MONROE — Flanked by her family and a packed courtroom filled with attorneys and friends, Green County’s newest Circuit Court judge, Jane Bucher, was sworn in Friday.
The long-time attorney and public defender was appointed to the bench recently by Gov. Tony Evers to replace retiring Judge Thomas J. Vale. And prior to Friday’s swearing in, she demonstrated what former colleagues described as her trademark wit:
“When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a judge,” she said, dryly. “I also dreamed of being Paula Abdul.”
The appointment, she added, was proof that, at least, “some dreams do come true.”
Prior to taking the bench, Bucher was a partner at Russell Law Offices SC, where she practiced criminal and family law — mostly in Green, Lafayette, Iowa, and Rock Counties. Prior to her newest role, she also spent a decade as an assistant state public defender representing children, juveniles, and adults in both criminal and civil cases.
During that time, she helped lead the creation of the Green County Drug Court and attended the Juvenile Training Immersion Program Summer Academy at Georgetown Law School. Before attending law school, Bucher worked in mental health outreach and spent two years with the Peace Corps in Senegal as a rural health education volunteer. She also speaks numerous languages.
Indeed, Bucher’s extensive travels and volunteerism have prepared her in a special way — one that is not taught in law school — for her new role, according to retired judge Sarah O’Brien.
“She learned to be a judge in a village in Senegal,” O’Brien said.
In a press release from the governor’s office announcing Bucher’s appointment, O’Brien also praised Bucher’s temperament and character.
“She is decisive and able to make tough decisions,” said O’Brien. “Green County will be well served by her knowledge and ability as a circuit court judge.”
Bucher is a graduate of New College of Florida and the University of Wisconsin Law School. She is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including extensive work with the State Bar of Wisconsin, and past service as a board member for Family Promise of Green County; and as a co-chair and founding member of southwest Wisconsin’s Multicultural Outreach Program.
“I believe (Judge Bucher) is dedicated to make this world a better place,” said her longtime friend, Lisa Hendrickson, adding wryly that “this is my first good friend to become a judge.”
Another longtime colleague and mentor to Bucher, attorney Ken Mattingly, who worked extensively with Bucher in the state public defender’s office in Janesville, described her as a “true believer” in the law and the fundamental fairness to which the judiciary must aspire.
“A true believer is outraged by injustice,” said Mattingly. “And Jane is and was a true believer.”
For her part, Bucher lauded the adversarial system of justice in this country and said it is important to not only hear both sides on a given issue — be it criminal or civil — but also to empathize with the plight of defendants and prosecutors alike.
“It’s so important to be humble,” said Bucher, adding that her parents struggled bringing her up but were dedicated to education, something not all defendants have the benefit of when they get involved in the legal system. “I have never looked at a person and think I can’t learn something from someone.”
Bucher lives in Monroe with her husband, Ruedi, a cheesemaker born in Switzerland, and sons, Quinn and Xavier.