The State Bar of Wisconsin has named retired Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Barbara Key as the 2025 recipient of its Lifetime Jurist Award. The honor, presented by the State Bar’s Bench and Bar Committee, recognizes long-term judicial service marked by fairness, integrity, and a commitment to the legal community and public.
Key served more than two decades on the Winnebago County Circuit Court bench and previously held the role of chief judge for the Fourth Judicial Administrative District. Throughout her judicial career, she contributed extensively to statewide efforts to improve the courts, including work on Wisconsin Supreme Court committees related to conduct, jury instructions, judicial education, and language access. She also served as Associate Dean of the Wisconsin Judicial College.
In addition to her professional contributions, Key has been active in the Oshkosh and Winnebago County communities, serving as a member of the Oshkosh Southwest Rotary Club for more than 30 years, as well as supporting organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Nova Counseling Services, and the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Key will be formally recognized during the State Bar’s Member Recognition Celebration at its Annual Meeting & Conference, June 18-20, in Madison.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov