After three decades of service, Justice Annette Ziegler has announced she will conclude her judicial career at the end of her current term.
Volume 5 | Issue 3 | March 2026
Students at Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee observed oral argument by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District I on March 19, as part of a civics education program bringing the appellate process into the classroom.
Longtime Court of Appeals attorney Nathan Petrashek has been appointed to serve on the District I bench. Read more about his appointment and qualifications here.
Two attorneys with extensive experience in public service and the courtroom have been appointed to circuit court benches in Milwaukee and Oconto counties following judicial retirements.
This month at the Wisconsin Supreme Court
The Wisconsin Supreme Court convened for oral arguments in a number of important cases in March. To maintain transparency and public availability, the Wisconsin Court System sponsored and broadcast the proceedings live on its website.
Use the links below to watch the recordings.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- 2024AP1390: Waukesha County v. R. D. T.
- 2025AP813-FT: Racine County v. R. P. L.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
- 2022AP431: Wisconsin State Legislature v. Josh Kaul
- 2024AP1019: Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Gary W. Thompson
Thursday, March 12, 2026
- 25-04: Public hearing and administrative conference relating to Amendment of SCR 40.04 and 40.14 Relating to The Wisconsin Bar Examination
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has approved changes to the bar exam, including adoption of the Uniform Bar Examination, to help address attorney shortages across the state. Read more about the changes.
Supreme Court justices, chief judges, district court administrators, and staff gathered in Madison to discuss court operations and district updates.
Chief Justice Jill Karofsky speaks at Marquette Law School event
Chief Justice Jill Karofsky was the featured guest at Marquette University Law School’s “Get To Know” program on March 4 at Eckstein Hall in Milwaukee. Director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education Derek Mosley hosted the event. The conversation explored her professional background, the role and responsibilities of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and her priorities as chief justice. You can watch the one-hour conversation here.
The “Get To Know” series is part of Marquette Law School’s public programming aimed at fostering informed dialogue on law and public policy.
Milton High School civics students meet with Justice Crawford
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford welcomed 75 Milton High School senior civics students to the State Capitol on March 18, further energizing the Court’s commitment to engaging students from across the state.
During the visit, Justice Crawford explained the role of the judiciary, described her path to the bench, and emphasized the importance of an independent court system. The discussion allowed students to ask questions and connect their classroom learning to the work of the courts.
Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski delivers opening remarks at the 2026 Court Safety and Security Conference in Appleton, where members of the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Court Protection Unit also presented on court security efforts.
The Safety and Security Spotlight is a monthly feature in The Third Branch, sharing timely safety and security guidance for court staff across Wisconsin. This month’s installment focuses on recognizing and responding to potential recording in and around courthouses.
Judges from the Fifth Judicial District met in Darlington for presentations on the budget process and public records guidance.
Clerks from across the Seventh Judicial District met to compare practices and discuss court operations.
The Wisconsin State Law Library releases its 2025 Annual Report detailing usage, outreach, and research services.
Law library to host open house April 23
The Lavinia Goodell State Law Library will host an open house on Thursday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as part of National Library Week.
The event will offer an opportunity to visit the library, connect with staff, and learn more about available resources and services. Additional details will be shared in the April edition of the library’s newsletter. To sign up to receive the newsletter, click here.
Free OLR webinar to focus on financial well-being for lawyers
The Office of Lawyer Regulation will host a free webinar on April 23, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. titled Master Your Money: Managing Finances to Support Attorney Well-Being. The program will examine how financial habits and money management can affect stress levels and overall well-being in the legal profession.
Attorney and money coach Rho Thomas will discuss practical approaches for managing cash flow, paying down debt, and building long-term financial stability. The session will also address how mindset and planning play a role in helping lawyers gain greater control over their finances and professional lives.
Registration will be available through OLR’s LinkedIn page.
The annual Family Law Seminar brought together judges and attorneys to examine current challenges in family court.
A new statewide survey seeks feedback from parents about their experiences in CHIPS cases to help inform future tools and resources for improving family engagement and representation.
This month’s issue continues our new feature celebrating Wisconsin Court System employees for their years of service.
The Wisconsin Court System regularly highlights opportunities for skilled professionals to support the work of our courts. Each month, we feature positions available statewide. Click here to explore current openings and learn more about career opportunities across Wisconsin’s courts.
