Pfeifer appointed Oneida County DA

Jillian Pfeifer will be the next Oneida County district attorney and the first woman to hold the position in the county’s history.

Pfeifer, who has spent her entire legal career in the Oneida County district attorney’s office, has been appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to serve the remainder of Michael W. Schiek’s term as district attorney which will end in January 2025. Schiek was elected to the bench in April, succeeding Mary Roth Burns, the county’s first female circuit court judge, who served in an interim capacity following the retirement of Patrick F. O’Melia last summer.

The governor’s office announced the appointment Thursday afternoon. 

“Jillian Pfeifer is a well-respected attorney who brings the dedication, dependability, and temperament necessary for this important role,” the governor said in announcing his choice. “She will serve the people of Oneida County well as their next district attorney.”

“During her time in the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, she has handled 23 jury trials and manages a regular caseload of approximately 200 cases,” the release states. “Her experience includes prosecuting matters ranging from ordinance violations to substantial battery to felony child abuse. In addition to her courtroom experience, Pfeifer represents the office on Oneida County’s Drug Endangered Children Task Force and has provided training for local law enforcement agencies.”

Schiek praised Pfeifer as an “excellent choice” for the position.

 “She is intelligent, hardworking, comfortable in a courtroom, and has the skills to be an effective leader in this office,” he said. “Over the last seven years, as the Oneida County assistant district attorney, Ms. Pfeifer has demonstrated an understanding of victims’ concerns, an ability to effectively communicate with local law enforcement agencies, and has gained the respect of judges, defense attorneys, and court staff. She understands this community and has a vested interest in Oneida County; with a commitment to public service, Ms. Pfeifer is an asset to the Northwoods.”

Pfeifer lives near Rhinelander with her family and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University Law School. She has served in numerous leadership positions for the Oneida-Vilas-Forest Tri-County Bar Association and recently became a board member of the Rhinelander Area Scholarship Foundation.

“I am extremely honored to accept the appointment by Governor Evers to serve as the Oneida County District Attorney,” said Pfeifer. “I am humbled by the opportunity to continue the longstanding tradition of respectable district attorneys in Oneida County. I look forward to continuing the collaboration with our dedicated law enforcement agencies and other community partners. As district attorney, I will be committed to serving our community with fairness in the pursuit of justice.”

In response to an email query from the River News, Pfeifer stated that she has been fortunate to have Schiek as a mentor over the last seven years and is committed to a seamless transition. 

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].