Evers' judges: Lena C. Taylor

​"Evers' judges" is our effort to present information about Gov. Tony Evers' appointees to the bench. The information is taken from the appointees' own judgeship applications.
 
Italics indicate direct quotes from the application.​ Bold type within italicized answers comes from the original application. Typos, including punctuation errors, come from the original application even though we have not inserted “(sic)” after each one. WJI has left them as is.

Name: Lena C. Taylor
 
Appointed to: Milwaukee County Circuit Court
 
Appointment date: Jan. 26, 2024, to a term ending July 31, 2025
 
Education:
Law School – Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois
Undergraduate – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
High School – Rufus King, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 
Recent legal employment:
January 2005-present – Wisconsin Legislator/State Senator, Wisconsin State Senate
September 2013-December 2016 – Attorney, Pitman, Kyle, Sicula & Dentice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 2003-January 2005 – Wisconsin Legislator/State Representative, Wisconsin State Assembly
 
Bar and administrative memberships:
State Bar of Wisconsin
 
General character of practice:
When I began my career, I worked as a public defender for the State of Wisconsin, for 2 1/2 years. I represented indigent individuals in both misdemeanor and felony cases. In 1996, I opened my own legal practice. Leveraging my experience with the Public Defenders Office, my practice began with a fixed fee contract with a public defender’s office and concurrent hourly engagements with Attorney Anne Bowe. The scope of my firm encompassed a diverse array of legal areas, including business and real estate contracts, family law, personal injury, guardian ad litem, and bankruptcy. Predominantly, my focus resided in the realm of criminal law, encompassing federal and state jurisdictions. Within this domain, I adeptly navigated dismissals, negotiated deferred prosecution agreements, participated in pre-trial hearings, and engaged in the full spectrum of courtroom proceedings, from bail hearings and motion hearings to trials, sentencing hearings, and revocation hearings. Over time, my practice expanded to include three lawyers and a dedicated support staff.
 
In 2004, I ran for public office. After securing an electoral victory, I reduced my practice’s caseload, completed pending cases, and turned my attention to my duties as an elected member of the Wisconsin State Legislature. Since that initial election, I have been elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2005, where I am currently serving my 5th, four-year term.
 
In 2016, I rekindled my involvement in personal injury law. Subsequently, I collaborated as co-counsel with the Hausmann McNally law firm, where I had previously interned during my legal education. Later, I transitioned to a role with PKSD, assuming responsibilities in outreach and personal injury. However, the inherent challenges of balancing legal practice, with legislative duties, compelled me to reassess and prioritize my commitments.
 
Over the past five years, my professional endeavors have shifted towards consulting in various domains, including real estate, business development, personal injury, and probate. This period has seen a limited caseload, predominantly centered on advisory roles with minimal courtroom obligations.
 
Describe typical clients:
The majority of my clientele has been comprised of businesses & individuals from diverse economic backgrounds. A significant number have been financially disadvantaged, from the greater Milwaukee area. They often hail from the community where I have resided my entire life. It has been important to me, to provide legal representation, guidance and advocacy to the community that helped nurture and support me over the course of my life. Originally my practice was litigation and general practice. More recently, I have done more consulting and little, to no, litigation.
 
Number of cases tried to verdict: Two cases have been tried to verdict. One as counsel and one as co-counsel.
 
List up to three significant trials, appeals, or other legal matters in which you participated as a judge or lawyer in the past seven years:
I have not participated as a judge or lawyer in significant trials in the past 7 years, due to my role as a state legislator for the past 20 years. In addition, my limited practice has not included litigation.
 
However, in the legislature, I have been appointed as a member of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Joint Committee of Criminal Penalties Review, Judicial Council, and the Uniform Law Committee, in the last 7 years.
 
In 2010, I blazed a trail as the 1st woman and Black person to be Chair of the Judiciary, Joint Committee on Criminal Penalties Review, and the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Committee, all of which have a direct impact on Wisconsin’s judicial system.
 
Through those chairmanships, I led profound justice reform in Wisconsin, as outlined in the attached 2009-2010 report card. Since, I have authored and passed into law, more than 120 pieces of legislation during my legislative career.
 
Below are examples that illustrate my work, in this area:
1. Redistricting - My legislative work on redistricting demanded extensive research, analysis, bill drafting, and negotiations. Furthermore, it exerted a substantial influence on the research, case law, legal arguments, and the subsequent decision of the US Supreme Court. This decision identified instances of voter rights violations within the Wisconsin maps, particularly against the black community, as outlined in the Court’s order.
 
