The summer saw a large shift on the bench, with a number of circuit court judges stepping down from the bench. Third Branch eNews asked them to share a bit about their experiences in the judiciary and plans for what is ahead.
Volume 3 | Issue 6 | August 2024
The Wisconsin judicial system is set to benefit from the addition of three newly appointed judges in Crawford, Eau Claire, and Jefferson counties. With extensive experience ranging from district attorney roles to city attorney positions, these appointees bring a wealth of legal expertise and a deep commitment to serving their communities.
The fresh faces of Wisconsin's judiciary converged on the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East from August 7-9 for the 2024 New Judge Orientation program. In all, 27 recently appointed and elected judges participated in the immersive three-day event, which was packed with expert-led sessions and practical workshops designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to uphold justice and serve their communities.
The 2024 Judicial College was held at the Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire. Click to see photos from this year’s event.
Chief Justice Annette Ziegler, Judge Lisa Stark, Justice Rebecca Dallet, Justice Ann Walsh Bradley
Deans of the 2024 Judicial College: Judges Mark McGinnis, Karl Hansen, Julie Genovese, Lisa Stark, Guy Dutcher, John Anderson, Wendy Klicko, and Mark Sanders.
Judge Guy Dutcher congratulating Judge Edward Vlack for all his years teaching at the college.
Retired Judge (and former Dean) Robert Mawdsley performs a musical tribute to Judge Lisa Stark’s final year as dean of the college
Judges Guy Dutcher, Edward Vlack and Mark Sanders
Waukesha judges Ralph Ramirez, Bob Mawdsley (retired), and new judges Bridget Schoenborn and Jack Pitzo
After nearly two decades of distinguished service to judicial education, Judge Lisa Stark retired from her role as Dean of the Wisconsin Judicial College on August 23.
Bringing to close an illustrious 40-year career in the Wisconsin Court System, District Court Administrator Susan Byrnes has announced she will be retiring in early September. Byrnes' leadership will leave a lasting mark on the Wisconsin judicial landscape, especially in the Ninth Judicial Administrative District.
In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, distinguishing between harmless spam and dangerous phishing attempts has never been more crucial. While both types of emails can clutter your inbox, phishing attacks are far more insidious, designed to deceive and defraud. Understanding the subtle yet critical differences between these two can be the key to safeguarding your personal information and staying secure online.
The Planning and Policy Advisory Committee Court Security Subcommittee is nearing completion of a critical update to the Judicial Security Profile in compliance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36 (16). The revised form was approved during the subcommittee’s most recent meeting, and the subcommittee is working with the Director of State Courts on finalization.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation is hosting several events this fall that you won't want to miss:
- Annual OLR Trust Account Update - Friday, September 20 (Online Only)
- Ethics School 2024
Former State Bar of Wisconsin President Michelle Behnke was elected ABA President-elect at the end of the ABA’s annual meeting in Chicago on August 6. Behnke served as the State Bar of Wisconsin president in 2004-05. She will become only the second Wisconsin attorney to serve as ABA president.
In late July, the newest addition to the Capitol Square was celebrated, as a ceremony was held to commemorate the unveiling of the tribute statue of Vel Phillips. As the first African American woman to graduate from UW-Madison Law School and the first African American judge in Wisconsin, her contributions have significantly shaped our justice system and continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. To learn more about her life, read this article in a prior version of the Third Branch newsletter.
