Madison, Wisconsin (July 1, 2025) – Justice Jill J. Karofsky today officially began her term as Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, following her election by colleagues to lead the Court for the remainder of the current two-year term, which runs through April 30, 2027. Her assumption of the role follows the conclusion of Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s tenure as Chief Justice.
“I am grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me, and I will strive to ensure our Court operates with fairness, transparency, and respect. Together, I believe we will continue to advance access to justice across all 72 counties and protect the people of Wisconsin and their constitutional rights,” said Chief Justice Karofsky. “I want to thank Justice Ann Walsh Bradley for her leadership and service and for her decades on the Court. Her steady guidance ensures a smooth transition, and I am committed to building upon her work.”
Justice Karofsky was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2020. Before joining the Court, she served as a Dane County Circuit Court judge. Her prior roles in public service include executive director of the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of Crime Victim Services, assistant attorney general, and Wisconsin’s first Violence Against Women Resource Prosecutor.
She also worked as general counsel and director of education and human resources at the National Conference of Bar Examiners, served as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, and began her legal career as a prosecutor in Dane County. Chief Justice Karofsky has been actively involved in a range of statewide justice initiatives, serving on numerous task forces and committees focused on crime victims’ rights, domestic abuse prevention, and judicial education.
Justice Ann Walsh Bradley officially concluded her two-month term as Chief Justice on June 30. She served with distinction and will continue to serve as an associate justice through the end of her term on July 31, 2025.
“Chief Justice Karofsky brings deep experience, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to the role of chief justice,” said Justice Bradley. “I am confident she will carry forward our Court’s dedication to justice and service for all Wisconsinites.”
The chief justice oversees the administrative functions of the state court system and works with court leadership to maintain fair and efficient operations.
