Michelle Behnke, a Wisconsin attorney with Boardman Clark, has become the new president of the American Bar Association (ABA). In her remarks at the ABA Annual Meeting in Toronto, Behnke pledged to strengthen the rule of law by advocating for judicial independence, ensuring the safety of judges, and promoting an inclusive and fair justice system.
Behnke emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, linking her own career to the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education. She called on lawyers to proactively defend liberty and justice, eliminate bias, and ensure the legal profession reflects the communities it serves.
Other priorities for her presidency include professional development, networking, leadership opportunities, and reinforcing ethical standards in the profession.
Barbara Howard of Cincinnati, Ohio, assumed the role of ABA president-elect and will become president in 2026. Outgoing president William R. Bay highlighted the ABA’s resilience in the face of political challenges and lawsuits defending its mission, affirming that “the rule of law does not defend itself — lawyers do.”