Legendary Defense Attorney Jessa Nicholson Goetz Remembered as Fierce Advocate for the Underdog
Madison, WI — The Wisconsin legal community is mourning the unexpected passing of Jessa Nicholson Goetz, a powerhouse criminal defense attorney renowned for her fearless advocacy in high-stakes cases and unwavering commitment to marginalized clients. The founding partner of Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. died in her sleep earlier this week, as confirmed through heartfelt tributes from former clients and colleagues.
A Legal Force Remembered
Nicholson Goetz built an extraordinary career defending those facing Wisconsin’s most serious charges—sexual assault, homicide, child abuse—while becoming one of the state’s most decorated trial attorneys. Her courtroom prowess earned her the rare distinction of having an award named in her honor—the Kuchler-Nicholson-Stilling Award—while still in her 30s, recognizing excellence in defending challenging felony sexual assault cases .
Her tenacity translated into landmark victories, including:
– ⚖️ **Three homicide acquittals** (earning the Martin Hanson Memorial Advocate’s Prize)
– 🏆 **Multiple “not guilty” verdicts** in child sexual assault cases
– 📹 **Exposing police misconduct** using innovative tech like JusticeText to analyze hours of bodycam footage
She Stood Beside Me”: Client Tributes Pour In
Jeremy Ryan, an activist who Nicholson Goetz represented pro bono in the 2012 “Rotunda 6” case, shared an emotional tribute: “She took our case pro bono all the way through jury trial… a long shot to begin with. She later told me she initially worried my public persona might make me difficult to work with, but after dozens of hours together, she apologized for assumptions and saw the real me” .
Another client, identified as F.R., wrote: **”The minute Jessa walked into a room, I felt peace. She knew the law intimately and fought fiercely. If I ever need an attorney again, she’d be my first and only call.”** These testimonials reflect her uncommon willingness to represent controversial clients while seeing their humanity .
Beyond the Courtroom
Nicholson Goetz’s influence extended to legal education and media:
– 🎓 **Faculty member** at Wisconsin’s Criminal Defense Trial College, teaching trial strategy
– 📺 **Legal analyst** for NPR, Wall Street Journal, and local media during high-profile cases like the Rittenhouse trial
– ⚖️ **Judicial reform advocate** serving on Dane County committees to improve treatment courts
Her innovative approach included leveraging technology to level the playing field. In one case, she used JusticeText to scan 40 hours of police footage in days—uncovering evidence suppression that led to dismissed felony charges. **”It’s the difference between liberty and not liberty,”** she noted .
Why This Loss Resonates
Nicholson Goetz filled a critical niche in Wisconsin’s justice system—defending the “unpopular” accused with rigor and compassion. Her death leaves a void in:
1. **High-stakes defense** where few attorneys possess her expertise in sensitive crimes
2. **Pro bono advocacy** for activists and marginalized defendants
3. **Legal education** as a revered trial strategist mentor
Dane County Circuit Judge Ellen Berz once remarked, **”Jessa redefined what it means to be a warrior for justice—combining brilliance with profound empathy”** .
Legacy of a “GOAT”
As the legal community grapples with her passing, Nicholson Goetz’s own words encapsulate her philosophy: **”It’s hard to listen to somebody describe someone you care about as having such little comparative value.”** This drive to humanize the demonized fueled her landmark defenses .
Her firm Nicholson Goetz & Otis confirmed they will continue operations, noting: **”Jessa built this firm to be champions for the underdog. That mission doesn’t end with her passing”** .
*Funeral arrangements are pending. The family requests privacy and suggests donations to Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ trial training programs.*
