November 12, 2025 – Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Association for Justice (WAJ) is proud to announce that Attorney Benjamin S. Wagner of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. has been named the 2025 Robert L. Habush Trial Lawyer of the Year.
Wagner earned this honor for his work securing justice for Helen Ende, an 89-year-old assisted living resident who died after being left outside for hours. His investigation uncovered systemic failures at the facility, and a Kenosha County jury ultimately awarded a rare, multiple seven-figure punitive damages verdict—believed to be the first of its kind in Wisconsin for elder neglect under current law.
“Ben’s precedent-setting jury verdict against a nursing home clearly qualifies him for the award,” said Robert L. Habush, for whom the award is named. “He represents those attorneys who are willing to take cases to trial.”
Tim Trecek, President and CEO of Habush Habush & Rottier, added: “Great trial attorneys have the fortitude to take cases to trial and the advocacy skills to turn facts into justice. Ben did just that in the Ende case.”
Wagner, a shareholder at the firm, specializes in personal injury law, including nursing home abuse, wrongful death, and complex liability cases. Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, he is widely recognized among Wisconsin’s top litigators.
Beyond the courtroom, Wagner serves as co-chair of Governor Tony Evers’ Judicial Selection Advisory Committee, helping vet and recommend judicial candidates statewide. He also contributes to numerous community organizations, including the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Neuroscience Research Center Board, Discovery World, and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
WAJ President Noah D. Domnitz praised Wagner as “the epitome of what a trial lawyer should be—working diligently in and out of the courtroom to protect the rights of all injured people.”
The Robert L. Habush Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, established in 2000, recognizes Wisconsin attorneys who achieve significant impact through precedent-setting litigation or outstanding service to the legal community. Wagner will be honored on December 5 at WAJ’s President’s Dinner and Reception at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.
About the Wisconsin Association for Justice (WAJ):
Founded in 1957, WAJ is Wisconsin’s largest voluntary bar association, dedicated to ensuring a fair and effective civil justice system and protecting the constitutional right to a civil jury trial.