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In a release, Gehrig-Woodman said she was extremely grateful for the appointment and to past and present colleagues, community members and family members who supported her in her application.

Earlier in her career, Gehrig-Woodman served as a prosecuting attorney in Alaska and Idaho, where prosecuted crimes of violence against women, children and vulnerable adults.

“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 adjudication of conflict and controversy for all who appear before me,” Gehrig-Woodman said in the release.

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. Gehrig-Woodman also serves as an independent hearing officer for the Janesville School District.

“I am pleased that Gov. Evers appointed Sara Gehrig-Woodman to succeed me,” McCrory said. “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, a resident of the town of Janesville, is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Law School. She serves on the board of the United Way Blackhawk Region and previously served as board president for the Boys and Girls Club of Janesville.

“Sara Gehrig-Woodman brings a breadth of legal experience and a deep commitment to her community to the circuit court,” Evers said in the release. “She will be an excellent judge for the people of Rock County.”