Biography
Mel S. Johnson is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the law school, teaching Trial Advocacy. Mr. Johnson recently retired from active courtroom practice after 37 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in Milwaukee, preceded by five years as an Assistant State Public Defender, also in Milwaukee.
Mr. Johnson received his Bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College in 1972. He then obtained his J.D. degree from Washington University School of Law in 1975.
Within the United States Attorney's Office, Mr. Johnson served stints as Professional Responsibility Officer, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Senior Litigation Counsel, responsible for training in the office as well as programs at the USDOJ's National Advocacy Institute.
During his career, Mr. Johnson won various DOJ awards including the Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award in 2008 and the John Marshall Award for Outstanding Legal Achievement in Trial Litigation.