Press Release: Gov. Evers Appoints Sen. Lena Taylor to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 01/26/2024 08:00 AM CST
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2024
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Appoints Sen. Lena Taylor to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court – Branch 41. The appointment fills the vacancy created by Judge Audrey Skwierawski’s resignation. Taylor will complete a term ending July 31, 2025.

“Senator Taylor is a committed public servant who has dedicated her life to pursuing justice for her community and the people of Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “I am confident that she will serve the people of Milwaukee County well as a circuit court judge.”

Since 2003, Taylor has served in the Wisconsin State Legislature, first as a state representative representing the 18th Assembly District from 2003 to 2005, and since 2005, as a state senator representing the 4th Senate District. During her time in the Legislature, she has authored and passed into law more than 120 pieces of legislation, chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, and served as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance. Taylor also served on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, the Joint Committee of Criminal Penalties Review, the Judicial Council, the Uniform Law Committee, and the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Committee.

“It is with great honor that I both thank the people of the 4th SD for the opportunity to serve them since 2005 and Governor Evers for the opportunity to take my life experiences, constant quest for the truth, and unwavering commitment to equity and justice for all to the Circuit Court of Milwaukee County,” said Taylor.

Taylor began her legal career as a public defender in Milwaukee in 1993, representing indigent individuals in both misdemeanor and felony cases. In 1996, Taylor opened a general practice firm on the north side of Milwaukee, where, in addition to criminal law, she gained experience in business and real estate law, family law, personal injury cases, guardian ad litem work, and bankruptcy law. Her legal experience led her to run for public office so that she could make positive changes to the law through the development of new legislation.

“Senator Taylor has proven herself to be up to the task of public service and is ready on day one to excel,” said State Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee). “Senator Taylor has proven her commitment through her work when the cameras aren’t rolling, and no election is approaching. This is the type of commitment and service I want in our judiciary.”

“As a lifelong Milwaukee resident, Senator Lena Taylor has dedicated her life fighting for equal rights and justice while proudly representing the citizens and residents of her district,” said Attorney Mark Thomsen of Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP. “Her life experiences, accumulated knowledge, and courage are now needed more than ever in our court.”

Taylor is a proud Milwaukee resident who still lives on the block she grew up on. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the Southern Illinois University–Carbondale School of Law. She is active in numerous community and professional organizations and has been recognized locally and nationally for her work, including receiving the 2022 Regional Legislator of the Year Award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

Taylor’s appointment is effective on Tues., Jan. 30, 2024. Taylor will be resigning from the Wisconsin State Senate effective today. A photo of Taylor is available here.
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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