Third Branch eNews

Rock County Circuit Court Judge Ashley Morse has been named the 2026 recipient of the Diversity & Inclusion Trailblazer Award from the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Diversity & Inclusion Oversight Committee. The award recognizes an individual who contributes to and enhances diversity and inclusion within Wisconsin’s legal profession.

Judge Morse was recognized for her leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion both before and after joining the bench. She took office in 2022 and was elected the following spring to Branch 4 in Rock County, where she became the first woman of color to serve in that role.

Before becoming a judge, Judge Morse worked for the Wisconsin State Public Defender, where she was involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her background with the office spans more than a decade, including service in Janesville beginning in 2014.

“This recognition is an honor, but it also reflects a responsibility. Diversity and inclusion in the justice system are not abstract ideals—they are lived experiences that shape whether people feel seen, heard, and part of the system,” Judge Morse said. “When people feel that sense of belonging, trust in justice becomes possible.”

The award committee also noted Judge Morse’s continued work on the bench, including volunteering on committees to help ensure judicial conferences and presentations represent diverse topics and inclusive speakers. She has also served in statewide judicial education leadership, including as a co-chair of the 2024 Judicial Conference Planning Committee.

Judge Morse earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

The State Bar of Wisconsin will present the award on June 11 at its Annual Meeting & Conference in La Crosse.