Brad Schimel: Education, Career, and Impact on Wisconsin's Legal Landscape

Brad David Schimel, born on February 18, 1965, is an American attorney, former judge, and Republican politician who has significantly impacted Wisconsin's legal and political landscape. His career spans from serving as an Assistant District Attorney to holding the position of Wisconsin's Attorney General and later becoming a circuit court judge. This article delves into Schimel's educational background, career trajectory, and his influence on key legal and political issues in Wisconsin.

Early Life and Education

Brad Schimel's roots are in Wisconsin. He grew up in the Town of Vernon and graduated from Mukwonago High School. He then attended UW Waukesha for two years before completing his Bachelor's Degree at UW Milwaukee. His formal legal education culminated in a law degree from UW Law School in 1990.

Early Career in the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office

Schimel's career began in the Waukesha County Courthouse as an intern in the District Attorney's Office in 1989. After graduating from UW Law School in 1990, he was hired as an Assistant District Attorney (DA). He served in this role for many years, gaining extensive experience in prosecution.

During his time as an Assistant DA, Schimel handled a wide range of cases and was known for being a hands-on prosecutor. He often accompanied law enforcement to crime scenes and was readily available to assist them. He also worked in the Metro Drug Unit, gaining insights into the growing opiate epidemic.

Schimel's dedication to his work and his community was evident in his involvement with various non-profit organizations. He served on the board of the Waukesha County Addiction Resource Council, eventually becoming its treasurer. He also assisted Judge Marianne Becker in creating the first Victim Impact Panel for Intoxicated Drivers in Wisconsin.

Schimel's experiences as an Assistant DA had a profound impact on his personal life as well. He became more active in his church, St. William Catholic Parish in Waukesha, and joined the Human Concerns Committee, eventually becoming its chair. He also served on the boards of several other non-profits, including the Pregnancy Support Connection (later Safe Babies Healthy Families), Interfaith Senior Programs (now ERAs Senior Programs), and the Waukesha County Food Pantry.

In the late 1990s, Schimel spent over five years assigned to Juvenile Court, where he helped implement the revamped Juvenile Code enacted in 1995. He also spent a significant portion of his career in the Sensitive Crimes Unit, handling sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse prosecutions.

Schimel was instrumental in establishing the Big Yellow House, Wisconsin's first full-service child advocacy center. He also worked with Waukesha Memorial Hospital to create a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program in Waukesha County.

Election as Waukesha County District Attorney

In 2006, Brad Schimel was elected as the Waukesha County District Attorney, a position he held for three terms. His election marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to implement his vision for law enforcement and criminal justice reform in the county.

As DA, Schimel focused on addressing the growing opiate epidemic and implemented various initiatives to combat drug abuse. He also worked to improve the criminal justice system by establishing a Drug Treatment Court and implementing evidence-based practices.

Commitment to Community Safety

Schimel's commitment to community safety extended beyond his work in the courtroom. He actively engaged with local law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and schools to promote crime prevention and awareness.

Recognition and Awards

Throughout his career as an Assistant DA and District Attorney, Schimel received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding service and contributions to the community. These accolades reflect his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to justice.

Wisconsin Attorney General (2015-2019)

Schimel's career reached a new height when he was elected Wisconsin Attorney General in 2014, defeating Democrat Susan Happ. As the state's top law enforcement official, he played a crucial role in shaping legal policies and priorities.

During his tenure as Attorney General, Schimel advocated for several key initiatives, including combating drug trafficking, protecting victims' rights, and supporting law enforcement. He also joined a coalition of 20 states in filing a lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act.

Handling of Untested Sexual Assault Kits

One of the significant challenges Schimel faced as Attorney General was the backlog of untested sexual assault kits (SAKs). Upon assuming office in January 2015, he inherited 6,006 untested SAKs. Schimel secured $4,000,000 in federal grants to address the issue and implemented a process to resolve the backlog.

Legal and Political Controversies

Schimel's tenure as Attorney General was marked by several legal and political controversies. He appealed a ruling that Brendan Dassey, one of the subjects of Making a Murderer, had been coerced into confessing to a murder. He also attempted to revive abortion-limiting provisions and defended Wisconsin's legislative map, which was challenged as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander.

Appointment to Waukesha County Circuit Court

After losing his reelection bid in 2018 to Democrat Josh Kaul, Schimel was appointed to the Waukesha County Circuit Court by outgoing Republican Governor Scott Walker in November 2018. His appointment was somewhat unusual, as there was no written application from Schimel.

As a circuit court judge, Schimel presided over Branch 6 in Waukesha County, handling a variety of civil and criminal cases.

Controversy and Reprimand

In October 2020, Schimel was reprimanded by the chief judge of the 3rd Judicial District for his refusal to wear a face covering in court during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Justice Patience Roggensack barred him from presiding over cases in person due to his actions.

Candidacy for Wisconsin Supreme Court

In November 2023, Schimel declared his candidacy for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. His campaign focused on crime, safety, and ensuring fairness in the courtroom. However, he was defeated by Susan Crawford in the election, which became the most expensive judicial race in United States history.

Political Affiliations and Support

Schimel's campaign was supported by the Republican Party and conservative organizations. He received significant financial backing from Elon Musk's political action committee, America PAC, and a nonprofit with ties to Musk, Building America's Future.

Positions on Key Issues

During his campaign, Schimel expressed his views on several key issues, including abortion. He argued for a return to Wisconsin's 1849 abortion law and stated that it would be a "sham" if the liberal majority ruled that the state constitution provides a right to abortion. He also supported presidential pardons and defended Jan. 6 rioters.

Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

In November 2025, Schimel was appointed interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

tags: #brad #schimel #education #and #career