Brian Hagedorn (born May 6, 1978) is an American jurist who has served as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court since August 2019. He previously served as a Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District I, from 2015 to 2019, and as a circuit court judge in Waukesha County from 2011 to 2015.
Early life and education
Hagedorn was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2000 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2004. While in law school, he served as a law clerk for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and worked as a summer associate at a private law firm.
Legal career
After admission to the Wisconsin bar, Hagedorn worked as an associate at a Madison law firm, focusing on civil litigation. He later served as an assistant district attorney in Waukesha County, where he prosecuted criminal cases. In 2011, Governor Scott Walker appointed Hagedorn to the Waukesha County Circuit Court, where he presided over a range of civil and criminal matters.
Judicial service
In 2015, Hagedorn was elected to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District I, succeeding Judge Michael J. Gable. While on the appellate bench, he authored opinions on issues including administrative law, employment discrimination, and criminal procedure.
In July 2019, Hagedorn was appointed by Governor Tony Evers to fill a vacancy on the Wisconsin Supreme Court created by the retirement of Justice Patience D. Roggensack. He won election to a full six‑year term in the April 2020 judicial election, defeating opponent JoAnne Kloppenburg. His tenure on the Supreme Court has been marked by involvement in cases concerning election law, redistricting, and state constitutional questions.
Notable opinions and positions
- Authored the majority opinion in State v. Miller (2021), addressing the admissibility of forensic evidence in criminal trials.
- Joined a dissent in Wisconsin v. Madison (2022), critiquing the majority’s interpretation of the state’s open records statutes.
- Participated in the Court’s decision in Baker v. Wisconsin Elections Commission (2023), which upheld certain provisions of the state’s voting regulations.
Professional affiliations
- Member of the Wisconsin State Bar Association.
- Former board member of the Wisconsin Judicial College.
Personal life
Hagedorn resides in Waukesha County with his wife and children. He is active in his local Catholic parish and has participated in community service initiatives related to youth mentorship and legal education.