GREEN COUNTY — On April 6, voters in Green County will cast their vote for the next Green County Circuit Court Branch One judge, picking between public defender Jane Bucher and New Glarus-based attorney Faun Marie Phillipson.

Though the ballot may seem like any other, the two names mark a historic first for the county, which has never had a woman hold the position of circuit court judge. 

Dating back to 1841, Green County has had 19 circuit court judges, each of which has been male. 

The attorneys did not get where they are overnight, and Phillipson noted that issues or discrimination surrounding her gender did not go unnoticed during her journey, but she did not let other people push her away from achieving her goals.

“You try your best, you give it your all, and you don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something,” she said. “Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Do what you set out to do.”

Though Wisconsin’s first woman to practice law in Wisconsin was admitted to the Bar in 1879, the state did not see its first county judge until 1970, Olga Bennett paved the way for future women when she was elected and sworn in as a Viroqua County judge.

“When I walk into the courtroom, I always remember that if it weren’t for all of the women that went before me, I would not be where I am today,” Bucher said. “I walk into the courtroom and it’s from a place of gratitude.