LESTER PINES, RETIRED SENIOR PARTER & A FOUNDER OF PINES BACH LLC, NAMED A 2026 FELLOW OF THE WISCONSIN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ARTS & LETTERS
The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters just named Lester Pines “one of sixteen Wisconsinites who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and public service to receive the 2026 Fellows Award.”
The Academy notes, “The Fellows Award recognizes educators, researchers, mentors, artists, and civic or business leaders from across Wisconsin who have made significant accomplishments in their fields and substantial contributions to the cultural life and welfare of the state and its people. Established in 1982, the Fellows program is the only award that recognizes outstanding work across the sciences, arts and letters in Wisconsin.”
“Since its founding in 1870,” the Academy notes “it has been dedicated to the belief that the health of our state depends on the free exchange of ideas. The Academy Fellows program is the heartbeat of this mission, serving as the common ground where Wisconsin’s most influential thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers meet. These individuals are the modern stewards of the Wisconsin Idea.”
Fellows are selected by committee through a rigorous process every two years and will be inducted at a ceremony in the Fall of 2026.
In addition to Lester, a practicing attorney for his entire 50 year career, other attorney Fellows include: Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Shirley Abrahamson & Janine Geske; UW law professors Alta Charo & Willard Hurst; &, long-time elected member of Congress, Rep. Henry S. Reuss.
The Academy’s press release described all new Fellows, saying of Lester, “Pines is a titan of the Wisconsin legal community whose career has been defined by a fierce commitment to constitutional rights and the public good. Pines is a founding partner of Pines Bach LLP and a premier Wisconsin litigator. Upon his retirement in 2025, The Capital Times described him as a ‘great guardian of the Constitution, the rule of law and justice.’”
“His career-long commitment to civil engagement was evidenced as early as 1976 when, at the request of Governor Lucey, he negotiated a peaceful resolution to an armed prison uprising, an act for which he was hailed as a ‘courageous Madison attorney.’”
“Throughout his tenure, three Wisconsin governors have sought his counsel. Governor Doyle noted that Pines ‘fought for and furthered the highest values of this country,’ while Governor Evers stated that ‘human rights and civic engagement are what Lester Pines is all about.’ His reputation reached the national stage when President Obama asked him to represent a friend’s son, later writing: ‘Having an attorney of your caliber looking out for him really made a difference.’”
“Pines won landmark policy cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, including maintaining the independence of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and defending the constitutionality of the state’s domestic partnership law.”
“Inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2005—an honor bestowed on only one percent of the state’s lawyers—he has also been recognized by the Madison NAACP and Fair Wisconsin. An Adjunct Professor of the Year at UW Law School, his civic leadership includes serving as president of the Jewish Federation of Madison and as a board member for the Urban League and the Madison Symphony.”
All of us at Pines Bach congratulate Lester on this meaningful honor.
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