Third Branch eNews

The Wisconsin Historical Society presented its 2025 Board of Curators Public Program Award to Nancy Kopp and Colleen Ball during a ceremony September 10 at the Society’s headquarters in Madison. The award recognized their leadership in organizing a series of events commemorating the 150th anniversary of Lavinia Goodell’s admission to the Wisconsin bar.

Goodell, admitted in 1874, was the first woman licensed to practice law in Wisconsin. At a time when the profession was closed to women, she faced resistance from colleagues and outright rejection from the courts. Most notably, she challenged Chief Justice Edward Ryan after he refused her petition to argue before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Goodell’s persistence, combined with a legislative change, led to her admission in 1879 and cemented her role as a pioneer in Wisconsin legal history. Beyond her courtroom battles, she advocated for causes such as prison reform, temperance, and women’s suffrage, leaving a record of sharp legal writing and unwavering dedication to justice.

Kopp, a former Wisconsin Supreme Court Commissioner, and Ball, a clerk for Justice Janet Protasiewicz, brought renewed attention to Goodell’s story through several initiatives in 2024. Their efforts included a reenactment of Goodell’s admission to the bar at the Rock County Courthouse, the successful proposal for Governor Tony Evers to proclaim June 17 as Women Lawyers Day, and a program at Old World Wisconsin dramatizing Goodell’s courtroom battle with Ryan. These projects offered both the legal community and the broader public an opportunity to engage directly with Goodell’s story in historical settings.

“Today, more than ever, I think it is important to preserve the stories of people like Lavinia. Those are voices that were marginalized, but today, they can still inspire us to pursue justice and equality and fairness,” Ball said.

The Board of Curators Public Program Award is given annually by the Historical Society to honor individuals or groups who make exceptional contributions in sharing Wisconsin history with the public. The award has previously recognized local historical societies, educators, and community organizations that have developed innovative programs or preservation efforts to broaden understanding of the state’s past. Kopp and Ball’s recognition highlights the importance of legal history within that broader mission.

“Lavinia was not often rendered speechless, but I think she would be at a loss for words if she knew what a great impact she continues to have and what a fine example she continues to set all these years later,” Kopp said. “I am deeply humbled by the recognition of our efforts. As we go forward, let’s all try to continue to do Lavinia proud.”

The September 10 ceremony drew members of the legal and historical communities, including former Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley and Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski. Coming less than a year after the State Law Library was renamed in Lavinia Goodell’s honor, the award presentation served as another reminder of her lasting place in Wisconsin’s legal history and of the continuing efforts to ensure her story is remembered.