Laura Gramling Perez is the Presiding Court Commissioner for the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
Biography
Laura Gramling Perez was born in Madison and raised in Milwaukee by retired Milwaukee Municipal Judge Jim Gramling and Attorney Sue Gramling. They instilled in her a passion for public service, and Laura organized her first community event – a carnival to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association – as a fifth grader.
Laura is a proud graduate of Rufus King High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University. She worked in the New York District Attorney’s Office before attending the University of Michigan Law School, where she received her law degree with honors in 1996.
Laura’s first job out of law school was as an attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in New York. In 1999, Laura returned home to Milwaukee County and joined Reinhart, Boerner Van Deuren S.C., where she handled complex cases in federal and state courts throughout the United States. Laura was elected Shareholder at Reinhart Boerner in 2004, and continued to focus on antitrust, securities, professional liability, and general commercial matters.
After 12 years as a litigator, Laura was appointed the Presiding Court Commissioner for the Milwaukee County Circuit Court by former Chief Judge Kitty Brennan. In her role as Presiding Commissioner, Laura manages a team of 10 commissioners who play a critical role in cases involving children, crime and small claims. Every day, she hears cases and makes decisions from the bench, in addition to her administrative role in helping the courts work more efficiently and effectively. Laura has the best experience to transition quickly and effectively to a seat on the Circuit Court bench – her predecessor as Presiding Commissioner is now well-respected Judge Rebecca Dallet, who was elected in 2008.
Outside of the courthouse, Laura is a member of the Veterans’ Legal Workgroup of Milwaukee, where she assisted in establishing the Milwaukee Veterans Family Law Clinic. She also is a founder, and serves on the steering committee, for the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic. Since 2005, she has served as Chairperson of the Milwaukee Bar Association’s Legal Services to the Indigent Committee. Laura is a member of the Milwaukee Bar Association, the Association for Women Lawyers, the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association, and the Wisconsin Association of Judicial Court Commissioners. She is also a past board member of Legal Action of Wisconsin, has coached the Rufus King High School Mock Trial team, and co-chairs a committee for her children’s school’s PTO.
Laura has received many recognitions and awards for her service to the legal profession, including the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Charles Dunn Award and the Association for Women Lawyers Pro Bono Award.
Laura resides in Wauwatosa with her husband, Edgar, a small business owner, and their two daughters.
Photos
Content referencing Laura Gramling Perez
Race For Municipal Judge Gets Little Attention
Attorney Molly Gena and Senator Lena Taylor vying for open seat on city court.
Mar 27th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
12 Judges Endorse Molly Gena for Municipal Judge
Twelve current and former Milwaukee area judges endorse Molly Gena for Municipal Judge.
Jan 20th, 2023 by Molly Gena
City Faces $9.5 Million In Legal Claims
Allegations of coerced confession, wrongful termination and underpayment of wages.
May 4th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Ed Fallone Announces More Endorsements in Supreme Court Race
Feb 14th, 2020 by Ed Fallone
Judges Letter for Immediate Publication
Letter from thirty six sitting and retired Milwaukee area judges regarding the upcoming Supreme Court election on April 2nd.
Mar 26th, 2019 by Press Release
Judges Rally Behind Danielle Shelton in Race for Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge
"It’s an honor to have the support of so many renowned leaders from across Milwaukee County who know what it takes to serve the court."
Nov 16th, 2018 by Danielle Shelton
36 Judges Call for Defense Lawyer Pay Hikes
Circuit judges from 18 counties cite difficulties finding lawyers for indigent defendants.
May 13th, 2018 by Gretchen Schuldt
Row House An Architectural Treasure
1891 Friedmann Row is now condos, one owned by ex-judge James Gramling.
Jul 27th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Judge Paul Rifelj launches campaign with support of majority of fellow judges
Public safety organizations also support Rifelj at launch of campaign to win a full term on Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Dec 23rd, 2015 by Paul Rifelj
Judges rally behind Gwen Connolly in race for Circuit Court Judge
“The campaign has been energizing, and it’s a privilege to have the support of these distinguished leaders,” said Connolly.
Aug 6th, 2015 by Gwen Connolly
Get Your Vote On
Early voting already underway for spring election, and memorials planned for Debra Usinger and Donna Schlieman.
Mar 26th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
Barrett’s Birthday Party
The mayor's celebration is 11 days late. And Lakefront Brewery shatters its record for annual barrels manufactured.
Dec 22nd, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Other Mandela
The fundraiser for Rep. Mandela Barnes, just two days before his namesake Nelson Mandela died, had a big turnout.
Dec 8th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Amtrak to Chicago Will Go Wireless
Finally, the line will get Wi-Fi (we hope), but Milwaukee's Amtrak station still lacks it.
Nov 29th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Marina Will Battle Geenan for Assembly Seat
Dimitrijevic and Geenan are already competing for labor support.
Nov 21st, 2013 by Michael Horne
2013 Veterans Day Parade
Politicians, patriotism and marching bands on parade, all captured in our photos.
Nov 11th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General
Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.
Oct 16th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Why We Lost the Marsupial Bridge Swings
The city hasn't allocated money to maintain them. Should the nearby Business Improvement District adopt them?
Oct 10th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Brewing as a Conceptual Art
Brenner Brewing has a ways to go before it functions as a working brewery. Plus: a fundraiser for the anti-Clarke candidate.
Sep 27th, 2013 by Michael Horne
