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MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Kori Ashley as Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Dennis R. Cimpl, effective September 11, 2020.
“Kori Ashley will be a dynamic judge who pushes for real change,” said Gov. Evers. “We know that the criminal justice system is broken, and that it has an overwhelming disproportionate impact on people of color. As an attorney, Ashley has worked tirelessly to correct this. Now she’ll do so on the bench.”
Ashley is currently an attorney with Legal Action Wisconsin, where she helps clients with conviction records gain employment. Ashley successfully prevailed before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in a case requiring the State’s Crime Information Bureau to remove from background reports arrests that do not result in a charge or conviction. These reports are frequently used by landlords and employers. Her work in securing the decision will benefit thousands of Wisconsinites.
“I applaud Governor Evers for his appointment of attorney Kori Ashley to the Milwaukee Circuit Court. Kori is a passionate professional who has used her voice to help others find their own,” said Judge Maxine White. “The hallmark of her career has been to work tirelessly to provide access to justice to those who would otherwise be foreclosed due to their race, economic status or personal circumstance. There are many of us who attribute our success to persons like Kori who unselfishly extend their talents to empower and support others. She will be an excellent judge.”
"I'm truly honored to accept this appointment by Governor Evers to serve Milwaukee County," said Ashley. "I will work to ensure that my courtroom is a place where our citizens are treated with dignity and our justice system works to build a better future for us all."
Ashley earned her undergraduate degree from DePaul University and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She was in private practice for four years before joining Legal Action of Wisconsin in 2016. Ashley is highly involved in the community, including serving as the chair of the State Bar Board of Governors, a coach for the Golda Meir High School Mock Trial Team, and a member of the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers.
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