After more than two decades of service, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael O. Bohren has announced he plans to retire.
Appointed to the bench in 2000 by Governor Tommy Thompson, Judge Bohren has become an important part of the Waukesha County legal community and is known for his professionalism and thoughtful leadership. Throughout his 25-year judicial career, he presided over many high-profile cases, including the internationally recognized Slender Man trial. Judge Bohren also served as an Associate Dean at the Wisconsin Judicial College, where he made significant contributions as a mentor to his colleagues.
Outside of the courtroom, Judge Bohren has been involved in community service, sitting on the boards of several nonprofit organizations that work to enrich the lives of Waukesha County residents. In 2023, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Waukesha County Bar Association. Presiding Judge Ralph M. Ramirez described him as “the embodiment of a jurist, a gentleman, and a scholar.”
Judge Bohren's final day on the bench will be April 30, 2025.
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