Milwaukee County Probate Court Commissioner Patrice A. Baker has announced her retirement after two decades on the bench. Appointed in 2005, Baker is the longest-serving probate court commissioner in Wisconsin. Over the course of her tenure, she handled a wide range of guardianship, mental health, and probate matters.
“Patrice has been the anchor of Probate for the past 20 years. Her professionalism and leadership will be dearly missed,” said Milwaukee County Chief Judge Carl Ashley.
Baker also contributed to the broader legal and civic communities. She chaired the Wisconsin Probate Bench Book Committee, led the board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Milwaukee, and volunteered with Susan G. Komen and Vivent Health.
In 2021, she received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Marquette University in recognition of her mentoring and support of Marquette Athletics. Baker graduated from Marquette’s Business School in 1988 and played for the women’s basketball team from 1984 to 1988. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1991.
Reflecting on her career, Baker said, “It has been an honor to serve the most vulnerable members of our community in such an important capacity.”
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