Volume 5 | Issue 6 | June 2026

Supreme Court hears input on proposed recusal rule changes

The Wisconsin Supreme Court held a public hearing on June 4 on Rule Petition 26-01, which addresses judicial campaign-related recusal rules.

Recusal hearing

Four chief judges reappointed to oversee Wisconsin judicial districts

Four circuit court judges have been reappointed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to serve as chief judges of their judicial administrative districts for terms beginning Aug. 1, 2026.

Chief Judges

Court System recognizes staff during Employee Appreciation Week

Wisconsin Court System employees were recognized during Public Employee Appreciation Week for their service to the courts, the public, and one another.

Employee Appreciation Week

Director highlights Court System priorities in State Bar address

Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski addressed members of the State Bar of Wisconsin on ongoing work to improve court operations, public access, technology, and fairness across the Wisconsin Court System.

Director in State Bar address

Wisconsin Court System judges recognized by State Bar

Current and former Wisconsin circuit court judges were among those recognized by the State Bar of Wisconsin during its 2026 Annual Meeting & Conference in La Crosse.

Wisconsin Court System judges recognized by State Bar

Wisconsin Supreme Court justices encourage lawyers to look to the Wisconsin Constitution

Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet and Justice Brian K. Hagedorn discuss why Wisconsin lawyers should give closer attention to the Wisconsin Constitution in a recent Wisconsin Lawyer article.

Capitol view

Chief Justice Karofsky reflects on the Declaration of Independence in Wisconsin Lawyer column

Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky recently authored a Wisconsin Lawyer column reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, the rule of law, and the role courts and lawyers play in protecting rights and ensuring access to justice.

USA graphic

State Law Library hosts Declaration of Independence exhibit

The Lavinia Goodell State Law Library is hosting a traveling exhibit from the American Bar Association in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“250 Years of Independence: Fortifying America’s Commitment to Democracy for All” explores the Declaration’s place in American law and history, including the role lawyers played in shaping the nation’s founding principles. The exhibit also examines the Declaration’s complex legacy, from its break with monarchy and promotion of democratic ideals to the continuing work to expand civil rights and uphold the rule of law.

The exhibit is on display at the State Law Library through July 16.

Traveling Law Library display

Wisconsin justices, Milwaukee County judge meet with Girl Scouts earning Democracy badge

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Rebecca Dallet and Janet Protasiewicz, along with Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Kiefer, met with Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast in early June.

Wisconsin justices, Milwaukee County judge meet with Girl Scouts earning Democracy badge

Chief Justice Karofsky encourages Badger Girls State participants to lead

Chief Justice Jill Karofsky returned to Badger Girls State to encourage the next generation of leaders, sharing how representation, public service, and the courage to lead can shape the future of Wisconsin.

Chief Justice Karofsky encourages Badger Girls State participants to lead

UW Law School graduates sworn in as Wisconsin attorneys

140 graduates of the University of Wisconsin Law School were sworn in as Wisconsin attorneys during ceremonies at the State Capitol, marking the beginning of their legal careers before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

UW Law School graduates sworn in as Wisconsin attorneys

Judge Gehrig-Woodman welcomed to Rock County bench

Judge Sara L. Gehrig-Woodman was formally welcomed to the Rock County Circuit Court during a June investiture ceremony celebrating the beginning of her service on the bench.

Judge Gehrig-Woodman

Wisconsin court officials attend national workshop on domestic violence court processes

Wisconsin court officials joined colleagues from across the country at a national workshop on domestic violence court processes, bringing back ideas to strengthen access to justice, courtroom safety, and procedural fairness in Wisconsin's courts.

Wisconsin court officials attend national workshop on domestic violence court processes

Free OLR webinar to focus on mindfulness and decision-making in legal work

An upcoming Office of Lawyer Regulation webinar will explore how mindfulness can help legal professionals stay focused, manage stress, and improve decision-making.

The program, Staying Steady Under Pressure: Mindfulness for Focus, Resilience, and Ethical Clarity in the Legal Profession, will look at the connection between stress, professional judgment, and well-being in the legal field. The session, which will be held on August 13 from 12-1 p.m., is pending approval for 1.0 CLE credit.

Presenter Courtney Schulnick, J.D., is a former litigator and mindfulness educator who works with attorneys, judges, bar associations, and professional organizations. Drawing on more than 20 years in litigation, Schulnick will discuss practical strategies for building clarity and resilience in demanding legal environments.

Register through OLR’s LinkedIn page.

OLR webinar graphic

Employment opportunities

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.

Employment opportunities graphic

Celebrating years of state service

This month’s issue continues our feature celebrating Wisconsin Court System employees for their years of service. Click to find out who is celebrating an anniversary this month.

Years of state service graphic

Obituaries

Sadly, we have recently lost three respected members of Wisconsin’s judicial community. Learn more about the life and legacy of James Bayorgeon, Emmanuel Vuvunas, and Michael Brennan.

Funeral flowers