The Sconi

MADISON — Gov. Evers announced today his appointment of Jorge Fragoso to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court – Branch 23. The appointment will fill the vacancy created by Judge Lindsey Grady’s resignation, effective November 4, 2023. Fragoso will complete a term ending July 31, 2024.

“Jorge Fragoso is an exceptional attorney who is well regarded for his experience, intellect, and empathy,” said Gov. Evers. “His commitment to justice and the community will make him an excellent judge for the people of Milwaukee County.”

Since 2021, Fragoso has been an associate at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP, focusing on criminal defense, appeals, and civil litigation. He began his legal career as an assistant state public defender in Waukesha County, representing indigent clients as a trial lawyer and serving as a member of the drug and alcohol treatment courts. In 2016, he moved to the public defender’s appellate division in Milwaukee, handling postconviction matters and criminal appeals. Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous oral arguments in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

“As a member of my firm, Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, Jorge Fragoso has demonstrated that he is an extraordinary lawyer and a heartfelt human being,” said Attorney Franklyn M. Gimbel. “Jorge has shown me time and time again that he empathizes with people facing criminal charges or otherwise trying to navigate the legal system. He has superior intellect and a brilliant writing style. I have no doubt that Jorge will perform judicial duties at the highest level and for the well-being of the public.”

Fragoso is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He served as a member of the Wisconsin Criminal Justice Coordinating Council from 2019 to 2021, has volunteered with both the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Milwaukee, and is an active member of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association.

“Milwaukee is a beautiful place with a vibrant future, and I will work hard to help it realize its potential,” said Fragoso. “I am grateful to Governor Evers for this opportunity and to my wife and daughters for their love and support. I owe a debt of gratitude to my parents, Jorge and Lupita. They taught me to treat people with dignity and respect, no matter their station. Their words ring true on both sides of the Brownsville-Matamoros border, where I was raised, and they’re true here. I’ve seen the value of those lessons while advocating for indigent clients with the public defender's office and while protecting the rights of my clients in private practice, where I have witnessed the benefits of well-resourced legal representation. I will carry my experiences with me to the bench, where I will serve the people of Milwaukee with enthusiasm, humility, and compassion.”

A photo of Fragoso is available here. 

An online version of this release is available here.

Original source can be found here.