Judges Brennan and Franke to resign and join private sector
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judges Michael Brennan and John Franke announced they will resign from the bench and will return to careers as trial lawyers.
Both will join the Milwaukee-based national trial law firm Gass Weber Mullins by the start of the New Year.
"I am excited about returning to the courtroom as an advocate, using all I have learned as a judge," Brennan said. "The judicial perspective on a client’s case at trial is unique. The judge knows which arguments won, and why, and has talked with hundreds of jurors on the same questions. I will bring that knowledge to the trial of complex commercial litigation and appeals. Clients need the best technical legal guidance – how their facts will play out under the applicable law with a judge and jury – but also the prudential advice to avoid civil and criminal minefields as a problem gets solved."
Franke said, "I found immense personal and professional satisfaction in serving as a judge. I have missed the work of a trial lawyer and decided it was time to be an advocate again. I know that clients put themselves into their trial lawyer’s hands, and I look forward to the complex litigation handled by Gass Weber Mullins."
Gass Weber Mullins managing partner Beth Hanan said, "Adding two brilliant judges and experienced trial lawyers gives an enormous benefit to our clients. As trial lawyers, we try to anticipate which facts and arguments will resonate with juries and judges. Mike and John have tried numerous cases as advocates, and presided over hundreds more as judges. We’re thrilled to add their experience and insight to our team of trial lawyers."
Doyle’s sister will succeed Zetley as BOZA chair
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced he is appointing attorney Catherine Doyle, the sister of Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, to succeed Craig Zetley as chair of the City of Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA).
Doyle is the chief staff attorney with Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee Inc. and has served on the BOZA since July 25, 1997. In the late 1970s, she served as the chair of the Madison Board of Zoning Appeals.
Zetley, who has served as the BOZA chair for the past 11 years, announced Monday he has decided to step down from the post, effective Nov. 24.
"Many people tirelessly and silently contribute to the workings of municipal government," Barrett said. "I am grateful to chairman Zetley for his 20 years of service to the city, most recently as BOZA Chair. The City of Milwaukee has benefited greatly from the leadership and dedication that he has brought to the board."
Zetley was appointed BOZA Chair by former Mayor John Norquist in 1997 to help reorganize and restructure the quasi-judicial, independent entity authorized to hear appeals in matters relating to all zoning ordinances.
Since Zetley’s initial appointment, the seven-member BOZA panel issued decisions on an estimated 8,000 appeals while averaging around 700 appeals annually.