2. Independent Criminal Investigations - Crafting legislation for Independent Criminal Investigations, in cases of police-involved deaths serves as an illustration of my legislative work. This involved collaborative drafting and negotiations across party lines, particularly with Representative Gary Bies. The foundation for this legislation was laid upon the groundwork established by Representative A. Polly Williams, who initially advocated for inquests in police officer-involved deaths. While not entirely originating from my efforts, I, as the Lead Senate author, collaborated with Representative Bies to establish the nation’s first accountability process for officer-involved deaths.
 
Similar to the rigor of the practice of law, research, drafting, and negotiation, my work, passage of legislation, and contributions influenced decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court.
 
Experience in adversary proceedings before administrative bodies:
In my capacity as a legislator, serving on both the Judiciary and Joint Committee on Finance, I actively engaged in hearings with Cabinet Secretaries and staff from administrative agencies. These proceedings necessitated thorough preparation of pertinent questions and the extraction of information from those appearing before the committees.
 
Additionally, during my time in private practice, I provided legal representation to individuals involved in revocation and unemployment hearings.
 
Describe your non-litigation experience (e.g., arbitration, mediation).
My legal experience, outside of litigation, is predominantly practice, at present. While the majority of my consultations are pro bono, the skills employed are akin to those utilized in legislative negotiations. I assist in elucidating processes, drafting documents, clarifying legal principles, and guiding parties through challenging landlord-tenant or family law issues. Additionally, I engage in negotiations to reach settlements in personal injury claims or business transactions.
 
Position or involvement in judicial, non-partisan, or partisan political campaign, committee, or organization:
I have not held an official position in a judicial, non-partisan, or partisan, political campaign, to my recollection.
 
My engagement in political activities encompasses providing guidance to candidates and volunteering in various capacities such as door knocking, fundraising, and making calls for both local and out-of-state races. This involvement spans partisan and nonpartisan races at the local, state, and federal levels.
 
Previous runs for public office:
Wisconsin State Senate, elected, 2005-present
Wisconsin State Representative, elected, 2003-2005
Milwaukee County Executive, lost, 2008
Mayor of Milwaukee, lost, 2020 and 2022
Lt. Governor, withdrew before primary, 2022
Milwaukee Municipal Court, lost, 2023
 
All judicial or non-partisan candidates endorsed in the last ten years:
Everett Mitchell, State Supreme Court, 2023
Aisha Carr, MPS School Board, 2021
Shandowlynn Hendricks-Williams, MPS School Board, 2023
Pedro Colon, Circuit Court Judge, 2011, 2017
Deb Kerr, DPI State Superintendent, 2021
Rebecca Dallet, State Supreme Court, 2018
 
Professional or civic and charitable organizations:
Wisconsin State Bar, 1996-present
National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, 2004-present
National Black Caucus of State Legislators, 2004-present
Rodel Fellow, 2013-present
NAACP, 1993-present
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., 1989-present
Rainbow Push Coalition, 2008-present
 
Significant pro bono legal work or volunteer service:
I have engaged in a considerable amount of volunteer work, and while it’s challenging to recall every instance, I have selected three endeavors that I believe exemplify my dedication and compassion towards others.

1. Free Legal Clinic - For two decades ago, I initiated a free monthly legal clinic at Greater New Birth church. This clinic facilitated on-site driver’s license assistance, featuring the collaboration of municipal court judges, DMV staff, and legal professionals to guide individuals through immediate challenges. Additionally, we extended support for various issues and provided referrals as needed.

2. USDA Farmers to Families Food Boxes - For several years, I coordinated the distribution of 30,000 food boxes per month in collaboration with USDA partners. During this time, I also played a role in inspiring and mentoring others to participate in food distribution activities according to their capacity. Notably, the initiative spearheaded by Farina Brooks, which evolved into the Dream Team, now conducts pop-up events across the city, delivering essential food supplies.

3. Housing for Homeless - My commitment to aiding the homeless aligns with the legacies of my mother and grandmother, both of whom dedicated themselves to this cause. I have contributed by providing real estate at below-market rates, and in some instances, at no cost, to men, women, and families facing housing insecurity due to a variety of reasons to include re-entering citizens, addiction, domestic violence, unemployment, and mental health.
 
Quotes:
 
Why I want to be a judge:
When I made the decision to attend law school, I had a very singular focus. I wanted to see corrections in our judicial system that created disparities in the treatment of our citizens. As a student of history, I understood, in particular, that many of the seismic shifts in behavior along racial and gender lines, started with changes to the laws.
 
It’s never lost on me that I am just 2 years older than the 1965 Voting Rights Act, 3 years older than the 1964 Civil Rights Act, a few years older than Affirmative Action, 6 years older than the right for women to have control over their reproductive health, and 13 years older than Brown v. Board of Education.
 
