Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Payal Khandhar to the Dane County Circuit Court – Branch 2, filling the vacancy being created by Judge Josann M. Reynolds’ resignation.
“Payal Khandhar is a highly regarded attorney who is committed to service and dedicated to improving her community,” said Gov. Evers in a statement. “She will be an exceptional judge for the people of Dane County.”
Khandhar began her legal career as an assistant state public defender in 2009, where she represented indigent clients facing criminal prosecution, first in Northwestern Wisconsin and then in Dane County, according to a press release from the governor’s office. In 2016, she became a private criminal defense practitioner as a partner at Jasti & Khandhar in Madison. Since 2018, she has also served as a supplemental court commissioner for the Dane County Circuit Court. Prior to attending law school, she worked as a case manager for formerly incarcerated women in a residential reentry facility and as a neighborhood-based case worker, assisting low-income families to stabilize their housing.
“I am honored that Governor Evers has appointed me to serve in this important role,” said Khandhar. “For decades, I have been working towards creating a more just and equitable community, and I intend on continuing my mission while serving as a Dane County Circuit Court Judge. I plan on approaching this new role with kindness, humility, and humanity towards all parties. I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and all the system-impacted individuals that have taught me the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary.”
Khandhar will complete a term ending July 31, 2025.