Van Hollen Applauds Appointment of Kelli Thompson as State Public Defender

MADISON - Earlier today, the Public Defender Board announced the appointment of Kelli Thompson as Wisconsin's State Public Defender. She will supervise the statewide operations, activities, policies and procedures of that Office, which provides legal representation to indigent persons in criminal and certain civil proceedings.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has released the following statement concerning the appointment:

"I applaud the State Public Defender Board's decision to appoint Kelli Thompson as State Public Defender. She's a fine choice. Having served as both a litigator and administrator in their Office, Kelli has demonstrated a strong commitment to indigent defense in the State of Wisconsin.

As Wisconsin's Attorney General, I know the justice system works best when both the State and the defendant are represented by experienced, well-trained attorneys. As the new State Public Defender, Kelli will bring skill and compassion to that task. I wish her well.