Ryan D. Nilsestuen at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Ryan D. Nilsestuen
Judge · Dane County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Nonpartisan judge for Branch 10 of the Dane County Circuit Court in Wisconsin, serving since January 15, 2023, with a term ending August 1, 2030
- Before becoming a judge, Nilsestuen held the role of Chief Legal Counsel to the Wisconsin Office of the Governor from 2019 to the present, and earlier as Chief Legal Counsel for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (2011–2019).
- Governor Evers and Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet have praised Nilsestuen’s candor, dedication, empathy, and legal knowledge, noting his suitability for the bench
Education
- Law School: University of Wisconsin–Madison, cum laude
Additional information
- His current term runs until August 1, 2030.
- He initially served a term ending July 31, 2024, but was re‐elected in the April 2, 2024 general election with 99.1% of the vote.
- Appointed by Governor Tony Evers on December 22, 2022 to fill a vacancy created by Judge Juan Colás’ retirement.
- overseeing pardons for hundreds of individuals.
- Nilsestuen presides over Branch 10 of the Dane County Circuit Court, located at the Dane County Courthouse, 215 S. Hamilton St., Madison, WI.
- He also chaired the Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board
- His legal work spans administrative, constitutional, contract, criminal, elections, employment, and public records law.
- His office is in Room 8107, and he can be reached at (608) 266‐4460.
- He is assigned cases through the court’s rotation plan and handles a range of matters under Wisconsin circuit court jurisdiction.
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
Dane 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 ↗