Justice Ann Walsh Bradley
April 3, 2025 – The Wisconsin Supreme Court today elected Justice Ann Walsh Bradley to serve as chief justice, effective May 1, 2025. On June 30, 2025, she will step down as chief before retiring on July 31, 2025. Justice Jill Karofsky, also elected, will fill the remaining two-year term as chief justice.
Justice A.W. Bradley and Justice Karofsky succeed Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler, who has served as chief justice for the last four years, since 2021.
“The State Bar of Wisconsin congratulates and welcomes Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley as she begins her term leading the Wisconsin court system,” said State Bar Executive Director Larry Martin. “We look forward to her leadership and continuing to work with all seven justices to further our common goal of strengthening the bench-bar, enhancing public trust in the legal profession, and promoting a well-functioning justice system. We also extend our congratulations to Justice Jill Karofsky, who will become Chief Justice on July 1, 2025.”
Chief Justice Annette Ziegler
“The State Bar of Wisconsin also expresses deep appreciation for Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler’s leadership. Under Chief Justice Ziegler’s tenure, the State Bar maintained a strong partnership with the court,” Martin said. “She was a tireless advocate for judicial security, helped navigate the extraordinary challenges of the pandemic, and effectively brought stakeholders together to address the rural attorney shortages in Wisconsin.”
Martin said the State Bar looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the court under Chief Justice A.W. Bradley, as well as future Chief Justice Karofsky. “Our judicial system will continue to be in good hands,” Martin said.
Justice Jill Karofsky
Justice A.W. Bradley is the longest-tenured justice on the current court. She was first elected in 1995, “becoming the first woman in the state's history to join the Court by being elected rather than appointed to the position,” according to the court’s website. She was reelected in 2005 and 2015.
Justice Karofsky, elected to the Court in 2020, will serve as Chief Justice from July 1, 2025, to April 20, 2027.
