Evers appoints O’Neill as Marathon County judge

Gov. Tony Evers announced on Monday his appointment of Suzanne O’Neill as Marathon County Circuit Court judge. The appointment will fill a vacancy created by Judge Jill Falstad’s retirement on July 3, 2020.

“I am pleased to appoint Suzanne O’Neill to the Marathon County Circuit Court,” said Gov. Evers. “O’Neill brings a wealth of experience to the bench, having served in the State Public Defender’s Office for almost 30 years,” said Gov. Evers.

O’Neill has been a public defender in Marathon County since 1991, including being in management roles since 2004, and has represented thousands of indigent persons accused of crimes. O’Neill has served as a past president of the Marathon County Bar Association and Marathon County Library Foundation. She is a founding member of the Marathon County OWI Treatment Court and has served on dozens of committees, including the Marathon County Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and Marathon County Criminal Justice Advisory Committee.

“Suzanne O’Neill is uniquely qualifi ed to serve as our next judge in Marathon County,” said Judge Falstad. “She has the right blend of skills and qualities to ensure she will be an excellent judge O’Neill is an extremely competent courtroom attorney, providing her with a strong foundation to quickly become an effective, competent jurist. In addition to being diligent, thorough, and prepared for court, she is also thoughtful and a good listener. Her qualities of patience and understanding along with being firm and decisive ensure she will be respectful, fair and just with all of those who appear in her courtroom.” “I am humbled and honored that Governor Evers has appointed me to the Marathon County bench,” said O’Neill. “I remain dedicated to serving the people of Wisconsin and look forward to serving the state’s citizens in this new role.

O’Neill earned her law degree from DePaul University College of Law. She received the Leaders in the Law Award from the Wisconsin Law Journal in 2018.