---
title: "Maria S. Lazar | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/maria-s-lazar-wi-court-of-appeals"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-08"
---

# Maria S. Lazar

Wisconsin Court of Appeals · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Wisconsin Court of Appeals
- State: Wisconsin
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### camera notice

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.

Evidence excerpt: the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advance

[Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### courtroom equipment control

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control.

Evidence excerpt: Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be used

[Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing notice

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions.

Evidence excerpt: The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone.

[Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing technology

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access.

Evidence excerpt: Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible.

[Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/appeals/judges/index.htm)
- [Official roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/appeals/judges/index.htm)
- [Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/appeals/judges/index.htm)
- [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
- [Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- American judge serving on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District II, since August 1, 2022, after a seven‐year tenure as a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge.
- Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge (2015–2022) — served in multiple divisions, including Juvenile, Criminal, Drug Treatment Court, and Civil.
- Assistant Attorney General (2010–2015) — in the Wisconsin Department of Justice
- Nonpartisan judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals’ Second District, based in Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Official site: Wisconsin Court System – Judge Maria S. Lazar

### Education

- Georgetown University Law Center — J.D. (1989)
- magna cum laude — Mount Mary College — B.A. (1986)

### Additional information

- Elected in 2022 and her current term runs until July 31, 2028.
- handling high‐profile litigation, including defending Wisconsin Act 10 (anti‐union law) and Act 43 (2011 Republican redistricting law).
- Private practice (1989–2010) — civil litigation at Galanis, Pollack, Jacobs and Johnson in Milwaukee.
- The Wisconsin Court of Appeals is the state’s intermediate appellate court.
- Lazar enjoys theater, travel, reading, needlepoint, gardening, Make‐A‐Wish, and music.