Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judges Michael Brennan and John Franke announced today they will resign from the bench and will return to careers as trial lawyers.

Both will join the Milwaukee-based national trial law firm Gass Weber Mullins by the start of the New Year.

"I am excited about returning to the courtroom as an advocate, using all I have learned as a judge," Brennan said. "The judicial perspective on a client's case at trial is unique. The judge knows which arguments won, and why, and has talked with hundreds of jurors on the same questions. I will bring that knowledge to the trial of complex commercial litigation and appeals. Clients need the best technical legal guidance - how their facts will play out under the applicable law with a judge and jury - but also the prudential advice to avoid civil and criminal minefields as a problem gets solved."

Franke said, "I found immense personal and professional satisfaction in serving as a judge. I have missed the work of a trial lawyer and decided it was time to be an advocate again. I know that clients put themselves into their trial lawyer's hands, and I look forward to the complex litigation handled by Gass Weber Mullins."

Gass Weber Mullins managing partner Beth Hanan said, "Adding two brilliant judges and experienced trial lawyers gives an enormous benefit to our clients. As trial lawyers, we try to anticipate which facts and arguments will resonate with juries and judges. Mike and John have tried numerous cases as advocates, and presided over hundreds more as judges.  We're thrilled to add their experience and insight to our team of trial lawyers."

Gass Weber Mullins was founded in 2004 and is based in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward and focuses on technical civil litigation for clients across the country.

Marquette University Law School Dean Joseph Kearney said, "Judge Brennan's legal and other abilities have made him one of the most respected trial judges in this region. His departure from the bench is a loss to the Wisconsin citizenry, especially those involved in the judicial system. I have no doubt he will excel in his return to being a practicing lawyer."

Prior to his election as judge, Franke led the U.S. Department of Justice's Organized Crime Section in Milwaukee and was in charge of all organized crime prosecutions here for five years. At age 31, Franke was the lead prosecutor on the federal gambling and extortion cases against organized crime boss Frank Balistrieri and his two sons. He successfully prosecuted the Balistrieri family and other organized crime figures from Milwaukee, Chicago and New York for racketeering and extortion.

Former Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske, now a law professor at Marquette, said, "In addition to being very bright and hard working, John Franke has impeccable integrity.  I am sad he won't be on the bench anymore, but his addition will be great for Gass Weber Mullins and their clients."

Gass Weber Mullins has handled several high-profile trials, including the Miller Park crane accident and the WEPCO environmental pollution case that resulted in a record setting verdict.