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"Evers' judges" is our effort to present information about Gov. Tony Evers' appointees to the bench. The information is taken from the appointees' own judgeship applications. Italics indicate direct quotes from the application. Typos, including punctuation errors, come from the original application even though we have not inserted “(sic)” after each one. WJI has left them as is.  Name: Stephanie R. Hilton
Appointed to: Dane County Circuit Court Appointment date: April 28, 2025, to a term ending July 31, 2026 Education: Law School – University of Wisconsin-Madison Undergraduate – University of Wisconsin-Superior High School – Blaine High School, Blaine, Minnesota Recent legal employment: August 2020-present – Assistant attorney general, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Madison, Wisconsin January 2019-August 2020 – Legislative director, Office of the Governor, Madison, Wisconsin May 2015-January 2019 – Assistant district attorney, Dane County District Attorney June 2014-April 2015 – Assistant District Attorney, La Crosse County District Attorney Bar and administrative memberships: State Bar of Wisconsin General character of practice: Throughout my legal career, public service has been at the heart of my practice, and I continually seek opportunities to make my community better and serve my state. As an attorney, I have focused on criminal law, with a specialization in prosecuting domestic abuse and sexual assault offenses. Though my passion and expertise lies with sensitive crimes, I have prosecuted a wide range of cases from drunk driving to homicide. Describe typical clients: The people of Wisconsin have been my only client. As a prosecutor, I have a unique ethical obligation to seek justice for all Wisconsinites, both defendants and victims. Ensuring their constitutional and statutory rights are upheld has been a guiding principle in my career. Representing the state means working with victims from all backgrounds, many who face significant challenges participating in the criminal legal system, including risk to their personal safety. This obligation also means pursuing justice for defendants, whether by declining to issue charges, advocating for case dispositions focused on rehabilitation, or taking cases to trial when necessary. Ultimately, as a prosecutor, I pursue outcomes that enhance public safety, uphold the law, and provide justice for victims. Number of cases tried to verdict: 22 List up to three significant trials, appeals, or other legal matters in which you participated as a judge or lawyer in the past seven years: State v. Aidison Yang, Dane County Case 2023CF347 (Dane County Judge Ellen Berz): As co-counsel, I was one of two Assistant Attorneys General (AAG) representing the State throughout all proceedings. This prosecution resulted from a collaborative effort by the WI DOJ’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) team and multiple state and local agencies. This case involved a 2005 stranger sexual assault on a Madison bike path, which remained unsolved until a DNA match linked the defendant to the victim’s sexual assault kit. This case was significant to me because of the stakes for the victim. After waiting almost 20 years, the victim finally had answers and was able to gain some closure through the court process. Despite the compelling DNA evidence, clear facts, and the victim’s excellent memory, I understood the weight of my role: if I did not do my job well, the victim might never feel truly safe again, and the community could remain at risk. I was honored to be part of the team that carried the responsibility of securing justice for her. State v. Kevin McDowell, Dane County Case 2021CF306 (Dane County Judge David Conway): My co-counsel and I were the two AAGs for all stages of the proceedings. This prosecution resulted from a collaborative effort by the WI DOJ’s SAKI team and multiple state and local agencies. The case stemmed from a 2017 sexual assault in Madison where the Dane County DA’s Office did not initially issue charges. The defendant’s DNA from the 2017 victim’s sexual assault kit hit to a different victim’s sexual assault kit collected in 2008, which had been tested as part of SAKI. Further investigation revealed that at least seven other victims had reported being sexually assaulted by the defendant over a 20-year span. This was one of the most challenging cases of my career due to its complex pre-trial litigation, the significant vulnerabilities of the victim, and the broader public safety implications of the case. Pre-trial litigation included extensive motions involving private health records, rape shield protections, and other acts evidence, culminating in an appeal on the eve of trial regarding the admissibility of key evidence. Beyond its legal complexities, this case underscored the importance of testing sexual assault kits to identify serial offenders and connect criminal cases. It also highlighted how a trauma-informed, multidisciplinary approach to prosecuting sexual assault leads to better processes and outcomes for victims. I was honored to be part of the team that fought for justice in this case. State v. Stephan Burton, Dane County Case 2017CF1905 (Dane County Judge Susan Crawford): As the lead Assistant District Attorney (ADA), I represented the State of Wisconsin in all stages of the proceedings, with a colleague serving as co-counsel for trial. This defendant