Katie R. York

Katie York, a native of Walworth County, started with the SPD as an Assistant State Public Defender in the Green Bay trial office. In 2010, she transferred to the SPD’s Madison Appellate office where she was later promoted to Local Attorney Manager. Katie has handled most SPD cases types as both a trial attorney and an appellate attorney, litigating in circuit courts around the state, all four court of appeals districts, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

In 2018 Katie became the Deputy Trial Division Director and in 2019 she returned to the Appellate Division as the Appellate Division Director, before becoming the Deputy State Public Defender in 2023. Katie was on the State Bar Board of Governors from 2017-2021. She has served as the SPD representative on the Judicial Council’s Appellate Procedure Committee and is an advisory member on the Criminal Jury Instruction Committee. Katie has presented on a variety of topics for SPD staff and private bar attorneys. She has also presented to members of the judiciary about Chapter 51 (mental health commitment) litigation and as a faculty member for the Digital Evidence Bootcamp. Katie received her law degree from Golden Gate University and an undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in economics from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington.

Katie lives with her husband and two sons in Madison. She grew up on a dairy farm in Lake Geneva. Katie has competed in multiple marathons and triathlons, including two Ironman races.