The Supreme Court is considering a proposed rule change that would replace the current Wisconsin bar exam with the Uniform Bar Examination. A Wisconsin-specific law component would remain a requirement for admission.
Volume 5 | Issue 1 | January 2026
The Wisconsin Supreme Court held its winter attorney admission ceremony on January 14 in the Supreme Court Hearing Room, welcoming 19 new members to the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky presided over the ceremony, which was attended by family members, friends, and members of the Court. Justice Susan Crawford administered the oath of admission. Justice Rebecca Dallet and State Bar representative Dan Gartzke addressed the new attorneys with brief remarks.
Justice Rebecca Bradley receives a lifetime achievement award from the Robert J. Parins Legal Society during a ceremony in Green Bay recognizing her contributions to the legal profession and years of judicial service.
Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski, Chief Judge Guy Dutcher, and Legislative Liaison & Policy Initiatives Advisor Adam Plotkin recently testified before the Assembly Committee on Judiciary on Assembly Bill 514.
Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky recently authored a Final Thought column in the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Lawyer addressing increasing pressures on the judiciary and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
"The United States is at a pivotal moment, facing a massive increase in attacks on the rule of law. We must confront our circumstances with clarity and courage," Chief Justice Karofsky wrote.
Read the full column in Wisconsin Lawyer.
The Safety and Security Spotlight is a new monthly feature in The Third Branch, sharing timely safety and security guidance for court staff across Wisconsin. This month’s installment includes tips provided by the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Court Protection Unit.
Bridget Schoenborn has been appointed as a Supreme Court Commissioner, bringing nearly two decades of experience in federal and state courts to support the work of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. Read more about the Schoenborn and her work as a Commissioner.
Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Owen Piotrowski to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, where he’ll serve in Branch 31.
This month’s issue continues our new feature celebrating Wisconsin Court System employees for their years of service. Click to find out who is celebrating an anniversary this month.
The Wisconsin Court System regularly highlights opportunities for skilled professionals to support the work of our courts. Each month, we feature positions available statewide. Click here to explore current openings and learn more about career opportunities across Wisconsin’s courts.
CCAP has launched a redesigned Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals search page with new features and a more user-friendly layout. Read more about the changes.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation is offering a free webinar focused on how legal professionals can better recognize and manage the effects of trauma in their work. The program, titled We’re Human, Too! Acknowledging and Managing Trauma so We Can Serve Our Clients and Stay Healthy, will run from 12:00- 1:00 p.m. on February 25.
Presenter Miriam Falk will discuss how exposure to trauma can affect those working in the legal system and will offer practical approaches for maintaining well-being while continuing to serve clients effectively. One LAU credit will be earned by those who attend.
Registration will be available through OLR’s LinkedIn page.
Sadly, we have recently lost three respected members of Wisconsin’s judicial community. Learn more about the lives and legacy of John Albert, Francis Wasielewski and Leland Guetschow.
