Meet Rochelle

Experienced, Equal Justice for Milwaukee

Photo of Rochelle Johnson-Bent and her children sitting on hay bales. Rochelle Johnson-Bent is running for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge.

Rochelle N. Johnson-Bent is a seasoned legal professional from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Brown Deer), known for her multifaceted expertise and community engagement. With a career that spans over a decade, Rochelle has distinguished herself in various legal capacities, from family court to risk management, while also dedicating herself to impactful community initiatives.

Rochelle N. Johnson-Bent has showcased a diverse legal expertise throughout her career. She's delved into family law, notably representing the best interests of minors and mentally incapacitated clients in family court and civil injunction matters, such as custody, placement, and child support and restraining orders. Her tenure at organizations like Milwaukee Public Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee underscored her proficiency in compliance, risk management, and contractual law. Additionally, her positions at Laster & Associates, LLC, and the Law Office of Tarena W. Franklin expanded her portfolio to include criminal, civil, small claims, and administrative hearing cases. Rochelle's breadth of experience demonstrates a deep understanding of multiple facets of the legal system.

Deeply committed to her community, Rochelle has served in leadership roles such as a Board of Director for the WI State Bar, representing Milwaukee for 5 years; currently seating Board Member for WI Trust Account Foundation, Inc.; member of the WI Association of African American Lawyers since 2010;  was the Vice President on the Board of Directors for Highland Community School, and concurrently contributes actively as a Classroom Parent Coordinator. Moreover, Rochelle's enduring membership since 2005 with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., currently active with Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter, speaks to her dedication to community service, empowerment, and leadership. These endeavors not only underscore her desire to give back but also highlight her passion for enriching and uplifting the community she resides in.

Rochelle earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She resides in Brown Deer with her two children. 

State Bar Admission/Memberships:
- State Bar of Wisconsin, Active, Good Standing (June 2010 - Present)
- State of Wisconsin, Board of Governors, District 2 (July 2018 – June 2023)
- State of Wisconsin, Administrative & Local Government Law, Member (July 2020- Present)
- State of Wisconsin, Government Lawyers Division, Member (July 2021 – Present)
- Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers, Member (September 2010 – Present)
- Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, Inc. Board (July 2023 – Present)

Notable Trainings and Awards:
- 2023 WI Worker’s Compensation Forum
- Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics – Basic Compliance and Ethics Academy
- Mediator Training – Family Mediation Center Professional Training
- Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System & Trauma Informed Care
- Family Lawyer as Neutral: Opportunities and Landmines in Mediation
- 2017 Young Lawyers Division - Outstanding Mentor Award
- CLE Organizer - Advanced Training for Guardian ad Litems in relations to Domestic Violence
- A Framework for Decision-making in Domestic Violence-Related Child Custody Disputes
- 2015 State Bar of Wisconsin Leadership Development Summit

Community Involvement:
- Board of Director – Vice President – Highland Community School (Fall 2019 – Fall 2022)
- Classroom Parent Coordinator – Highland Community School (Fall 2023- Present)
- General Member – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter (Spring 2005 – Present)
- Leander J. Foley, Jr. Society of Family Lawyer, Member (Fall 2013- Fall 2017)

Photo of Rochelle Johnson-Bent candidate for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 43 with her Award
Photo of Rochelle Johnson-Bent with her children with "Future Voter" stickers