MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Ben Jones to the Dane County Circuit Court – Branch 1. The appointment will fill the vacancy being created by Judge Susan Crawford’s election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Jones will complete a term ending July 31, 2026.
“Ben Jones will be a great addition to the Dane County Circuit Court,” said Gov. Evers. “His character, intellect, and commitment to public service will serve the people of Dane County well.”
Jones has been an attorney at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction since 2017 and has served as the department’s chief legal counsel since 2019. In this role, he oversees a broad range of legal services at a large state agency, including representing the department in administrative hearings and in circuit and appellate courts. Earlier in his career, Jones was an associate at Weld Riley, S.C., in Eau Claire. His practice focused on labor and employment law and included advising school boards and administrators as a member of the firm’s school law practice.
“Ben Jones is an exceptional attorney who is committed to the rule of law and upholding our constitution,” said Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ryan Nilsestuen. “With a calm demeanor, keen knowledge of the law, and dedication to justice, he will be an excellent judge for the people of Wisconsin.”
Jones lives in Monona with his family and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Wisconsin Law School.
“I am honored to accept this appointment by Governor Evers and grateful for the wisdom and guidance my colleagues have shared with me throughout my legal career,” said Jones. “I will carry those collective experiences and values with me to the bench, including the belief that every person deserves equitable and meaningful access to justice. As a dedicated public servant, I have worked day in and day out in pursuit of that belief, and I will continue to do so in my new role as judge.”
A photo of Jones is available here.
An online version of this release is available here.
