Martha J. Milanowski at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Martha J. Milanowski
Judge · Vilas County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- In summary: Judge Martha J. Milanowski is a seasoned legal professional with a strong record in public service, now serving as Vilas County’s Circuit Court judge, with a term through 2028, and a focus on both legal justice and community well‐being
- Judge of the Vilas County Circuit Court in Wisconsin’s Ninth Judicial District, appointed by Governor Tony Evers in 2021 to replace retiring Judge Neal A. Nielsen III
- Served two terms as Vilas County District Attorney (2017–2021), prosecuting state criminal laws, county ordinances, delinquency cases, and other referrals
- Worked 16 years as Vilas County Corporation Counsel
- Judge in Department Branch I of the Vilas County Circuit Court
Education
- in, University of Wisconsin Law School Admitted to the Wisconsin Bar in, and to the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Wisconsin — J.D. (1998)
- in, University of Wisconsin–Madison — B.A. (1992)
Additional information
- Appointed September 1, 2021 and elected to a six‐year term on April 5, 2022, which runs through July 31, 2028.
- handling legal matters for the county board, child protective services, guardianships, mental health commitments, zoning, and more.
- Earlier in her career, she was a tribal attorney for the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and an associate attorney in Rhinelander, WI.
- handling a broad range of cases including civil, criminal, traffic forfeiture, and small claims matters.
- Milanowski has stated she aims to follow the law, address underlying issues such as mental health and substance abuse, and serve the community effectively.
- She is also a founding board member of the Northwoods Land Trust and an active member of the Woodland Strings Orchestra.
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
Vilas 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 ↗