Michelle A. Behnke

Michelle A. Behnke, a member of the Boardman Clark law firm in Madison, Wisconsin, is president of the American Bar Association, the world’s largest voluntary association of lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. Prior to joining the firm, she was the principal of the firm Michelle Behnke & Associates, where her practice focused on business, real estate and estate planning. Michelle’s experience in the real estate area was recognized by her election to membership in the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. She has also been elected into The American Law Institute, the American Bar Foundation Fellows and the Wisconsin Bar Foundation Fellows.

Michelle served as Treasurer of the ABA 2017-2020. Following her time as Treasurer, she chaired the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession. Michelle previously served on the ABA Board of Governors 2010-2013, including serving as Chair of Operations and Communications Committee of the Board. Michelle’s other ABA service includes Chair of the Investments Subcommittee, Chair of the Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services, and member of the Standing Committee on Membership. Michelle served as Wisconsin’s State Delegate in the ABA House of Delegates and she has been a member of the ABA House of Delegates since 2008. She was also a member of Commission on Governance and a past Chair of the Fund for Justice and Education Council.

Michelle served as President of State Bar of Wisconsin in 2004-05. In addition to bar leadership, Michelle has served as the President of the International Women’s Forum-Wisconsin. Currently, Michelle serves on the University of Wisconsin Law School Board of Visitors and the University of Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association Board. She is also active in her community and has served on a number of boards. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Capitol Bank and has previously served on the Boards of Dean Health Plan, Inc., and SSM Healthcare of Wisconsin.

Michelle has been recognized for her work in the legal profession and her community, receiving the Charles L. Goldberg Distinguished Service Award and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.

Michelle received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Economics and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, Dane County Bar Association and the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers.

Michelle A. Behnke

Guest Appearances

ABA President Michelle Behnke on How We Talk About Justice

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