Dane County Circuit Court Judge Stephen E. Ehlke was recognized this month as the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates’ 2026 Trial Judge of the Year.
Judge Ehlke received the award on May 12 during the chapter’s spring meeting in Madison. The recognition corresponds with ABOTA’s work to preserve the civil jury trial and promote professionalism among the bench and bar. ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges, with members from the plaintiff and defense bars, as well as the judiciary.
Judge Ehlke serves in Branch 15 of the Dane County Circuit Court. He was appointed to the bench in 2009. Before becoming a judge, he worked in the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, private practice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He received both his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Judge Ehlke currently serves in the court’s civil division and has administrative responsibilities as Dane County’s presiding judge.
As part of ABOTA’s trial-practice programming this year, Judge Ehlke is also scheduled to preside over two related educational programs for lawyers. The first, “How to Select a Jury: Demonstrations by Experienced Trial Lawyers,” will be held in September in Madison. The second, the 36th Annual Institute of Trial Practice, will be held in November in Pewaukee.
The programs will use a simulated civil case involving liability and damages from a motor vehicle collision. The same jury selected during the September program is expected to return for the November trial program, allowing lawyers to observe jury selection and trial practice as part of a continuing case presentation.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov