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Wauwatosa Today
By the People, for the People
Gov. Evers Appoints Two New Judges in Milwaukee
Tanner Kilander and Nathan Petrashek to fill recent vacancies on Milwaukee County Circuit Court and Wisconsin Court of Appeals.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Tanner Kilander to serve as a judge in Milwaukee County Circuit Court and Nathan Petrashek to fill an opening on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Kilander is a sole practitioner who has experience representing indigent clients in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, while Petrashek is a staff attorney for the appeals court and adjunct faculty at Marquette University Law School.
Why it matters
The appointments will help fill recent vacancies on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court and Wisconsin Court of Appeals, ensuring the continued administration of justice in the region. Kilander's background in juvenile law and Petrashek's appellate experience are expected to bring valuable perspectives to their new roles.
The details
Kilander will serve on the Circuit Court's Branch 38, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey A. Wagner. Petrashek will fill the appeals court vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Maxine A. White. Both Kilander and Petrashek will serve in their new positions until July 31, 2027, when the previous judges' terms were set to end.
- Gov. Evers appointed Kilander and Petrashek on February 27, 2026.
- Kilander and Petrashek will begin their new roles immediately and serve until July 31, 2027.
The players
Gov. Tony Evers
The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who appointed Kilander and Petrashek to their new judicial roles.
Tanner Kilander
An attorney appointed by Gov. Evers to serve as a judge on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Branch 38. Kilander has experience representing indigent clients in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
Nathan Petrashek
An attorney appointed by Gov. Evers to serve on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Petrashek is currently a staff attorney for the appeals court and adjunct faculty at Marquette University Law School.
Judge Jeffrey A. Wagner
The Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge who retired, creating the vacancy filled by Tanner Kilander.
Chief Judge Maxine A. White
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals judge who retired, creating the vacancy filled by Nathan Petrashek.
What they’re saying
“I'm deeply honored for the opportunity to serve my neighbors as a judge on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Gov. Evers shares my passion for public service, and I'm thankful for the trust he has placed in me with this appointment.”
— Nathan Petrashek (Press Release)
“Clients I've worked with ...have taught me so much about humanity, and I think I'll be specially equipped to listen, while thinking out decisions that are in best accordance with the law. Coming to court is stressful. I want my courtroom to be a place where people know they're going to be heard.”
— Tanner Kilander (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
The takeaway
The appointments of Kilander and Petrashek to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court and Wisconsin Court of Appeals, respectively, reflect Gov. Evers' commitment to filling judicial vacancies with experienced attorneys who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the bench.
