Budzinski Receives Central Insurance's Highest Attorney Honor; Cortesy Also Recognized
Baker Sterchi Member Mark Budzinski has been named Central Insurance’s Panel Partner of the Year, the company’s highest attorney recognition, while associate Katherine Cortesy has been selected as one of its Associate Attorneys of the Year.
Budzinski’s recognition follows several significant results for Central, including obtaining a complete defense verdict in a Kentucky automobile case in which the plaintiff sought $1.7 million in damages, despite receiving only six days’ notice of trial. Cortesy also assisted in the defense. A Fellow of the invitation-only American College of Trial Lawyers, Budzinski has more than 25 years of experience and has tried more than 70 jury cases to verdict.
Cortesy was recognized for her work triaging and handling cases referred to Budzinski, taking an active role in evaluating matters and advancing their defense. Her selection also follows several professional honors, including recognition in the Rising Young Lawyers category of the Wisconsin Law Journal’s 2026 Legal All-Star Awards, as well as Wisconsin Defense Counsel’s 2026 Young Lawyer Award and Publication Award.
Budzinski and Cortesy represent insurers and their insureds in civil litigation. Their recognition reflects their commitment to responsive client service, effective case management and advocacy.
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