Third Branch eNews

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley was the recipient of a surprise honor during the opening day of the 2024 Judicial Conference. Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler presented Justice Bradley with a proclamation from Governor Tony Evers. The proclamation highlighted Justice Bradley’s nearly three decades of service to the Court and her extensive contributions to the legal profession and judicial education.

During her remarks to conference attendees, Justice Bradley reflected on her career and the community of judges she has worked alongside. “Being a judge at any level is a challenging and rewarding experience. We can touch the lives of so many people, but it’s a tough job,” she said. “We’re fortunate because most of us have a community that supports us. We have behind us a family that encourages us. But we also have colleagues, like all of you here, that are part of our judicial family. So when I come to the judicial conference every year, it’s like coming to a family reunion.”

The recognition comes during a significant moment in Justice Bradley’s career, as she has announced she will not seek re-election when her term concludes in 2025. Her tenure on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is the fifth-longest in its 177-year history.

Justice Bradley, a native of Richland Center, Wisconsin, began her professional life as a high school teacher before earning her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She served for ten years as a circuit court judge in Marathon County before being elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1995, becoming the first woman to achieve this position through election rather than appointment. She was re-elected in 2005 and 2015.

Beyond her judicial work, Justice Bradley has been a leader in international judicial education and civics engagement. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Association of Women Judges, a global network with members from more than 140 countries. She has also played a vital role in promoting civics education throughout Wisconsin, advocating for greater understanding of the judiciary’s role in democracy.