unlawfully entered a UW dormitory by following residents inside, then sexually assaulting two students by groping them while they slept in their beds. This prosecution was significant from a public safety perspective because the defendant had been convicted of nearly identical offenses five years earlier, showing his ongoing threat to women on campus. The case presented trial challenges due to its combination of direct and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence included campus surveillance video showing the defendant entering and exiting the dormitory, victim testimony, and other acts evidence from the previous offense, admitted through pre-trial litigation. A key challenge was proving the defendant’s intent for sexual gratification, which the State relied on circumstantial evidence to establish, and it became a focal point of closing arguments for both sides. This case was particularly significant to me as it marked my final jury trial as an ADA in the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, in addition to its impact on community safety. Experience in adversary proceedings before administrative bodies: While most of my litigation experience is in trial courts, I have both professional and pro bono experience in administrative proceedings. As a Public Member of the Medical Examining Board, I serve on complaint screening panels alongside physicians. We review complaints and decide whether to open investigations. If a case proceeds, a Board member serves as a case advisor, reviewing evidence and consulting with agency attorneys to determine next steps. The full Board votes on these decisions and other regulatory matters. This role gave me significant experience with Wisconsin’s licensing framework, insight into medical malpractice, and a focus on patient safety. As a Dane County Assistant District Attorney, I represented the state in revocation hearings on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, particularly for offenders facing revocation due to new domestic violence or sexual assault charges. My role ensured a more victim-centered process in small but meaningful ways, such as creating physical distance between victims and defendants during these in-person hearings. These hearings also deepened my understanding of what defendants face when they are placed on probation. As a law student, I volunteered with the UW Law School’s Unemployment Appeals Clinic, advocating for individuals denied unemployment benefits. Growing up, our family occasionally relied on these benefits, so this work was deeply personal. I prepared claimants for hearings before administrative law judges, conducted direct and cross-examinations, and objected to improper evidence. I handled at least six hearings and saw first-hand how difficult and overwhelming the process was for pro se claimants. I was particularly proud to successfully appeal a case to the Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission, securing benefits for a claimant. Describe your non-litigation experience (e.g., arbitration, mediation). In my first year of practice, I served as a Law Clerk and Supplemental Court Commissioner for three judges in Oneida and Vilas Counties. I mediated over 200 small claims cases involving creditor/debtor disputes, landlord/tenant matters, real estate transactions, and contract disputes. This experience had a huge impact on me because I saw first-hand that for many litigants, these cases were anything but “small claims.” Most individuals being sued in small claims could not afford an attorney, and while many agreed they owed money, they couldn’t afford to pay the hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars without a payment plan. During mediation, I explained the relevant law and court process, adapting my approach in real time to ensure both parties understood their options. Mediation seemed less intimidating for pro se litigants and offered a pathway to resolving the dispute, ultimately reducing judicial caseload. Position or involvement in judicial, non-partisan, or partisan political campaign, committee, or organization:
While I have done my best to remember every campaign that I’ve held a position in, I may have inadvertently left out other progressive candidates that I’ve supported. Previous runs for public office: Not applicable All judicial or non-partisan candidates endorsed in the last ten years: Justice Jill Karofsky, Dane County Circuit Court, WI Supreme Court, 2017, 2020 Justice Rebecca Dallet, Wisconsin Supreme Court, 2018 Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg, Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, 2011, 2016, 2018, 2024 Judge Susan Crawford, Dane County Circuit Court, Wisconsin Supreme Court, 2018, 2025 Judge Payal Khandhar, Dane County Circuit Court, 2024 Judge Diane Schlipper, Dane County Circuit Court, 2022 Judge Juan Colas, Dane County Circuit Court, 2021 Dr. Jill Underly, Superintendent of Public Instruction, 2021, 2025 Nicki Vander Muelen, Madison Metropolitan School Board, 2023 Richelle Andrae, Dane County Board, 2019, 2024 Aaron Collins, Dane County Board, 2022 Melissa Ratcliff, Dane County Board, 2019, 2022 Kelly Danner, Dane County Board, 2018 Arvina Martin, Madison City Council, 2021 While I have done my best to remember every candidate, I may have inadvertently left out other progressive candidates that I’ve supported. Professional or civic and charitable organizations: Wisconsin Medical