MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Tanner Kilander to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court – Branch 38. The appointment will fill the vacancy being created by Judge Jeffrey A. Wagner’s retirement. Kilander will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.
“Tanner Kilander is a respected attorney who is committed to her community and brings a wealth of experience to the bench as a social worker, attorney, and public defender that will serve the people of Milwaukee County well,” said Gov. Evers.
Kilander is a sole practitioner at Kilander Legal Services, where she provides quality representation for indigent clients in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. She has been a social worker, served as a Milwaukee County Children’s Court intake attorney, represented parents and youth as an assistant state public defender, and advocated for her clients in nearly every type of juvenile proceeding. Kilander also has extensive experience providing training to attorneys, social workers, and organizations.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Attorney Kilander as a public defender, and for the past year, seen her in action as she has appeared in front of me,” said Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Milton L. Childs. “She has always been a strong advocate for her clients and has been very creative in resolving cases. She is a great listener and knows the law extremely well. She has extremely strong ties to Milwaukee County, is connected with many resources in the county, and really loves her community. I have no doubt that she will use those skills on the bench. She will give everyone, including victims, an opportunity to be heard and then make a just decision. I know that she will be fair, but firm, holding everyone accountable.”
Kilander lives in Milwaukee and is a graduate of Marquette University and the Marquette University Law School. While a law student, she co-founded the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics, which provide free legal advice on civil matters in the community. She is a recipient of the Howard B. Eisenberg Service Award in recognition of her service and dedication to public interest law.
“For nearly thirty years, I’ve served the people of Milwaukee County—first as a social worker, then as an attorney,” said Kilander. “I’m grateful to Gov. Evers for the opportunity to serve Milwaukee County as a circuit court judge, and I’m humbled by his trust in me for such an important position. I look forward to learning new things in my new role, but my commitment to my community, equal justice, and integrity will remain at the core of my work, just as they have throughout my career. My courtroom will be a place where all people are respected, heard, and treated with compassion. Thank you to my mentors, my colleagues, and my clients for everything they have taught me over the years, and to my children and my loved ones for their patience and support in this journey. I’m honored to sit in Branch 38 and wish Judge Jeffrey Wagner all the best in his much-deserved retirement.”
A photo of Kilander is available here.
An online version of this release is available here.