Keith Belzer Named 2026 Coffey Defender

In the spring of 2026, Keith Belzer was awarded the William M. Coffey Defender award by the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL). This award celebrates defense attorneys in Wisconsin who have exhibited meaningful contributions to the practice of criminal law. As WACDL states, this award recognizes "those who have had a lasting impact on the criminal justice system, whether through litigation, legislative action, public policy advocacy, writing, or the development of rules, standards, and practices that strengthen the system." 

 

A true leader in criminal defense, Keith Belzer has taught the practice with various organizations across the world, dedicating a significant part of his life to furthering quality defense for all. The team at Nelson Defense Group is proud to celebrate this remarkable acheivement!

 

Read more about Keith's contributions to criminal defense in his nomination below.

keith belzer
Coffey award

Who was William Coffey?

When WACDL was founded, Attorney William Coffey's goal was to build a mechanism for lawyers to share their experiences and skills, and to raise the standard of professionalism for all. Coffey himself was known as a master of the law, practicing with the highest level of integrity. He was humble, even when knowing the rules of evidence better than anyone else in the courtroom. As a part of his own practice and experience with WACDL, he dedicated significant time to mentorship, always making space to help younger lawyers. 

 

According to Wisconsin Attorney Charles Giesen, a friend of Coffey, the Coffey award is the highest acheivement in the association, and is given to someone who mirrors Coffey's competence and devotion to the practice. 

Nomination by Deja Vishny

In her nomination of Keith Belzer for the WACDL Coffey award, Attorney Deja Vishny shares Keith, "developed a reputation as a fearless client centered lawyer who brought an exceptional set of skills to the courtroom. He tried dozens of cases and won many that were thought of as unwinnable at the time." From his work at the Wisconsin State Public Defender in Lacrosse, to his extraordinary representation of Evan Zimmerman in a post conviction appeal with the Innocence Project, and into the rest of his private practice career, Vishny states Keith's "advocacy was marked by passion, preparation and... remarkable persuasive abilities." 

 

Keith established himself as an expert storyteller as he began teaching at Wisconsin Trial Skills, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, various CLEs, and the National Criminal Defense College, where he is now the Assistant Executive Director. In addition to furthering the professionalism of lawyers in America, Keith has also taught public defense agencies and criminal defense lawyers from China and Israel. In reference to his signature story, Wolfin, Vishny shares, "He has never been proprietary about it; he happily shared it with others who used it to serve their clients." 

 

Nelson Defense Group is privileged to have Attorney Keith Belzer working on our team. As Vishny puts it, "Keith's presence...in Wisconsin and the criminal defense community is a precious gift to both all of us lawyers and our clients, and he is incredibly deserving of this award." 

 

Congratulations, Keith!