Examining Board, public member, 2023-present JustDane, board member, co-secretary, 2023-present McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, board member, 2022-present Legal Association for Women, member, 2022-present Wisconsin State Attorneys Association, member, 2020-present Dane County Bar Association, member, 2020-present Association of State Prosecutors, board member, 2016-2019 Wisconsin District Attorneys Association, Board Member 2016-2019 UW Women in Criminal Justice Mentoring Program, member/volunteer, 2022-present Prairie Moraine Friends, Inc., board member and secretary, 2019-present Madison Teal Team, volunteer, 2018-present Madison Area Donor Milk Alliance, breast milk donor, 2023-2024 Women in Courts & Corrections, 2017-2021 Bethel Lutheran Church Women’s Choir, 2002-2010 Lakewood Gardens Condominium Association, board member, 2006-2007 University of Wisconsin-Superior Alumni Association, board member, 2004-2011 University of Wisconsin-Superior National Leadership Council, board member, 2004-2010 Significant pro bono legal work or volunteer service: As an attorney working for the State of Wisconsin, I cannot provide pro bono legal services. However, I have sought many volunteer opportunities to serve my community. Currently, I am a Public Member of the Medical Examining Board and serve on the Board of Directors for JustDane and Prairie Moraine Friends, Inc. While training for a career of public service law, I did significant pro bono work as a student. In 2023, I was appointed by Governor Evers to serve as a Public Member of the Medical Examining Board. Part of my responsibilities on the board are to review complaints and assist with decision-making. Through this work, I have gained valuable experience in Wisconsin’s licensing and regulatory framework and medical malpractice, and I’ve seen the importance of having non-physician perspectives, like mine, on the Board, particularly when we adjudicate sexual harassment and misconduct complaints. JustDane provides essential resources for rehabilitation, helping individuals reintegrate into society and reducing recidivism. As a Board member, I help deliver programs for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. I collaborate with staff and other board members, including those with lived experience to empower individuals to rebuild their lives, ultimately strengthening the safety and well-being of our community. My family and I enjoy outdoor activities with our dogs, often hiking at Prairie Moraine County Park. After noticing the park’s restoration needs, I joined other volunteers to help found Prairie Moraine Friends, Inc. Our organization assists Dane County Parks staff in the preservation, restoration, and management of the park. We support the park’s conservation efforts through volunteer work and fundraising, such as the annual spring Dog Park Clean Up day and seasonal activities like spreading native seeds to help restore the prairie habitat. I am currently in my sixth year as Secretary of the Board. In recognition of my extensive pro bono legal work in law school, I was inducted into the UW Law School Pro Bono Society at graduation. In my third year, I advocated for individuals appealing the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s denial of benefits through the Unemployment Appeals Clinic. During an economically difficult time, being denied unemployment benefits was a significant setback for workers and their families. Even though I was still a lawyer in training, the claimants told me they really appreciated my assistance during the hearing so they didn’t have to fight the state alone. I am especially proud of successfully advocating a written appeal to the Labor and Industry Review Commission, securing many weeks of previously denied unemployment benefits. Through the UW Law School Remington Center’s Legal Assistance to Institutionalized Persons project, I worked with incarcerated individuals on various legal issues, traveling to state prisons with fellow students and our supervising attorney. One client seeking driver’s license reinstatement turned out to be eligible for parole but didn’t recognize his own rehabilitation. I researched and wrote a parole advocacy letter; though initially unsuccessful, he was released within two years. By framing his progress positively, I helped him see his own growth. This experience reinforced my belief in rehabilitation and the importance of seeing individuals beyond their past actions. Quotes: Why I want to be a judge: Now more than ever, we need judges who will follow the law and use it to protect people’s rights, not erode them. Our community needs leaders who reflect their values and shared life experiences—leaders who collaborate, problem-solve, and treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect. Throughout my career, I have been preparing—intentionally or not—for this role. As the first in my family to graduate from college, I understand firsthand the opportunities education can provide, beyond what I ever could have imagined. This experience instilled in me a deep commitment to using my knowledge and skills to give back and improve the lives of others. After eight years working in public policy, I attended law school to take my advocacy to the next level and expand my ability to make a difference in people’s lives. My progressive values have shaped my approach as a prosecutor, where I earned a reputation for standing up for the rights