Gov. Tony Evers announced on May 14 his appointment of Sara Gehrig-Woodman to the Rock County Circuit Court – Branch 7. The appointment will fill the vacancy created by Judge Barbara W. McCrory’s retirement. Gehrig-Woodman will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
“Sara Gehrig-Woodman brings a breadth of legal experience and a deep commitment to her community to the circuit court,” said Gov. Evers. “She will be an excellent judge for the people of Rock County.”
Gehrig-Woodman is a partner at Nowlan Law LLP in Janesville. Her practice includes all aspects of civil litigation, including contract disputes, complex employment and construction cases, and family law in both state and federal courts. She also serves as an independent hearing officer for the School District of Janesville. Earlier in her career, Gehrig-Woodman was a prosecuting attorney in both Alaska and Idaho, where she focused on prosecuting crimes of violence against women, children, and vulnerable adults.
“I am pleased that Gov. Evers appointed Sara Gehrig-Woodman to succeed me,” said McCrory. “She brings a wealth of experience to the bench. I look forward to seeing how she uses that experience to serve Rock County.”
Gehrig-Woodman lives in the town of Janesville and is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Law School. In the community, she serves on the board of the United Way Blackhawk Region and has previously served as board president for the Boys and Girls Club of Janesville.
“I am extremely grateful to Gov. Evers for this appointment, as well as to numerous past and present colleagues, community members, and family members who supported me in my application,” said Gehrig-Woodman. “Having practiced in several jurisdictions, including state and federal courts in Alaska, Idaho, and Wisconsin, I am honored and humbled to be selected to serve in this role in Rock County, the community where I was raised. I am particularly honored to succeed the first female judge to serve in Rock County, the Hon. Barbara W. McCrory. I will attempt to continue her legacy of exemplary service, making Branch VII of the Rock County Circuit Court a place of inclusion, fairness, and just adjudication of conflict and controversy for all who appear before me.”
