Meet Susan

As a prosecutor, private-practice attorney, and now as a Judge, Susan Crawford has always believed in protecting the basic rights and freedoms of Wisconsinites. She has a deep understanding of our justice system and knows how important it is to have Supreme Court justices who understand how to keep communities safe, who are fair and impartial, and who will reject efforts to politicize the constitution to undermine our most basic rights.

Judge Crawford’s career began as an Assistant Attorney General with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, where she took on some of the state’s toughest criminal cases. She prosecuted hundreds of tough cases, holding criminals accountable and enforcing our laws. As the director of criminal appeals, she built strong relationships with prosecutors, public defenders, and victim advocates in every corner of Wisconsin.

After serving as a prosecutor for nearly a decade, she continued her public service in leadership positions at multiple state agencies, including the Department of Corrections and Department of Natural Resources, before being named chief legal counsel to the governor. Following her service in state government, Judge Crawford became a private practice attorney, where she protected voting and workers’ rights, and represented Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to defend access to reproductive health care.

Today, Judge Crawford sits on Dane County Circuit Court Branch 1. As a judge, she has presided over tough trials, including homicide, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases. She has always prioritized following the law and getting the facts right in every case to ensure everyone appearing in her courtroom receives a fair and impartial trial.

Growing up in Chippewa Falls, Judge Crawford is rooted in Wisconsin values, including common sense, responsibility, and honesty. She and her husband Shawn chose to raise their family here in Wisconsin, too. Susan and Shawn live in Madison and are proud parents to two young adults.