Governor Doyle Appoints Outside Counsel to Represent State in Domestic Partnership Registry Lawsuit

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Contact: Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Governor Doyle Appoints Outside Counsel to Represent State in Domestic Partnership Registry Lawsuit

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today appointed attorney Lester Pines of Cullen Weston Pines & Bach LLP to defend the state against the challenge to the domestic partner registry.

“I appreciate all of the attorneys who expressed interest in defending the state in this suit,” Governor Doyle said. “I selected Lester Pines because he is uniquely qualified as he is already involved in a pro bono challenge to the Marriage Amendment that its presentation to the voters of Wisconsin violated the Wisconsin Constitution.”

Pines has extensive experience as an appellate lawyer having argued many cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court during his 34 years of practice. Few, if any lawyers, have participated in as many original actions before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

In light of Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s decision against defending the state, it was necessary to appoint outside counsel at additional costs to taxpayers.