About Michael
As our next Marathon County Circuit Court Judge, Michael Hughes will put his unmatched courtroom experience, commitment to an independent and impartial judiciary, and dedication to our community to work every day for all the people of Marathon County.
Michael has handled thousands of cases in courtrooms throughout Marathon County and Central Wisconsin for over 15 years.
As an attorney, Michael has represented individuals in a wide range of cases, including homicide, sexual assault, truancy, as a Guardian ad Litem representing the best interests of children, defending individuals and families against insurance companies, and in disputes where the State has taken property from landowners. Circuit Court judges preside over a large number of cases in many areas of the law, and Michael’s extensive legal knowledge will enable him to hit the ground running when he takes the bench.
After growing up in Wausau, Michael attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with honors and a BA in Political Science and Communication. He returned to Wisconsin for law school, earning his law degree from UW-Madison in 2008.
While in law school, he was a legal Intern for Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and worked as a student attorney at the Frank J. Remington Center.
The dad of 7-year-old twins Malcolm and Sam, Michael, is active in the Marathon County legal community and in volunteer organizations.
He currently serves as the President of the Marathon County Bar Association (the professional association of lawyers in the County), where his leadership has focused on working collaboratively with Law Enforcement and other stakeholders to improve the criminal justice system.
He volunteered as the Mock Trial Coach at Wausau East High School (2024) and Youth Soccer Coach at the Woodson YMCA (2023-2024). He is also on the board of the Wausau Noon Optimists.
Michael and his wife, Meghan, a physician, live in Wausau.