After 16 years on Wisconsin’s Court of Appeals, District IV Judge Brian W. Blanchard will retire later this year, concluding a legal career that has spanned public service at the local, state, and federal levels.
“I consider myself very lucky,” Blanchard said. “All along the way, I’ve been able to work with talented and compassionate mentors and colleagues, and in court systems aimed at the just application of the laws.”
Judge Blanchard has served on the Court of Appeals since 2010, when he was first elected to the Madison-based district. He was reelected in 2016 and 2022. District IV covers southwestern Wisconsin. Before joining the appellate bench, Judge Blanchard served as Dane County District Attorney from 2001 to 2010. Earlier in his career, he worked as an assistant United States attorney in Chicago, followed by private practice in Madison.
His legal career began with a federal appellate clerkship with Judge Walter J. Cummings, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He attended Northwestern University School of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the law review and a moot court competition finalist.
Before entering the legal profession, Judge Blanchard worked for six years as a newspaper reporter for The Miami Herald.
In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Blanchard has regularly contributed to statewide legal efforts and education, including service on the Wisconsin Judicial Council and participation in initiatives directed at improving the administration of justice.
Judge Blanchard announced he will serve through November 8, 2026. His retirement will create a vacancy on the Court of Appeals in District IV, to be filled by gubernatorial appointment.