Through the Assigned Counsel Program, the Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) appoints private bar attorneys to handle conflict cases, providing attorneys with courtroom experience in criminal cases representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies across the state. "You can absolutely do it," said attorney Kathleen Pakes, director of the Assigned Counsel Program.

Pakes is talking about new or newer attorneys who may be interested in taking assigned cases, noting SPD provides training and other resources. Learn more about the opportunities in Episode 29 of the State Bar of Wisconsin's Bottom Up Podcast, a bonus episode with Pakes and program and policy supervisor Melissa Lamb, hosted by State Bar Communications Director Joe Forward.

This conversation explains the program and explores the essential qualities and motivations of public defenders, the unique challenges they face, and the critical role they play in upholding justice and protecting clients' rights.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Episode

00:55 – Guest Introductions: Melissa Lamb and Kathleen Pakes

02:20 – What Is the Assigned Counsel Program?

04:15 – History and Attorney Shortage Challenges

06:31 – How Attorneys Join and Work with SPD Assigned Counsel

08:20 – Mentorship, Training, and Community Support

11:10 – Why Assigned Counsel Is Valuable for Young Lawyers

12:40 – Case Types, Flexibility, and Attorney Lifestyles

13:37 – Parenting, Lifestyle, and Remote Work Options

14:55 – Trials, Timelines, and Misdemeanor Case Duration

15:42 – The Crisis in Rural Counties

16:45 – Remote Hearings and Travel Compensation

18:00 – Staffing Needs at SPD and Public Defender Hiring

19:20 – Student Loan Forgiveness for Assigned Counsel Work

20:22 – What Makes a Good Public Defender?

22:41 – What Keeps Attorneys at SPD?

25:03 – Caseloads and Demand for Attorneys

27:40 – Encouragement to Attorneys Considering the Program

29:06 – Benefits for a Well-Rounded Legal Career

31:29 – Flexibility, Work–Life Balance, and Rewards of the Work

32:50 – How to Get Involved

33:44 – Closing Remarks

Mark L. Thomsen's path to law is unlike any other story. In this episode of the Bottom Up podcast, host Emil Obviagele dives deep with Mark, a veteran Milwaukee-based litigator and partner at Gingras Thomsen & Wachs LLP. The episode explores Mark's unique upbringing in Nigeria, his return to America, and the cultural shocks he experienced. They discuss his journey into law, activism, and the importance of fighting for justice. The conversation delves into the role of lawyers in society, the impact of AI on the legal profession, and the significance of civic engagement in maintaining democracy. Mark emphasizes the need for creativity in law and the responsibility of lawyers to advocate for truth and justice in a changing world.

Mark is a veteran trial lawyer in the areas of personal injury, civil rights (section 1983 claims), medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and legal malpractice claims. Raised in Nigeria until age 12, Mark dropped out of high school at age 17 and worked as a steelworker and union representative before his East Chicago plant closed down in 1984. Three years later, Mark began his legal career. Don't miss the details of Mark's inspiring and unique journey, and the path ahead.

Chapters

In this episode of the Bottom Up Podcast, produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin, host Kristen Hardy talks with former Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Ellen Brostrom, now a mediator at Resolute Systems LLC, and Wauwatosa Municipal Court Judge Krista LaFave, also a personal injury attorney at Warshafsky Law.

Both explore their unique career paths, motivations for public service, and the differences between circuit and municipal courts. They discuss the importance of courtroom presentation, the challenges with pro se litigants, and the balance between judicial duties and private practice.

The conversation highlights the collegiality within the Wisconsin legal community and the significance of professional organizations, including the vital role of mentorship and networking for young lawyers, particularly women in the legal profession. Hardy and her guests highlight the evolving needs of legal organizations, the transition from judicial roles to mediation, and the significant impact of AI on the legal landscape. The speakers share insights on how young lawyers can navigate their careers, emphasizing the importance of deep preparation, professionalism, and maintaining connections within the legal community.

Exciting News! Starting in 2025, two new podcasts will join Bottom Up in a rotation of podcasts produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Bottom Up, co-hosted by Emil Ovbiagele and Kristen Hardy, will continue to explore topics of interest to lawyers in the early stages of their careers. They'll be back in March 2025.

Two new podcasts – Listening to Lawyers and Practice Pulse – will expand the State Bar's family of WisLawNOW podcasts, giving lawyers more access to discussions that explore life as a lawyer, including law practice management, technology, and lawyer wellbeing.

In this episode of Bottom Up, we talk to the hosts of the new podcasts. Both provide insight on the topics they plan to explore in 2025.

Listening to Lawyers is hosted by Amber Ault, who manages the State Bar's Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP). The special project provides the Wisconsin legal community with opportunities to hear personal stories from Wisconsin lawyers about adversity, perseverance, resilience, transformation, and hope. Look for the first episode in January 2025.

Practice Pulse, hosted by State Bar Practice Management Advisor Brent Hoeft (Practice 411), will focus on practice management and technology. Brent will invite experts to discuss how lawyers can leverage existing technology and explore new tools to keep their law firms healthy and efficient. Topics like marketing, business operations, and generative artificial intelligence, will also be discussed. Look for the first episode in February 2025.

In this episode of the Bottom Up Podcast, produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin, co-hosts Emil Ovbiagele and Sam Huddleston Baker talk with Mike Sneathern, chief legal officer for the Milwaukee Bucks. Mike has worked 20-plus years for the 2021 NBA champs.

The conversation explores Mike's journey from his native California to Wisconsin, his experiences in the Marquette University Sports Law Program, and the unique challenges faced by sports lawyers today, including the impact of sports betting and music rights.

The discussion also highlights the importance of networking and being a team player in the legal profession, especially for young lawyers aspiring to enter the field of sports law.

Chapters

Will AI replace lawyers? That's one of the questions explored in the latest episode of Bottom Up, produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin. Co-hosts Emil Ovbiagele and Kristen Hardy welcome Hiriam Bradley, an attorney specializing in privacy and technology law.

The conversation explores Hiriam's career path, the evolution of privacy law, and the intersection of artificial intelligence and privacy. They discuss the challenges legal professionals face in navigating developing laws, the importance of consumer awareness, and the regulatory landscape in financial services. Hiriam emphasizes the need for lawyers to adapt to emerging technologies and the philosophical implications of data privacy. The episode concludes with a call to view privacy as a fundamental human right and the importance of being diligent about data protection.