A hanging at the courthouse

A memorable and historic “hanging” took place earlier this year in the large courtroom of the Vilas County Courthouse as community members, attorneys, and colleagues gathered to unveil the official portrait of retired Judge Neal “Chip” A. Nielsen III.

The ceremony, attended by family and friends both in person and via Zoom, celebrated Nielsen’s nearly two decades of service as the county’s sole judge from 2003 to 2021.

Sitting Judge Martha Milanowski, who presided over the event and succeeded Nielsen on the bench, reflected on the profound impact he had on the community.

“The county of Vilas was blessed to have Judge Nielsen as its sole judge for 18 years and now his portrait will hang proudly and reflect his service and integrity each and every day,” Milanowski said.
She noted that Nielsen worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served, managing a caseload well above what is expected for a single judge while successfully advocating for the creation of a much-needed second branch for the circuit court.

Retired Judge James Mohr, a close friend who preceded Nielsen on the bench, spoke to Nielsen’s deep roots in the community.

Though Nielsen and his wife, Sharon, met as law students out East at Boston College after he attended Tufts University, they declined prestigious jobs at faraway law firms to return to Wisconsin.

“JN (Judge Nielsen) wanted to come home,” Mohr said. “It didn’t take long for others to note the talent and intellect he brought to Vilas County and his courtroom.”

Nielsen’s legacy quickly expanded beyond the county lines.

Recognizing his unique teaching skills, the Director of State Courts sent Nielsen across the state and the nation to instruct fellow judges. From 2012 to 2016, Nielsen also served as the Chief Judge for Wisconsin’s 9th Judicial District, a role that required him to manage 22 judges across 14 north-central counties.

Locally, Nielsen was instrumental in establishing the Lac du Flambeau Za-gee-biga Healing to Wellness Court, co-presiding over the tribal wellness court for more than a decade alongside Judge Gary Smith.

Milanowski praised her predecessor as a mentor and dear friend who operated with “transparency, respect, integrity and accountability.’ Even in retirement, Nielsen continues to informally mentor others in the legal community.

The portrait itself was captured by Nielsen’s longtime court reporter, Michelle Livingston. In the ceremony’s culminating moment, Nielsen’s wife, Sharon, and daughter, Lauren, officially unveiled the photograph.

It now permanently occupies the southwest corner of the courtroom’s back wall, hanging alongside five other judges who have served Vilas County with distinction.