of defendants and victims, using my discretion for good, and engaging in fair and honest plea negotiations. I am committed to evidence-based responses to crime, not only because the law requires judges to first consider probation at sentencing, but because the evidence shows that increasing our prison population does not lead to safer communities. People expect the government to solve problems, and the courts play a crucial part within that process. When someone has to turn to the courts to resolve their dispute, they want to be heard and receive a fair resolution. I’ve spent my entire professional career collaborating across disciplines to solve complex problems. My ability to listen, think creatively and critically, and uphold fundamental fairness aligns well with the role of judge. My passion for public service and commitment to justice have driven every step of my career. My extensive jury trial experience and other legal expertise have prepared me for this position, but I also recognize the importance of continuous learning. I do not have experience in every area of the law, and I am eager to ask questions, expand my legal knowledge, and approach new challenges with humility. However, this role is about more than legal training—it requires real-world perspective. As a daughter, aunt, and now a mother, I’ve experienced some of life’s most beautiful and challenging moments. As a judge, I will bring not just legal knowledge, but also empathy, fairness, and a deep respect for the individuals and communities I serve. Describe which case in the past 25 years by the Wisconsin Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court you believe had a significant positive or negative impact on the people of Wisconsin. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215 (2022), to overturn Roe v. Wade and end 50 years of precedent protecting a woman's constitutional right to an abortion will negatively impact Wisconsinites for generations. In Wisconsin, the Dobbs decision created immediate uncertainty due to the state's so-called "1849 abortion ban." Abortion care was halted. Eighteen months later, a circuit court ruled the ban didn't apply to consensual abortions, allowing this critical health care to resume, though the issue remains pending before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. For my husband and me, the Dobbs decision was deeply personal—we were in the middle of infertility treatments when it was handed down. The journey was grueling … [redactions] We feel extremely fortunate that our story has a happy ending … [redactions] and our daughter was born in … [redactions] Infertility treatments forced us to make difficult medical and ethical decisions: selective reduction in the case of multiples, genetic testing, and the possibility of terminating for medical reasons. Dobbs made it clear how fragile our autonomy over these choices could be. As a woman who has experienced pregnancy and childbirth, I understand the profound physical changes the body goes through, risks, and the unpredictability of labor and delivery. I cannot fathom misinterpreting the U.S. Constitution to restrict the bodily autonomy of over half the population. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, the economic impact of having a child permanently alters the course of a woman's life. Dobbs was wrong on the law. Its consequences will be felt by Wisconsinites for generations. Two or three judges whom I admire and why: Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson When I first met Chief Justice Abrahamson, I wasn’t a lawyer and had no plans to go to law school. However, because I was working in politics, I knew she was a trailblazer being both the first woman on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, then becoming the first woman chief justice. But I had no understanding or appreciation for her legal brilliance and the contributions she had made, and would make, to the legal profession in our state and the country. In the early 2000s, I was working in the Wisconsin State Capitol as a legislative staffer. As a proud UW-Superior graduate, I always attended the reception at the end of Superior Days, which is an annual lobbying effort where local elected officials, business leaders, students, and other community members from the Superior area gather in Madison to lobby and bring awareness of the needs of the region. I met Chief Justice Abrahamson at the reception, and thought it was incredible that she would take time out of her busy schedule to not only attend, but also speak to the youth delegation and mingle with Superior Days participants in meaningful ways to learn about their lives and issues important to them. A few years later, while attending an event in northwest Wisconsin, I again saw Chief Justice Abrahamson as a guest speaker. She and her husband took time to chat with my aunt and me— not about law or politics, but about everyday life. I was struck again by her warmth and genuine interest in people. Watching her speak eloquently and then weave through the crowd, stopping to connect with local attendees, confirmed what I had observed at Superior Days: her engagement wasn’t for show but a reflection of her deep commitment to public service. It would have been easy and expected for her to give her speech and leave, but she stayed, listened, and learned. Her presence wasn’t just about leadership—it was about truly understanding the people she served. Through