MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on July 26th, his appointment of Douglas Hoffer to the Eau Claire County Circuit Court – Branch 2. The appointment will fill the vacancy being created by Judge Michael A. Schumacher’s resignation. Hoffer will complete a term ending July 31, 2025.

“Douglas Hoffer is a highly regarded attorney known for his integrity and legal acumen,” said Gov. Evers. “He will be an exceptional judge for the people of Eau Claire County.”

Hoffer is currently the deputy city attorney for Eau Claire, and he has worked in the Eau Claire City Attorney’s Office since 2013. In this role, he provides legal advice, counsel, and representation to the city council and city departments. He previously spent three years as an associate at the firm De La Mora & De La Mora in Elm Grove, where he was a municipal attorney for five communities and represented private clients in land use litigation. During his time with both the city attorney’s office and in private practice, he successfully argued cases in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

“Doug is a dedicated public servant and highly skilled lawyer who has made an enormous positive community impact through his work for the City of Eau Claire these past 10 years,” said Eau Claire City Attorney Steve Nick. “Outside of work, he is committed to his family, faith, and is an active volunteer who is highly involved in youth mentorship programs. While I will miss working with him, he will make an excellent judge and continue to serve our community very well.”

Hoffer lives in Eau Claire with his family and is a graduate of Marquette University Law School. He is a recipient of the 2017 International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Brad D. Bailey Assistant City/County Attorney Award and the 2020 State Bar of Wisconsin’s Charles Dunn Author Award. In the community, he has served as president of the Chippewa Valley Museum Foundation Board of Directors and as a member of the Leadership Eau Claire Committee of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce.

“I am deeply honored that Gov. Evers has appointed me to serve as an Eau Claire Circuit Court Judge,” said Hoffer. “I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from family, friends, lawyers, and judges throughout this process. I look forward to continuing to serve the public in this new role. I plan to approach this role with kindness and respect for all people and will work diligently to ensure that our court system is fair and impartial.”

A photo of Hoffer is available here.