Capping a distinguished three-decade tenure on the bench, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler has announced her decision to conclude her judicial career at the end of her current term.
In a statement announcing her decision, Justice Ziegler said:
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as judge and justice for the past 30 years. I will be forever grateful to the voters who elected me twice in Washington County and then twice to serve on our state’s highest court. I am incredibly proud that in all my elections I had support from a broad spectrum of legal, civic, law enforcement and political leaders – both Democrats and Republicans – who believed in my commitment to fairness, ethics and the rule of law. I am also grateful to my colleagues on the Supreme Court, both past and present, for their faith in me by choosing me to serve as chief justice for two terms.
After three decades on the bench, now is the right time for me to step away to spend more time with my husband, kids and grandkids. I will, therefore, not be seeking reelection to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2027.
While I will not be a candidate next year, my appreciation for the people of Wisconsin and the judicial system I have been privileged to serve in remains as strong as ever. I look forward to finishing out the rest of my term on the court and handing the baton to a new justice in 2027.”
Justice Ziegler was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2007 and reelected in 2017 after running in an unopposed race. Her colleagues selected her to serve as chief justice in 2021, and she held that role through April 30, 2025.
Justice Brian Hagedorn said Justice Ziegler’s tenure on the Court reflected both experience and a practical understanding of the judiciary’s role.
“Justice Annette Ziegler has had a remarkable career in the law,” Justice Hagedorn said. “Her judicial service was marked by a deep understanding of how our rulings impact the everyday administration of justice. While her retirement is well deserved, her joyful spirit will be missed.”
Before joining the state’s highest court, Ziegler served on the Washington County Circuit Court. She was appointed to the bench in 1997, elected in 1998, and reelected in 2004. During her time there, she served six years as presiding judge of Washington County and also served as deputy chief judge for the Third Judicial District.
Ziegler’s legal career began in private practice, where she worked in civil litigation. She also served as a pro bono special assistant district attorney in Milwaukee County and later as an assistant United States attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
She earned her law degree from Marquette University Law School and holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and business administration from Hope College.
Chief Justice Jill Karofsky said of Justice Ziegler:
“I thank Justice Ziegler for her decades of public service to the people of Wisconsin and her commitment to our justice system,” Chief Justice Karofsky said. “I especially want to express my appreciation for her partnership as I moved into the role of chief justice. She has worked with me through this transition with grace and good humor. I wish her and her family the best in the future.”
Justice Ziegler will continue serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court through the remainder of her current term, concluding a judicial career that has spanned three decades in Wisconsin’s judiciary.