– Wisconsin Alumni Association recognizes partner as one of eight standouts; Acknowledged for helping women attain leadership positions in government, law, business – 

SAN DIEGO – March 24, 2016 – Higgs Fletcher & Mack, a San Diego-based, full-service law firm for over 75 years, announced today that Partner AnneElise Goetz received the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s “Forward under 40” Award.

Specializing in real estate, finance and health care law at Higgs, the 2002 graduate was commended for her commitment to helping women attain leadership positions in government, law and business.

“We’re very fortunate to have someone who’s as dedicated to empowering woman as AnneElise is. She truly has a passion for helping and educating others,” said John Morrell, Managing Partner at Higgs Fletcher & Mack. “She really goes above and beyond in everything she does and we’re proud of her accomplishments.”

Eight University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni from a pool of undergraduate and graduate students under the age of 40 were honored for living the Wisconsin Idea: the principle that the UW should have a positive impact in Wisconsin and around the world.

Goetz is a regular legal analyst on HLN and FOX networks and started her own legal education podcast, Your Life and the Law, that focuses on law in everyday life. In 2012, Goetz was appointed Chair of the Leadership Development Committee for Lawyers Club and served for two years. In that capacity, she organized “Pipeline to Leadership,” a nuts and bolts program that provided women with hands-on tools to get appointed to boards and commission in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The idea was that those boards could serve as catalysts for even more prominent positions for women and also allow for valuable networking opportunities. Usually a difficult process for people to navigate, Goetz’s program gave individuals the resources to work towards their goals. In addition, she organized a “Pathways to the Bench” event with Joshua Groban, Senior Advisor to Governor Jerry Brown and responsible for recommending judicial nominees to the Governor. Attendees received concrete information and takeaways on what the Governor is looking for and how to best position themselves for nomination. Moreover, Goetz organized the Bench-Bar luncheon where women interested in the bench could meet with judges in a causal setting to discuss the path to their position. Finally, Goetz has been involved in Run Women Run and helped organize its political bootcamp, a full-day event teaching women how to build a campaign and run for office.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the recognition from the University of Wisconsin. To be one of  eight individuals from all alums under 40 is really special,” Goetz said. “I always strive to make an impact and I’ve truly enjoyed using my passion for law to help others reach their goals.”

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