Carl Ashley

Carl Ashley is an American lawyer and judge from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the chief judge of the 1st district of Wisconsin circuit courts (since 2023), and has served as a Wisconsin circuit court judge in Milwaukee County since 1999. Before his election to the judiciary, he served as a public defender.

Carl Ashley's niece, Kori Ashley, is also a Wisconsin circuit court judge in Milwaukee.

Biography Carl Ashley was born and raised in Milwaukee, attending the Twelfth Street School, St. Boniface Elementary School, Holy Angels Academy, and Marquette University High School; his father died during his high school years. He earned his bachelor's degree from Milwaukee's Marquette University, and immediately entered Marquette University Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1983.

Shortly after the 2023 election, the Wisconsin Supreme Court appointed Ashley as chief judge of Wisconsin's 1st judicial administrative district. He was re-appointed to another two-year term as chief judge in 2025.

Personal life and family Carl Ashley is the 4th of eight children born to John Henry and Louise Ashley. His father was a Korean War veteran, then worked at A. O. Smith in Milwaukee until his death in 1972. His mother was a teacher's aide in the Milwaukee Public Schools, and later worked for the Milwaukee County government.

Carl Ashley and his wife, Felita Daniels Ashley, reside in Milwaukee; they have two adult children.