After building a legal career that has included civil litigation in Janesville, prosecution work in Alaska and Idaho, and community service in Rock County, Sara Gehrig-Woodman will now serve as a judge in the county where she was raised.
Gov. Tony Evers announced Gehrig-Woodman’s appointment to Branch 7 of the Rock County Circuit Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Barbara W. McCrory. Gehrig-Woodman will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
Gehrig-Woodman is a partner at Nowlan Law LLP in Janesville, where her practice includes civil litigation, contract disputes, employment and construction cases, and family law in state and federal courts. She also serves as an independent hearing officer for the School District of Janesville.
Earlier in her career, Gehrig-Woodman worked as a prosecuting attorney in Alaska and Idaho, focusing on crimes of violence against women, children, and vulnerable adults.
Judge McCrory welcomed the appointment.
“I am pleased that Gov. Evers appointed Sara Gehrig-Woodman to succeed me,” Judge McCrory said. “She brings a wealth of experience to the bench. I look forward to seeing how she uses that experience to serve Rock County.”
Gehrig-Woodman lives in the town of Janesville and is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Law School. She serves on the board of the United Way Blackhawk Region and previously served as board president for the Boys and Girls Club of Janesville.
“I am particularly honored to succeed the first female judge to serve in Rock County, the Hon. Barbara W. McCrory,” Gehrig-Woodman said. “I will attempt to continue her legacy of exemplary service, making Branch VII of the Rock County Circuit Court a place of inclusion, fairness, and just adjudication of conflict and controversy for all who appear before me.”
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