From small-town kid to highly respected jurist, Judge Nathan Petrashek’s story is one of courage, determination and hard work. With unprecedented attacks on our democratic institutions and rights, those qualities are more important than ever in our judges. Governor Evers recognized that when appointing Nathan to District 1 of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and Nathan is seeking your support for election to a full term on April 6, 2027.
“Nathan Petrashek brings 16 years of experience handling a variety of matters in the Court of Appeals to the bench,” said Gov. Evers. “His dedication to the appellate courts and public service will serve the people of District I well.”
During his 16 years of experience as a law clerk and staff attorney in the Court of Appeals prior to being appointed judge, Nathan worked on hundreds of appellate cases, helping make sure that every person before the court received a full opportunity to be heard and a fair decision. He drafted appellate decisions in nearly every practice area, including constitutional law, family law, criminal procedure, and personal injury.
Nathan has volunteered extensively, speaking frequently at judicial education events and at state and local bar association events designed to improve the judiciary. He co-authored the definitive guide to appellate standards of review in Wisconsin and has authored articles for the Marquette Law Review and Wisconsin Lawyer magazine. And, he was instrumental in developing a successful petition to the Wisconsin Supreme Court to recognize a new category of attorney education credits for cultural competency and the elimination of bias.
Nathan is also deeply committed to protecting voting rights. Inspired by the courage of election workers who faced threats and false claims in the aftermath of the 2020 election, Nathan started volunteering as an election inspector to ensure every qualified person had the opportunity to cast a ballot for the candidate of their choosing.
Nathan grew up in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. His work ethic comes from his dad, a Navy veteran who woke up before dawn for his union job at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant. His mom emphasized kindness, empathy and education, values that still guide him today. Judge Petrashek is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Marquette University Law School. He lives in Glendale with his wife and son.
