Michelle A. Behnke, a seasoned business attorney from Wisconsin, has commenced her tenure as president of the American Bar Association (ABA), emphasizing the organization’s commitment to “defending liberty and pursuing justice every day.” ([abajournal.com](https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/lawyers-essential-to-fighting-tyranny-says-aba-president-elect-michelle-behnke?utm_source=openai))
With over 35 years of legal experience, Behnke has a distinguished career in business mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and estate planning. She began her legal journey at Stolper, Koritzinsky, Brewster & Neider, S.C., in Madison, later serving as in-house counsel for CUNA Mutual Insurance Society. In 1998, she established her own firm, Michelle Behnke & Associates, before joining Boardman Clark in Madison. ([americanbar.org](https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2024/02/michelle-behnke-aba-pres-elect-nominee/?utm_source=openai))
Behnke’s involvement with the ABA is extensive. She served as treasurer from 2017 to 2020 and chaired the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession. Additionally, she has been a member of the ABA’s Strategic Planning Committee and the Board of Governors. ([americanbar.org](https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2024/02/michelle-behnke-aba-pres-elect-nominee/?utm_source=openai))
In her address to the House of Delegates, Behnke highlighted the critical role lawyers play in upholding the rule of law and combating tyranny and injustice. She referenced Shakespeare’s “Henry VI,” noting that the line “kill all the lawyers” underscores the threat that lawyers pose to tyranny and injustice. ([abajournal.com](https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/lawyers-essential-to-fighting-tyranny-says-aba-president-elect-michelle-behnke?utm_source=openai))
Behnke also emphasized the importance of implementing the ABA’s strategic plan, focusing on practice support for solo and small firm practitioners, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. She believes that by working collaboratively, the ABA can better serve its members and the broader legal community. ([abajournal.com](https://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/michelle-behnke-looks-to-build-community-and-strengthen-the-aba-with-new-strategic-plan?utm_source=openai))
As the ABA approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Behnke sees this milestone as an opportunity to reinforce the association’s commitment to the rule of law, equal justice, and an independent judiciary. She encourages lawyers to educate the public about their constitutional rights to ensure justice for all. ([abajournal.com](https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/lawyers-essential-to-fighting-tyranny-says-aba-president-elect-michelle-behnke?utm_source=openai))
Behnke’s leadership is expected to guide the ABA in addressing contemporary challenges while upholding its foundational principles.