Courtney Graff
Corporation Counsel for Taylor County. City Attorney for Medford. Practicing law in the Northwoods since 2012.
"Graff has consistently steered government officials toward greater openness."
I came back to the Northwoods on purpose. I'd like to keep serving it.
I grew up in Phillips, an hour north on Highway 13. I went away for college and for law school, and the whole time I intended to come back. In 2012 I did — and I've practiced here ever since.
I advise the Taylor County Board and its departments as Corporation Counsel. I advise the Mayor and Council as City Attorney for Medford. In private practice I've sat with families through divorces, guardianships, adoptions, and terminations of parental rights — the same matters that come through this courthouse every week.
Her own paragraph on why she's seeking the bench — recorded in the session and written from her words.
A circuit judge meets people on the worst day of their year. Families coming apart. Neighbors who can't agree. Someone facing the most serious accusation of their life. What they deserve is a judge who has read the file, who knows this community, and who gives them a fair hearing regardless of who they are or what they can afford.
Judge Knox-Bauer has served Taylor County well. I'm asking for the chance to continue that work with the same care.
Already doing the work.
A circuit judge in Taylor County hears family law, civil disputes, small claims, juvenile matters, probate, and criminal cases. I've handled or advised on nearly all of it — not in theory, but here, for the people and the governments of this county.
Advising the County Board, its departments, officers and committees. Child protection, guardianships, protective placements, county litigation, ordinances and public records.
Counsel to the Mayor and Common Council on ordinances, contracts, employment, and open meetings law.
Bought the Medford practice eighteen months out of law school. General practice: family law, termination of parental rights, guardian ad litem work, probate, and civil litigation.
Certified family law mediator, helping families resolve matters without a trial.
Ave Maria School of Law, Naples, Florida, with study at the Human Rights Council in Strasbourg, France. B.A. Communication Studies, cum laude, University of Northwestern–St. Paul. Phillips High School.
Board of Governors, State Bar of Wisconsin (District 11). Vice President, Price-Taylor County Bar Association. Past Chair, Administrative & Local Government Law Section. Former board member, Aspirus Medford Foundation and Black River Industries.
Sunshine in Government Award, Wisconsin Newspaper Association, 2023. Pro Bono Services Honoree, 2015.
A judge's job isn't to know the answer before the hearing. It's to make sure every person in the room is heard — and then to apply the law as it's written.
Supported by people who know the work.
This section fills in as endorsements arrive. Built now so it's ready the day the first one does.
A name on a ballot starts with a neighbor.
Nomination papers circulate beginning December 1. To appear on the April ballot, this campaign needs at least 200 valid signatures from Taylor County electors — and we're aiming for twice that.
Add your name and we'll tell you when and where to sign.