These changes to law made monumental differences between my life and that of my parents. While slow to be implemented and accepted, the rule of law still stood. It was a starting point to push back, challenge, and enforce fair treatment. What I would later learn is that “fair” is not always “equitable”. Yet like a dependable friend, the law could be counted on to be responsive to the will of the people. Lady Justice, often accused of not being so blind in the dispensation of justice, was a symbol of what we aspired to be. The law dictates what we are and what we do.
 
Understanding the inherent power and opportunity to affect our community, I knew that I wanted a seat at the table. Whether at a defendants table, legislative desk, or judicial chamber, my career path has been about serving the needs of this community. I have been committed to ensuring a justice system that is responsive, representative, and above reproach in the application of the law.
 
Describe which case in the past 25 years by the Wisconsin Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court you believe had a significant positive or negative impact on the people of Wisconsin.
Without hesitation, I believe that the 2011 redistricting case has had the most detrimental impact on Wisconsin’s legislative process and voters. The historic lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court involving Gill v. Whitford spoke to the harmful effects of partisan gerrymandering, that deprived residents the rights to representation.
 
The state’s constitution is very intentional about compact districts, maintaining communities of interest, and requires that districts be bound by county, precinct, town or ward lines. In November 2016, the 2011 maps were deemed an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander that violated both the Equal Protection Clause and the plaintiffs’ First Amendment freedom of association.
 
We know, ultimately, how the case played out. Appeals ensued, motions to stay the case were granted, and the case was drug out until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on partisan gerrymandering appeals in other states. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court’s held that partisan gerrymandering claims were not capable of being decided by legal principles or by a court of justice and the Wisconsin case was dismissed.
 
In the meantime, we have held elections in the state in which Democrats have won a majority of the statewide Assembly vote, but Republicans have walked away with 2/3 of the Assembly seats.
 
In my home county, Milwaukee, 70% of the state’s Black population lives here. Yet, Milwaukee County voters were spread across 8 predominantly white Assembly districts, in effect cracking or diluting the Milwaukee County (black vote)
 
The legislation that we see every day in the halls of the Capitol are impacted by this unfair advantage. Bills that address interests of concern to liberal leaning concerns, Black voters, urban residents, and others are difficult to get passed into law when conservatives have a super-majority. The positive aspect of negotiation and compromise is also adversely impacted. However, it is in compromise that the needs of most residents are met.
 
We have furthered racial, regional, resource, and political divides because of unfair redistricting processes.
 
Two or three judges whom I admire and why:
1. Judge Everett Mitchell – I value his life story and determination to complete his education and care for his family. I appreciate how he sees the humanity in many individuals and families that come through his court. I like that he connects with them, and while administering his role as judge, he incorporates hope, reconciliation, and change where possible. I am thrilled that he is representative of the community he serves and an example of what can be.

2. Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson – She was a trailblazer, much like Judge Vel Phillips, whom I also admired. As the first female Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the first female Chief Justice in state history, I had a front row seat to it all. Watching her in the Capitol, I was struck that she was often one of the last people out of the building at night. She remembered her roots and the people who helped her along the way. Aside from being a brilliant legal mind, she was humble and kind. Never too busy to talk or offer guidance, I was enamored by her style as much as I was her substance.
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3. Chief Judge Maxine White – Judge White represents the dreams of my ancestors. Often it is said in the Black community that enslaved people endured and sharecroppers toiled, because they could see the future. They believed in the power of education and what was possible. Judge White often talks with great affection and stark reality about the challenges her family faced. Her story is not that different from a lot of Black people from the South, but her outcomes have been significant. She is a powerful example of brilliance nurtured, mentors engaged, and opportunities provided and taken. Her practical approach to justice is inspiring. Her even-handed application of the law is admirable and her connection to this community in invaluable.
 
The proper role of a judge:
Aside from the obvious, of leading court proceedings, using established laws and guidance to determine sentencing, and ruling on the constitutionality of various laws and legal precedents, depending on the type of judge you are, there is also a practical role of a judge.
 
A judge should be an independent thinker, who respects and is knowledgeable of the law. A judge should be neutral and able to listen to all involved. The judge’s decisions should be reasonable and fair minded. A judge must assure that all parties have appropriate representation, because they also have a role to protect the integrity of the legal system.
 
I also believe that judges are role models and should educate the community on how the legal system works. As a result, I believe their roles are not limited to the courthouse. There is a role and place to engage in and with the community, to create and champion innovative initiatives that can bring about tangible reforms in addressing systemic issues impacting the courts and community.

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