Third Branch eNews

Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II Presiding Judge Lisa S. Neubauer has announced that she will not seek re-election and plans to retire from the court when her current term ends on July 31, 2026.

In a statement released October 6, Judge Neubauer said she was honored to serve the people of Wisconsin for nearly two decades and reflected on the importance of judicial independence. “In these trying and divided times, our courts must protect our democracy, our liberty, and our rights by maintaining judicial independence and upholding the Constitution and the rule of law,” she said. “I have attempted to do that with every single decision.”

Judge Neubauer was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2007 and elected to her first full term the following year. She served as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals from 2015 to 2021 and continues to serve as Presiding Judge in District II, which covers 12 counties in southeastern Wisconsin. Before joining the bench, Judge Neubauer practiced law at Foley & Lardner and clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Crabb.

Colleagues across the judiciary have praised Judge Neubauer’s leadership, scholarship, and commitment to fairness. Chief Judge Maxine White described her as a “scholar who recognizes that each case requires our undivided attention.” District III Presiding Judge Lisa Stark said her “clear, thoughtful and well-reasoned opinions” will remain part of her legacy.

Over the years, Judge Neubauer has also mentored many new judges and lawyers and participated in statewide judicial education programs. Her service as Chief Judge included efforts to modernize internal court processes and promote collaboration among the four appellate districts.

Judge Neubauer’s retirement will conclude an 18-year career on the appellate court. Her successor will be chosen in the 2026 spring election to begin serving on August 1 of that year.