Legal All-Star – Mary Triggiano – Marquette University

Mary Triggiano’s career has been marked by dedication to justice, innovation in the legal system and giving back to the community.

Her journey in law began at the University of Wisconsin Law School, where she developed a passion for advocating for those who needed a voice in the legal system.

Triggiano said she finds her work very fulfilling.

“It is important to give back to those who are vulnerable,” she said.

During her time at the law school in Madison she volunteered as a student at the legal clinic, and now at Marquette Law School she oversees its legal clinic, the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice.

“I’ve almost gone full circle,” Triggiano said.

After law school, Triggiano joined Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, practicing commercial litigation and family law for six years. Her pro bono work with Legal Action of Wisconsin inspired her to move to the non-profit, where she worked for a decade showcasing her dedication to serving vulnerable populations.

In 2004, then-Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle appointed Triggiano as a judge, a role that allowed her to make significant contributions to the legal landscape in Wisconsin.

One of Triggiano’s most notable achievements was her work in Children’s Court, where she began exploring the complexities of human behavior, trauma and cycles of harm in the justice system.

This experience led her to champion Trauma-Informed Care in the legal system, recognizing the need to address psychological and emotional scars that shape behavior.

Triggiano’s innovative approach to justice is exemplified by her leadership in growing and presiding over the Family Drug Treatment Court for four years. Building on that success, Triggiano worked with others to establish the Healthy Infant Court, focusing on children under three to minimize early childhood trauma.

In 2020, Triggiano was appointed chief judge of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, leading it through the challenges of the pandemic.

“We rose to the occasion and banded together,” Triggiano said.