forbeck has served as an attorney at Forbeck, Elliott & Monahan for the past 34 years and previously worked in the Rock County District Attorney's Office.  He received his bachelor's degree from Marquette University and subsequently his law degree from Marquette University Law School in 1970.  Forbeck is active in the Stateline Boys and Girls Club, the Roy Chapman Andrews Society, Beloit 2020 and serves as Vice President of the Beloit Public Library Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Beloit.

Colas appointed to Dane County Circuit Court

Judge Juan B. Colas

Gov. Jim Doyle announced the appointment of Juan B. Colas to the Dane County Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Angela B. Bartell. Colas was scheduled to be sworn in on February 22 for a term ending July 31, 2009.

"Juan Colas possesses the legal knowledge, integrity, and temperament that is required of Circuit Court judges," Doyle said. "He is a well-respected member of his community and will make an excellent addition to the court."

Juan Colas has served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice since 1992. He also served as legal counsel for Gov. Tony Earl and in the Office of the State Public Defender.

"I am grateful to Governor Doyle for entrusting me with this charge," Colas said. "I am eager to serve the people of Dane County and the State of Wisconsin in this new capacity."

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