MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Nathan Petrashek to the Court of Appeals – District I. The appointment will fill the vacancy being created by Chief Judge Maxine A. White’s retirement. Petrashek will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
“Nathan Petrashek brings 16 years of experience handling a variety of matters in the Court of Appeals to the bench,” said Gov. Evers. “His dedication to the appellate courts and public service will serve the people of District I well.”
Petrashek is currently a central staff attorney for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. In that role, he has advised judicial panels on the resolution of appeals, appellate procedure, and motions and petitions before the court. His entire legal career has focused on appellate court work, as he previously served as a long-term law clerk for numerous Wisconsin Court of Appeals judges. He has drafted hundreds of appellate court opinions during his tenure, covering a vast range of legal topics at every procedural stage of litigation. Since 2024, Petrashek has also been an adjunct professor of law at Marquette University Law School, teaching a course on appellate writing and advocacy.
“Nathan is committed to equal justice and to keeping our courts fair, accessible, and independent,” said Court of Appeals Deputy Chief Judge M. Joseph Donald. “His appointment to the Court of Appeals builds on the governor’s legacy of making bold selections to the bench who will add to the quality of our state judiciary. Nathan’s longtime public service at the Court of Appeals makes him an excellent choice for judge, and I’m excited to welcome him to District 1.”
Petrashek lives in Glendale with his family. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Marquette University Law School. Since 2021, he has co-authored with Judge Thomas M. Hruz the “Standards of Appellate Review in Wisconsin” appendix for the State Bar of Wisconsin, which was released as a standalone title in 2025.
“I’m deeply honored for the opportunity to serve my neighbors as a judge on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals,” said Petrashek. “Gov. Evers shares my passion for public service, and I’m thankful for the trust he has placed in me with this appointment. I also want to thank Chief Judge White for her exemplary service as a jurist and community leader. I’m humbled to build on the work of so many of my mentors and colleagues in the judiciary. I will work tirelessly to preserve judicial independence, protect individual liberties, and keep Milwaukee County a safe and vibrant community.”
A photo of Petrashek is available here.
An online version of this release is available here.