Each spring, University of Wisconsin Law School celebrates excellence in teaching through its Teacher of the Year awards.

“One of the distinct pleasures I have as Dean is working with some great faculty and seeing the transformative effect they have on our students,” Dean Dan Tokaji said during an awards ceremony April 16.

Honorees for outstanding classroom, clinical and adjunct instruction in 2025 include:

EMILY CAUBLE, Classroom Teacher of the Year

Emily Cauble is associate dean for academic affairs and Thomas G. Ragatz Professorship in Tax Law. Her research focuses on business taxation, tax administration and other aspects of tax policy. She teaches Tax I, Tax and Inequality, Tax Research & Writing, Contracts and an advanced legal writing course focused on contract drafting. Cauble joined the UW Law faculty in 2022. She previously served as a professor at DePaul University College of Law, an assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Law and a visiting assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Law.  

“It is no surprise to me that Professor Cauble is the recipient of this honor in such a short tenure here at UW Law,” said Tokaji. “I have had the great fortune to work with Professor Cauble quite a bit over this past academic year. She took over the role of our associate dean for academic affairs this summer and joined the school’s senior leadership team. In addition to her teaching, she is responsible for scheduling our entire academic catalog, managing who is teaching specific courses, determining what courses are being taught and securing our practicing attorneys as adjuncts. This is an extreme amount of work and demands a superior amount of organization, while also being a forward-thinker and student-focused individual.”

“The role is not an easy one, and succeeding Kevin Kelly, who held the position for over 15 years, is not an easy task,” Tokaji continued. “Professor Cauble has risen to the occasion. She has excelled, and I have no doubt this is a common occurrence for her in everything she handles.”  

This is Professor Cauble’s first time receiving this honor at UW Law. However, her teaching has been recognized and celebrated several times. She received the DePaul College of Law Excellence in Teaching Award twice; she also was the recipient of the DePaul University Excellence in Teaching award and a DePaul University Spirit of Inquiry Award for research and scholarship. 

RYAN POE-GAVLINSKI, Clinical Teacher of the Year

Ryan Poe-Gavlinski is director of the Economic Justice Institute, clinical associate professor, director of the Restraining Order and Survivor Advocacy Clinic and director of the Lawyering Skills Course at UW Law School.

“One thing I can tell you about Professor Poe-Gavlinski is that she is someone who does not do the bare minimum,” said Tokaji. “She is deeply committed to the service of others. She has this drive embedded deep inside of her where she sees it as a requirement when she is part of an organization or community to do her part beyond her title, role or set of responsibilities. I’m not the only person who has seen this quality in her.”

Part of a nomination received on Poe-Gavlinski’s behalf said: “Ryan exceeds the role of a clinical educator and makes our law school a home for a diverse range of students … Ryan cultivates a close culture within her classroom, encouraging collaboration amongst students while appreciating different methods of learning. Through her implementation of 1:1 meetings, each student receives a space to feel heard, while also working toward the collective goals of the clinic … Not only is Ryan extremely knowledgeable about our legal community, but she is passionate about improving it … This dedication to law, outside of her role in the clinic, shows Ryan’s persistence when it comes to advocating for those who don’t have a voice.” 

NICHOLAS J. MCNAMARA ‘93, Adjunct Teacher of the Year

Judge Nicholas J. McNamara ’93 rejoined the UW Law adjunct faculty in 2020 to teach Evidence and present lectures in criminal procedure, advanced criminal practice seminars and clinical internship programs. He began his judicial career in 2009 after practicing civil law as a trial attorney. He has served two terms as the presiding judge of the criminal division in Dane County Circuit Court and has presided as judge for more than 200 jury trials. He has served on several judicial and legal committees, councils and boards. He is a frequent presenter at both judicial and attorney continuing education programs, most recently focusing on topics related to the use of actuarial instruments in judicial decision-making, sentencing in criminal cases and the special complex issues related to jury trials.  

Before taking the bench, Judge McNamara was a trial attorney and shareholder with the law firm of Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C. for 16 years. His practice specialized in plaintiffs’ personal injury cases, with a primary focus on auto, general negligence and care facility liability cases, along with additional litigation work in product liability and medical malpractice cases. He successfully negotiated and settled more than 600 personal injury cases and was the sole attorney for 55 jury trials, obtaining three verdicts in excess of $1 million. 

“I’m thrilled that our students get to learn and hone their trial and oral advocacy skills from an experienced litigator and jurist,” said Tokaji. “Thank you, Judge McNamara, for returning to UW Law as a trusted advocate, teacher and colleague.”

Submitted by Law School News on April 24, 2026

This article appears in the categories: Faculty, Features, In the Media

Related employee profiles: Emily Cauble, Ryan Poe-Gavlinski, Nicholas J. McNamara