Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, the first woman to reach the Wisconsin Supreme Court by election, is stepping down after 30 years of service. Known for her sharp legal mind, thoughtful dissents, and commitment to justice and civic education, Bradley leaves behind a legacy that helped shape the modern court and inspired a generation of jurists.
Justice Jill J. Karofsky is now serving as Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Elected to the leadership role by her fellow justices, she brings experience as a prosecutor, circuit court judge, and longtime advocate for fairness and access to justice.
The Wisconsin judiciary is losing some long-time leaders, as several judges are stepping away from the bench on July 31 after decades of service to their respective counties and to Wisconsin’s court system. Each brought a distinct perspective to the bench, shaped by long careers in both law and public service.
Gov. Tony Evers has appointed two new judges to the circuit court bench. Emily Nolan-Plutchak will serve in Wood County and Gordon Leech will serve in Washington County. Both bring decades of legal experience and strong ties to their communities as they begin their judicial service.
Judges Pedro A. Colón, Lisa S. Neubauer, and Rachel A. Graham have been appointed as presiding judges in their respective appellate districts, effective August 1, 2025. Judge Lisa K. Stark will continue her role as presiding judge in District III. The appointments were made by Court of Appeals Chief Judge Maxine A. White.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued opinions in several key cases in July. To read the rulings, click on the appropriate link below.
Municipal judges from around Wisconsin gathered in La Crosse for a two-day education seminar covering legal updates, courtroom practices, and judicial ethics. The event included a keynote address from Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky.
The Children’s Court Improvement Program (CCIP) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) were selected to present at the 88th Annual National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) conference in Chicago on the Tailored Dispositional Orders Project: Promoting Positive Change Through Shared Responsibility.
The Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation will host its next Lunch and Learn webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 3, with a focus on how effective practice management can help reduce stress.
Titled “Stress Management Through Better Practice Management,” the free session runs from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Christopher Shattuck, J.D., M.B.A., an educator and former managing attorney and practice management advisor, will lead the program. He’ll share strategies for managing billable hours, setting boundaries, and improving client communication with the aim of creating a more manageable workload and healthier work-life balance.
More details and registration information will be posted on the Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation’s LinkedIn page.
This month’s issue continues our new feature celebrating Wisconsin Court System employees for their years of service. Click to find out who is celebrating an anniversary this month.
Milwaukee County Probate Court Commissioner Patrice A. Baker is retiring after two decades on the bench. Appointed in 2005, she is the longest-tenured probate commissioner in Milwaukee County and known for her leadership in guardianship, mental health, and community service.
After more than two decades serving in various roles within the Crawford County Circuit Court, Clerk of Circuit Court Nancy Dowling announced she will soon retire. Her last day will mark the end of a career that has included work with juvenile programs, advocacy for people with developmental disabilities, and leadership during a period of major changes in court operations.
Dowling spent 17 and a half years as Register in Probate and Juvenile Court Clerk before being appointed Clerk of Circuit Court in 2020. During that time, she helped lead the “Girl Power” program for 15 years, a group aimed at supporting at-risk young women. She also developed strong ties to the local disability community and said she plans to continue advocating for services that promote inclusion and quality of life.
Dowling said she will miss the day-to-day work with her staff, the judge, and colleagues in other county departments. She also noted the help and support she received from the CCAP team throughout her career. In retirement, she plans to continue maintaining her small farm. She has several trips planned with friends and family, including visits to Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, Toronto, Arizona, and the Hawaiian Islands.
The Wisconsin Court System is always looking for talented professionals to join our team. Each month, we spotlight job openings across the state. Click below to learn about the current openings.
Sadly, we've lost a former member of our judicial community recently, following the death of former judge Michael D. Guolee. Learn more about his legacy.
