Emily Nolan-Plutchak

Professional career

• Appointed by Governor Tony Evers to serve as a circuit court judge in Wood County, Branch 3, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Todd P. Wolf, with her term set to end on July 31, 2026
• Nolan-Plutchak currently serves as the local attorney manager for the Wisconsin Rapids office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender
• Judge Nolan-Plutchak has expressed a commitment to making decisions based on facts and the law, serving with humility and respect for the rule of law

Education

Additional information

• She has a long-standing career in public defense, having worked in central Wisconsin since 2007
• Beyond courtroom work, Nolan-Plutchak has been a member of the Wood County Adult Drug Treatment Court team since its inception in 2007, contributing to the development of treatment court practices at local, state, and national levels.
• overseeing caseloads in Wood and Adams Counties and coordinating with private bar attorneys.
• representing clients in Wood, Adams, and Portage Counties.
• Her legal experience spans felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, and revocation cases, as well as civil matters including guardianships, termination of parental rights, and mental health commitments.
• She has handled over 2,500 cases, often representing rural community members facing poverty, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders.
• Her extensive experience as a public defender informs her understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in the legal system, particularly those affected by addiction or mental health issues.
• She has worked to expand treatment options and improve access to mental health services in the communities she serves.
• Her approach emphasizes collaboration, professionalism, and public safety, earning support from local officials such as Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker.