Two attorneys with long records of public and community service have been appointed to circuit court benches in Kenosha and Milwaukee counties. David Hughes has been named to the Kenosha County Circuit Court, while Owen Piotrowski will join the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Both appointments were announced by Gov. Tony Evers and fill vacancies created by recent judicial resignations.
David Hughes, Kenosha County Circuit Court, Branch 4
David Hughes has been appointed to serve in Branch 4 of the Kenosha County Circuit Court. He will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Anthony Milisauskas and will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
Hughes was a shareholder with Puntillo Camilli & Hughes, S.C. in Kenosha, where he has practiced law since 2012. His work included commercial litigation, estate planning, probate administration, and business transactions. Since 2021, Hughes has also served as a supplemental court commissioner for the Kenosha County Circuit Court, presiding over matters including small claims, juvenile, family, traffic, and criminal intake hearings.
Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson praised Hughes’ appointment, citing his experience and commitment to the community.
“He is a skilled and thoughtful litigator, deeply committed to this community, and brings the integrity, temperament, and work ethic that our court system depends on,” Iverson said.
Hughes lives in Kenosha with his family and is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is active in several local organizations, including leadership roles with the Kenosha County Bar Association and the Friends of the Kenosha Public Museum, and he serves as a commissioner for the Kenosha Housing Authority.
“It is with great humility that I accept Gov. Evers’ appointment to the Kenosha County Circuit Court,” Hughes said. “I aspire to continue the legacy of justice set forth by my predecessors as I serve the people of Kenosha County.”
Owen Piotrowski, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Branch 38
Owen Piotrowski has been appointed to Branch 38 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. He will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Jeffrey A. Wagner and will serve a term ending July 31, 2027.
A lifelong Wisconsin resident who lives in Milwaukee, Piotrowski has served as an assistant district attorney in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office since 2014. His work has included assignments in the domestic violence, sensitive crimes, and violent crimes units. Since 2022, he has served as team captain of the firearms unit, supervising prosecutors handling non-fatal shooting cases. Over the course of his career, Piotrowski has tried more than 60 cases to verdict.
Milwaukee County District Attorney Kent Lovern said Piotrowski is widely respected across the justice system.
“He is respected by law enforcement professionals, the defense bar, and the judiciary,” Lovern said. “Owen brings a high level of acumen, experience, and temperament to the bench.”
Piotrowski is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin Law School.
“I am honored and humbled to accept an appointment from Gov. Evers to serve the people of Milwaukee County on the circuit court,” Piotrowski said. “My career has been dedicated to serving Milwaukee County and advancing the interests of justice, and I look forward to continuing that service as a judge.”
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