Appleton, WI — Governor Tony Evers announced today that he has appointed Judge Emily Lonergan, who has served on the Outagamie County Circuit Court since 2019, to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. The appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lisa Stark, whose term on the appellate bench ends in July 2029.
Judge Lonergan’s background and qualifications
Judge Lonergan began her judicial career on the Outagamie County bench in 2019 after a decade of private practice and service as an assistant district attorney in the region. During her tenure on the circuit court, she has presided over a broad range of civil and criminal matters, earning a reputation for thorough legal analysis and a commitment to fairness. Colleagues note her strong work ethic and her dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Implications for the Court of Appeals
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the state’s intermediate appellate court, reviews decisions from the circuit courts and interprets state law. Lonergan’s appointment adds a judge with extensive trial‑court experience to a panel that handles complex legal issues affecting the entire state. Governor Evers highlighted that her “deep understanding of Wisconsin law and her proven record of impartial decision‑making” will serve the appellate system well.
Filling the Outagamie County vacancy
With Judge Lonergan moving to the appellate court, the governor’s office opened a formal application process to fill the now‑vacant Outagamie County judgeship. The term for the county seat runs through July 2028, and the application window will remain open for several weeks. Prospective candidates must submit a detailed resume, references, and a statement of judicial philosophy. The selection committee, chaired by the chief judge of the 10th Judicial Administrative District, will review all submissions and recommend a nominee to the governor.
Community response
Local attorneys and civic leaders have expressed support for the appointment, noting Lonergan’s familiarity with the community’s legal needs. “Judge Lonergan has consistently demonstrated a balanced approach to justice,” said a senior partner at a Madison law firm. “Her move to the Court of Appeals will bring valuable perspective to statewide jurisprudence while her successor on the county bench will continue to serve the people of Outagamie well.”
The appointment also underscores the governor’s ongoing effort to ensure that Wisconsin’s judiciary reflects both experience and regional representation. As the application period proceeds, community members are encouraged to stay informed about the selection process and to consider the importance of a qualified judiciary for the health of local governance.
Original reporting: WHBY (Appleton) — read the source article.