law school and my legal career, I’ve read and studied her decisions, developing a full appreciation for her legal acumen and scholarship. While I will never match Chief Justice Abrahamson’s intelligence and wit, as a judge I hope to emulate her commitment to engaging the public in the justice system, and being a champion for individual rights and equal justice under the law. Dane County Circuit Court Judge John Markson During my tenure as a Dane County Assistant District Attorney, prosecutors were assigned to specific criminal branches, appearing almost daily in front of the same judge. My first assignment was in Branch 1, Judge Markson’s courtroom. At the time, I had no idea how fortunate I was. As a newer prosecutor with a high-volume caseload of misdemeanor and traffic cases, I was overwhelmed. Although I had served as an ADA in La Crosse County for about a year before coming to Dane County, the pace and volume were so much greater. There was not enough time or experienced attorneys in the DA’s office to get any meaningful mentorship. However, Judge Markson’s courtroom was different. Judge Markson collaborated with his clerk, court reporter, and bailiff to run an efficient calendar. The day’s calendar could be a mile long, but I never felt rushed or that he was growing impatient with me or the other attorneys working through the calendar. Judge Markson’s calm demeanor and quiet sense of humor set everyone at ease, and helped make the constant churn of cases a little more manageable. Whether it was a joint sentencing recommendation or an argued sentence, he was fair to both sides, genuinely looked for the best in people, and always had hope that things would get better for the people who came through his courtroom. Two of the jury trials I had during that first year in the DA’s office were in Judge Markson’s courtroom. I had never tried an OWI case before and still had a lot to learn, not only about the area of the law, but also how to best present evidence to a jury. I sought Judge Markson’s feedback after both trials, and incorporated his insightful feedback to better my trial skills. One of the things I admired most about him as a judge was not these formal feedback sessions, but the legal and life lessons that were sprinkled in among the motion and plea hearings. In particular, he had a special talent for highlighting teachable moments in court, but doing so kindly and without publicly shaming anyone. Above all, Judge Markson had a seemingly magical ability to draw out the best in the attorneys appearing in his courtroom. The proper role of a judge: The role of a judge is to uphold and protect the rights of people, serve as a referee to ensure legal proceedings are fair, and remain engaged in their community. Now more than ever, judges must follow the law by upholding and enhancing the rights of individuals. Their role is to safeguard against government actions that infringe on rights without due process. Legal standards exist to ensure fairness and justice. Today, it seems like the legal system is facing unprecedented distrust. When people feel like the system is set up against them, they are less likely to accept judicial outcomes, even when the judge provides a well-reasoned analysis clearly supported by the law and the facts. Our democracy is built on core rights and values vested with the people. While working for the Governor, I was often reminded of this by a quote on the conference room ceiling: “The will of the people is the law of the land.” This served as a constant reminder of the immense honor and responsibility I had as part of the Governor’s team, advancing policies and programs that make life better for Wisconsinites. Having worked in each of the three branches of government, I deeply understand their distinct roles and the judiciary’s duty to serve as a check on the executive and legislative branches. Judges must uphold this delicate balance of power that our country’s founders contemplated. With this responsibility in mind, a judge is a referee, ensuring that all parties adhere to the law and play fairly in the courtroom. Treating others with dignity and respect is essential in this role, whether interacting with attorneys, the people they represent, or unrepresented individuals. Fairness requires listening, applying the law to complex and often emotional facts, and holding parties accountable when they fail to follow the rules. People come to court during some of the most challenging times in their lives – facing criminal charges, custody disputes, or personal hardships. A judge’s fair-minded approach can help ensure the parties feel heard and valued in the process. Equally important is a commitment to impartiality and integrity, which reinforces public trust in our judicial system. I recognize the weight of this responsibility and would approach each case with a balanced, objective perspective. Judges are leaders in our community and should remain engaged beyond the courtroom. Legal decisions should not be made in isolation, disconnected from the real-life struggles people face and the consequences their decisions have on their neighbors’ lives. Attending events and staying informed about issues facing our community fosters a broader understanding of the issues before the court. As judge, I will uphold this commitment, ensuring both fairness in the courtroom and meaningful engagement in the Dane County community.
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