Third Branch eNews

Appleton attorney Whitney Healy will bring nearly two decades of civil litigation experience to the bench as the newest judge on the Outagamie County Circuit Court. Gov. Tony Evers appointed Healy to fill the Branch 1 vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mark J. McGinnis.

“Whitney Healy is an experienced attorney who is committed to justice and will uphold the integrity of our judicial system,” Gov. Evers said.

Outagamie County Circuit Court Judge Emily Lonergan welcomed Healy’s appointment, describing her as “intelligent, hard-working, and an excellent addition to the bench.”

Healy is a graduate of Loras College and the Valparaiso University School of Law. She is active in several professional organizations, including the Outagamie County Bar Association, the Wisconsin Association for Justice, and the Legal Association for Women.

“It is an incredible honor to be appointed by Gov. Evers to serve on the Outagamie County Circuit Court,” Healy said. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of representing individuals during some of life’s most challenging and traumatic moments. That work has shaped my deep respect for the responsibility of our justice system.”

Samuel Berg, a lifelong Walworth County resident and longtime attorney, has been appointed to serve as judge in Branch 4 of the Walworth County Circuit Court. Gov. Tony Evers announced the appointment following the retirement of Judge David M. Reddy. Berg’s term runs through July 31, 2027.

Berg has practiced law for more than a decade, both in public service and in private practice. Since 2024, he has been a senior associate at Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona in Lake Geneva, where he maintains a general practice. He previously served as an assistant district attorney in Walworth County and as an assistant attorney general with the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s civil litigation unit. Earlier in his career, he clerked for Judge William C. Griesbach of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

“Samuel Berg brings to the bench qualities every community hopes for in its judiciary—intelligence, patience, fairness, and an even temperament,” said Judge Reddy. “I am confident he will show respect for everyone who appears before him, and Walworth County will be well served by his leadership.”

Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld also praised Berg’s appointment, noting his strong work ethic and commitment to justice.

Berg earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his law degree from Marquette University Law School. He lives in Williams Bay with his family.

“I am very grateful to be able to serve as a judge in Walworth County,” Berg said. “As a judge, I will use my experience in federal, state, and local public service, and in private practice, to promote the common good and uphold justice with impartiality and respect for all.”