Nathan Petrashek has been appointed to serve on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District I, bringing 16 years of appellate court experience to the bench. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Maxine A. White and will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
Petrashek currently serves as a central staff attorney for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. In that role, he advises judicial panels on the resolution of appeals, appellate procedure, and motions and petitions before the court. His legal career has focused exclusively on appellate work, including prior service as a long-term law clerk for multiple Court of Appeals judges. During his tenure, he has drafted hundreds of appellate opinions addressing a wide range of legal issues at various stages of litigation.
Since 2024, Petrashek has served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University Law School, where he teaches appellate writing and advocacy. He also co-authored, with Judge Thomas M. Hruz, the “Standards of Appellate Review in Wisconsin” appendix for the State Bar of Wisconsin. The appendix was released as a standalone title in 2025. Petrashek is also a frequent presenter at State Bar of Wisconsin and judicial education seminars.
Court of Appeals Deputy Chief Judge M. Joseph Donald welcomed the appointment, citing Petrashek’s experience and commitment to public service.
“Nathan is committed to equal justice and to keeping our courts fair, accessible, and independent,” Judge Donald said. “His longtime public service at the Court of Appeals makes him an excellent choice for judge, and I’m excited to welcome him to District I.”
Petrashek lives in Glendale with his family. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and his law degree from Marquette University Law School.
“I’m deeply honored for the opportunity to serve my neighbors as a judge on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals,” Petrashek said. “I’m humbled to build on the work of my mentors and colleagues in the judiciary, and I will work tirelessly to preserve judicial independence and protect individual liberties.”
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals is the state’s intermediate appellate court. District I, headquartered in Milwaukee, serves Milwaukee County.