Two attorneys with extensive experience in public service and the courtroom have been appointed to circuit court benches in Milwaukee and Oconto counties. Tanner Kilander has been named to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, while Hannah Schuchart will serve on the Oconto County Circuit Court. Both appointments fill vacancies created by recent judicial retirements.
Tanner Kilander, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Branch 38
Attorney Tanner Kilander has been appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Branch 38. Kilander fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey A. Wagner.
Kilander is a sole practitioner at Kilander Legal Services, where she represents indigent clients in juvenile justice and child welfare matters. Her professional background includes service as a social worker, a Milwaukee County Children’s Court intake attorney, and an assistant state public defender representing parents and youth. She has worked in a wide range of juvenile proceedings and has provided training for attorneys, social workers, and community organizations.
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Milton L. Childs, who has worked with Kilander in court, praised her commitment to clients and the community.
“She has always been a strong advocate for her clients and has been very creative in resolving cases. She is a great listener and knows the law extremely well,” said Judge Childs. “She has extremely strong ties to Milwaukee County, is connected with many resources in the county, and really loves her community. I have no doubt that she will use those skills on the bench.”
Kilander lives in Milwaukee and is a graduate of Marquette University and Marquette University Law School. While in law school, she co-founded the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics, which provide free legal advice on civil matters in the community. She received the Howard B. Eisenberg Service Award in recognition of her service and dedication to public interest law.
“For nearly thirty years, I’ve served the people of Milwaukee County—first as a social worker, then as an attorney,” Kilander said. “My commitment to my community, equal justice, and integrity will remain at the core of my work. My courtroom will be a place where all people are respected, heard, and treated with compassion.”
Kilander will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
Hannah Schuchart, Oconto County Circuit Court, Branch 1
Attorney Hannah Schuchart has been appointed to the Oconto County Circuit Court, Branch 1. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael T. Judge. She will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
Schuchart served as the Oconto County District Attorney since 2022, where she has prosecuted a wide range of cases and worked closely with law enforcement and community partners. Her legal background also includes service as an assistant district attorney in Brown County and as an assistant state public defender in Oconto and Marinette counties.
Brown County Circuit Court Judge Marc Hammer, who has worked with Schuchart, pointed to her experience and approach to the law.
“Hannah brings experience, fairness, and integrity to the bench,” Judge Hammer said. “Judge Schuchart will continue to follow the rule of law as she has done throughout her distinguished career.”
Schuchart lives in Abrams and is a graduate of Purdue University and Michigan State University College of Law.
“I am honored to accept this appointment,” Schuchart said. “I commit to all members of this community to exercise sound judgment and discharge my duties with integrity, trust, and transparency. My courtroom will be one where all are welcome, and where everyone is given a fair opportunity to be heard.”
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