Chris Taylor formally joins Wisconsin Supreme Court

MADISON — Justice Chris Taylor was formally welcomed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court during an investiture ceremony Friday at the at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky administered the oath of office and delivered remarks during the ceremony. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Nia Trammell served as the host of ceremonies. Becca Schwei and Joey Hoey, long-time friends of Taylor, also delivered remarks, in addition to Jim Feldman, Taylor’s husband, before remarks by Taylor.

The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard and a performance of the national anthem by the Leotha Stanley and Friends gospel choir.

“I am ready to get to work on the Supreme Court for the people of the great state of Wisconsin, to make sure our court is strong, independent, and protects the rights and freedoms of all Wisconsinites,” Taylor said.

Taylor was elected April 7 to a 10-year term on the Supreme Court. Her term began Aug. 1, succeeding Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley, who did not seek re-election.

Taylor joined the Supreme Court after serving on the District IV Court of Appeals, where she was elected in 2023. Before joining the appellate court, she served on the Dane County Circuit Court following her appointment in 2020 and election the following year.

Before joining the bench, Taylor practiced law at firms in Milwaukee and Madison, primarily in family law. She also worked in legal and policy roles and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2011 to 2020.

Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1995. Her Supreme Court term runs through July 31, 2036.