Ripon College to host discussion on the future of local power Nov. 13

Ripon College’s Center for Politics and the People (CPP) and Pre-Law Society will host a discussion on the future of local political power Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Great Hall of Ripon College’s Harwood Memorial Union.

The event, titled “Who Decides? The U.S. Supreme Court, Wisconsin and the Future of Local Power,” will feature Steven Sorenson, shareholder at von Briesen & Roper and adjunct professor of political science and Pre-Law Society adviser at Ripon College.

With more than 35 years of experience in corporate, estate and municipal law, Sorenson will deliver a presentation exploring how recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings have shifted authority toward the states, reshaping key policy areas such as abortion, Medicaid, environmental regulation, school athletics and online speech.

His lecture will examine how these landmark decisions are influencing daily life in Wisconsin, intensifying power struggles between the governor and the legislature, and redefining the balance between individual rights, state law and federal authority.

Sorenson is widely recognized for his professional leadership and civic engagement. He is a former president of both the State Bar of Wisconsin, serving from 1997 to 1998, and the National Conference of Bar Presidents, serving from 2007 to 2008. He has also served as secretary of the State Bar and chaired multiple standing committees, including those on finance, communications and solo and small firm practice. His service extends to the American Bar Association House of Delegates, where he has contributed to national discussions on legal ethics and professional standards.

In addition to his legal career, Sorenson is an active community leader. He serves on the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation Board and the Green Lake County/Ripon Area Foundation Board and is a past president of the Ripon Main Street Development Board of Directors. He also sits on the boards of the Green Lake Festival of Music and Badger Boys State and previously chaired the board of directors for Community Health Network.

A frequent lecturer on legal ethics, real estate law and waterfront rights, Sorenson brings a unique perspective that bridges law, governance and community impact. His upcoming talk at Ripon College will offer timely and thought-provoking insights into how judicial decisions at the national level continue to shape the future of local power and governance in Wisconsin.

“This conversation matters because recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings are shifting power toward Wisconsin, and that change touches everything from our schools to our local budgets,” Henrik Schatzinger, professor and chair of political science and director of the CPP, said.

Admission is free and open to the public. The discussion will be live-streamed by Wisconsin Eye.