Gov. Tony Evers has appointed an attorney and a former police officer to fill two recent judge vacancies in Milwaukee.
Evers selected Malinda Eskra and Jay Pucek to fill openings on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
Pucek, who lives in Fox Point, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is the deputy director of Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission, where he oversees civilian oversight functions of both departments.
Before attending law school, Pucek spent four years as a police officer with the Platteville Police Department. He began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. In that role, he worked in the general crimes unit on cases including armed robberies, burglaries and attempted homicide. Pucek also spent time as a public defender.
"My guiding principles as a judge will be to protect people's civil rights, to help protect democracy, and to hold power to account. I look forward to serving as a circuit court judge who treats all people with fairness and respect and is committed to the rule of law," Pucek said in a statement, adding that he is "deeply honored" for his appointment.
Pucek will fill the vacancy of circuit court's Branch 34. That seat opened after Judge Glenn H. Yamahiro announced his retirement in June. Yamahiro is the first Asian-American to serve on the bench in Wisconsin and will retire in September.
Eskra is a managing attorney at Milwaukee office of Legal Action of Wisconsin, a nonprofit law firm. In her work, she represents low-income individuals and families facing civil issues, including access to housing, income, public benefits and employment opportunities. Earlier in her career, Eskra was a clerk for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Court of Appeals before transitioning to private practice.
"My career has given me a deep appreciation for the role courts play in people's lives and for the importance of ensuring that everyone who comes before the court is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. I look forward to bringing my experience and commitment to public service to the bench, and to approaching the work with care, humility, and an open mind," Eskra said in a statement.
Eskra lives in Milwaukee with her husband and two children. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University Law School. She served as a board member on several Milwaukee organizations, including the Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness and Association for Women Lawyers.
Eskra will serve on the circuit court's Branch 9, filling the vacancy of Judge Paul R. Van Grunsven, who announced his retirement in May after 22 years on the bench.
Pucek and Eskra both will have their Milwaukee County Circuit Court terms expire on July 31, 2027.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gov. Tony Evers appoints two new Milwaukee County judges