Lena Taylor at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Lena Taylor
Judge · Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Nonpartisan judge for Branch 41 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, a position she assumed on January 30, 2024 under Governor Tony Evers’ appointment
- Lena C. Taylor is a Wisconsin circuit court judge for Milwaukee County, Branch 41, appointed in January 2024 after a 19‐year tenure in the Wisconsin State Senate.
- Early legal work: Public defender for over two years; opened Taylor and Associates Law Office in 1996
- Governor Evers cited Taylor’s “commitment to pursuing justice for her community” in announcing her appointment
- Taylor described the move as a “full circle moment,” moving from public defense and private practice to legislative service and now the judiciary
- In summary: Lena Taylor is a seasoned legal professional and legislator now serving as a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, combining her legal background, legislative experience, and community advocacy in her judicial role
Education
- Southern Illinois University School of Law — J.D. (1993)
- in English, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee — B.A. (1990)
Additional information
- She succeeded Audrey Skwierawski and her current term runs through August 1, 2031.
- She was re‐elected in the April 1, 2025 general election with 97.7% of the vote.
- She resigned her Senate seat on January 26, 2024, to take the judicial role.
- Legislative service: Wisconsin State Assembly, 18th district (2003–2005) Wisconsin State Senate, 4th district (2005–2024) — her 19‐year tenure, during which she was the only Black member of the Senate.
- handling criminal, family, business, and personal injury cases.
- During her legislative career, Taylor was co‐chair of the Joint Finance Committee and a vocal advocate for justice reform and Milwaukee’s needs.
- She received praise from both Democratic and Republican colleagues for her dedication and collaborative approach.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Camera Notice
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.
the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advanceWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Courtroom Equipment Control
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control.
Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be usedWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions.
The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Statewide
Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access.
Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked August 22, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked August 22, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster ↗Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