Third Branch eNews

Seventeen new circuit court judges from across Wisconsin gathered in Madison in early August for New Judge Orientation.

The Office of Judicial Education organizes the annual program, with Waushara County Circuit Court Judge Guy Dutcher and Sauk County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Klicko serving as deans.

The program covers the nuts and bolts of the job, including court system operations, electronic case management, human resources, and other information specific to new judges. Orientation also gives new judges a chance to meet colleagues from around the state and connect with more experienced judges who can serve as resources once they return to their counties.

Under Supreme Court rules, New Judge Orientation and the Wisconsin Judicial College together make up the education program required for newly elected and appointed circuit court judges. New Judge Orientation is held once, shortly after a judge takes the bench.

The Wisconsin Judicial College, scheduled this year for September, provides several days of additional education. New judges attend during their first year, while experienced circuit court judges are required to attend at least once during each six-year judicial education credit period.

Unlike New Judge Orientation, Judicial College brings new and experienced judges together, giving judges at different points in their careers an opportunity to learn from one another.