--- title: "Thomas M. Hruz | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-m-hruz-8496" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-08" --- # Thomas M. Hruz 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. ## Biography ### Professional career - Nonpartisan judge on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, serving District III (Wausau) since 2014, with his current term ending July 31, 2028 - Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission (2022–present) - Appellate Judge: District III Court of Appeals (2014–present) - Judge, Court of Appeals of Wisconsin, 2014-present - Partner at Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols, S.C. prior to his appointment to the bench in 2014. - Private Practice: Partner at Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols, S.C. (2004–2014) - He also previously clerked for Judge John Coffey and Justice David T. Prosser, and he taught as an adjunct professor at Marquette University Law School ### Education - Marquette University Law School (magna cum laude) — J.D. (2002) - University of Wisconsin–Madison — M.A. (1997) - University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (summa cum laude) — B.A. (1995) ### Additional information - State Bar of Wisconsin Bench-Bar Committee (2019–present) - Practitioner, 2013-2013 - Law Clerks: Hon. John L. Coffey, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (2003–2004) Hon. David T. Prosser Jr., Wisconsin Supreme Court (2002–2003) - Date of birth: 1973-11-12 - Running, golf, music, and travel. ## 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 of Appeals current judicial profile](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/appeals/judges/index.htm) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8496/thomas-m-hruz/) - [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) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8496/thomas-m-hruz/) - [Wisconsin Court System - Judge Thomas M. Hruz](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/appeals/judges/hruz.htm) - [Thomas M. Hruz](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_M._Hruz) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-m-hruz-8496", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-m-hruz-8496", "name": "Thomas M. Hruz | KnowJudges", "description": "Thomas M. Hruz, Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Source-linked judicial identity, courtroom procedures, and presentation guidance.", "dateModified": "2026-10-08", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/#website" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-m-hruz-8496#judge" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-m-hruz-8496#judge", "name": "Thomas M. 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