Judge Bruce E. Schroeder, the figure at the center of one of the nation’s most watched trials, returned to his Kenosha courtroom for a special honor. Schroeder, who presided over the Kyle Rittenhouse trial in 2021, was celebrated with the unveiling of a portrait commissioned by the Kenosha County Bar Association and painted by artist Sergei Chernikov.

Schroeder, who retired last year at age 75, became a household name during the trial, which was streamed live and dissected across the internet. His commanding yet unconventional courtroom presence left a lasting impression on viewers. Moments like his cellphone ringing to the patriotic tune of “God Bless the U.S.A.” and his citation of literary classics such as Chaucer and Shakespeare revealed a judge with a distinctive personality and a deep sense of tradition.

The Rittenhouse trial, which centered on the teenager charged with shooting three people during unrest in Kenosha, brought intense scrutiny to Schroeder. 

While supporters praised his insistence on maintaining decorum and protecting defendants’ rights, critics questioned some of his rulings and personal style. His courtroom became a stage for the nation’s polarizing debates on self-defense and racial justice.

Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Schroeder was known as a no-nonsense jurist. Appointed in 1983 by a Democratic governor, he continuously won re-election, often unopposed. Lawyers who appeared before him describe him as disciplined, fair, and approachable, with a knack for storytelling and a surprisingly detailed interest in lunch.

The portrait unveiling ceremony brought Schroeder back to the courtroom that became a symbol of his career. Speaking to an audience of attorneys, judges, and community members, he reflected on the weight of the Rittenhouse trial and the enduring lessons of his judicial tenure. “A courtroom is a place for truth and fairness,” he said. “And that’s what I always aimed to uphold.”

The portrait, now displayed in the Kenosha County Courthouse, captures the man who became one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable legal figures. For better or worse, Judge Schroeder’s role in the Rittenhouse trial cemented his place in history, and today’s ceremony ensured his legacy will remain in the spotlight for generations to come.