The Supreme Court of Wisconsin has appointed Bridget Schoenborn as a Supreme Court Commissioner. Schoenborn joined the Court in September 2025, succeeding Commissioner Nancy Kopp, who retired after more than 30 years of service.
Schoenborn brings nearly two decades of experience in the federal and state court systems. She began her legal career in 2005 as a pro se law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, where she worked with magistrate and district court judges on prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus cases.
In 2008, Schoenborn joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Milwaukee. Her work included prosecuting complex narcotics conspiracies, criminal street gang activity, and financial crimes. From 2020 - 2024, she served as Asset Forfeiture Chief, overseeing money laundering and structuring investigations and developing expertise in cryptocurrency seizures and related litigation.
In 2024, Schoenborn was appointed as a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge. She presided over a criminal docket and supervised the Waukesha County Drug Treatment Court, a post-conviction program that supports participants working toward long-term sobriety while serving their sentences.
In her new role, Schoenborn joins Commissioners David Runke, Mark Neuser, and Timothy Barber in conducting legal research, preparing memoranda, and making recommendations to the Supreme Court on matters within its appellate and original jurisdiction and its rule-making authority, along with other duties assigned by the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice.
Commissioner Schoenborn expressed that she is excited to serve the State and the Supreme Court of Wisconsin.
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