Judges Lisa Stark and Kelly Thimm, along with longtime law clerk Nicole Murphy, share their experience attending U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. LIRC on March 31, 2025.
Volume 4 | Issue 6 | June 2025
Friends, family, and esteemed colleagues gathered at the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's extraordinary 30-year journey on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, echoing her dedication to justice and community.
Members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Wisconsin Tribal Judges Association gathered in Madison on June 4 to discuss wellness courts, data sharing, and judicial safety.
Judicial leadership was recognized and key court system priorities were front and center at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Annual Meeting and Conference.
Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley was honored with a commemorative plaque presented by Judicial Council Chair Atty. William Gleisner during the Council’s 2025 Reception and Awards Ceremony at the State Capitol. The recognition highlighted Chief Justice Bradley’s distinguished judicial career and longstanding support for the Council’s work. The brief ceremony was held in the Senate Parlor on June 27, 2025.
Justice Jill Karofsky recently welcomed members of the Wisconsin Victim Witness Professionals to the Supreme Court Hearing Room during their annual conference in Madison in late May. She spoke with the group about her experiences on the bench and her prior work as executive director of the Office of Crime Victim Services at the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Justice Karofsky and Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski took time to answer questions from attendees, many of whom work directly with victims and witnesses across the state.
Judges Carl Ashley, Paul Bugenhagen Jr, Julie Genovese, and Scott Horne will continue their leadership roles as chief judges, helping oversee circuit court operations across Wisconsin.
This issue of Third Branch eNews features articles on the retirements of Washington County Circuit Court Judge James K. Muehlbauer and Wood County Circuit Court Judge Todd P. Wolf.
Waukesha County held its first Reunification Recognition event on June 12 as part of National Reunification Month. Four individuals shared their family reunification journeys during the event.
The Wisconsin Court System is always looking for talented professionals to join our team. Each month, we highlight job openings across the state, offering opportunities for career growth and advancement within the courts. Click to learn about the current openings.
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.
Pierce County officials gathered in Ellsworth on June 10 to break ground on a new judicial facility. Once completed, it will be the first new courthouse construction in the county in more than 100 years.
As reported in the September edition of the Third Branch, the Pierce County Board approved $30.475 million for the new facility. It is being constructed next to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and is intended to address longstanding security and functionality concerns in the current courthouse, which dates back to 1905. The new design features three courtrooms equipped with updated technology and a flexible jury assembly room that can be converted into a fourth courtroom as needed.
Construction is now underway, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
