Chief Justice Jill Karofsky helped recognize Wisconsin attorneys who have reached 50 years of membership in the State Bar of Wisconsin during the State Bar’s 50-Year Member Recognition Reception and Luncheon on May 13 in Delafield.
The annual event honors attorneys whose careers have spanned decades of service to clients, courts, communities, and the legal profession. In her remarks, Chief Justice Karofsky reflected on the changes in the law since 1976, from typewriters and paper files to electronic filing, remote appearances, and digital records.
She also spoke about the continuing civic role of attorneys in maintaining trust in the justice system.
“The law is one of the ways we keep faith and hold those with power accountable in a democratic society. Under the law, power has limits and process matters,” Chief Justice Karofsky said. “Under the law, every person is entitled to be heard with fairness, dignity, respect, and empathy. Under the law, facts matter and rights matter. And in America, no one is above the law or beneath its protection.”
Former Justice Ann Walsh Bradley was among the 50-year members recognized. Chief Justice Karofsky offered special congratulations to Justice Bradley, calling her a mentor, colleague, and close friend whose career reflects service, perseverance, excellence, and a deep commitment to the people of Wisconsin.