A new statewide judicial workload study offers an updated look at how case complexity, filings, and available judicial resources shape workload in Wisconsin circuit courts.
Volume 5 | Issue 5 | May 2026
Recusal rule petition public hearing to be held June 4
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hold on a public hearing a proposed rule change addressing judicial recusal on June 4.
While the period for written comments on rule Petition 26-01 has concluded, the hearing remains open to the public. The Court’s rule petition process is open to public participation and is designed to ensure transparency before any changes to court rules are made. The Court considers both written submissions and input received at the public hearing as part of its review.
Individuals may attend the hearing or watch via livestream. More information can be found here: https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2601.htm.
Judge M. Joseph Donald will serve as chief judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, with Judge Rachel A. Graham as deputy chief judge. Both judges have served on the court since 2019.
Several long-serving Wisconsin judges have announced plans to retire, concluding careers that collectively span decades of service on the bench and in communities across the state.
Sara Gehrig-Woodman’s path to the Rock County bench includes civil litigation in Janesville, prosecution work in Alaska and Idaho, and community service in the county where she was raised.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Stephen E. Ehlke was named ABOTA Wisconsin’s 2026 Trial Judge of the Year, recognizing a career that has included leadership on the bench and continued work mentoring trial attorneys.
Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Jessica Fehrenbach was named a 2026 Woman of Vision, recognizing her work in juvenile law, service to the Merrill community, and historic role on the Lincoln County bench.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Nicholas J. McNamara was named UW Law School’s 2025 Adjunct Teacher of the Year, recognizing his work in the classroom.
Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky presided as 170 Marquette University Law School graduates and seven additional applicants were admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin during ceremonies at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Justice Susan Crawford returned to her law school alma mater to deliver a commencement message about service, preparation, and using a legal education to help others.
Chief Justice Jill Karofsky and Director of State Courts Audrey K. Skwierawski spoke at Wisconsin Women in Government’s annual gala, highlighting women in public service, mentorship, judicial independence, and the rule of law.
Chief Justice Jill Karofsky addressed students during the opening program of the 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games State Finals at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The annual competition brings together high school students from across the state to test their knowledge of government, history, and the Constitution.
Dane County judges participate in Law Day program
Three Dane County Circuit Court judges participated in a Law Day program May 1 at the Dane County Courthouse, joining local attorneys for a series of continuing legal education presentations hosted by the Dane County Bar Association.
Judges Jacob Frost, David Conway, and Ryan Nilsestuen shared practical courtroom guidance in a session titled “Courtroom Tips and Tricks: View from the Bench.” The program also featured sessions on ethics, municipal clients, and the rule of law.
Law Day is observed each year on May 1 as a national commemoration of the rule of law and the role of the legal system in American civic life. The American Bar Association’s 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
Chief Justice Jill Karofsky helped recognize Wisconsin attorneys who have reached 50 years of membership in the State Bar of Wisconsin during the State Bar’s 50-Year Member Recognition Reception and Luncheon on May 13 in Delafield.
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.
Free OLR webinar to focus on time management for lawyers
The Office of Lawyer Regulation will host a free lunch-and-learn program on June 25 from noon to 1 p.m., focused on time management in legal practice. The session, titled Time Management for Lawyers: Building Autonomy, Reducing Stress, and Creating Space for What Matters, has been approved for 1 LAU credit.
Attorney Emily Logan Stedman of Husch Blackwell LLP will discuss ways lawyers can better manage competing demands, reduce stress, and create more room for the work and priorities that matter most.
Registration will be available through OLR’s LinkedIn page.
The Safety and Security Spotlight is a monthly feature in The Third Branch, sharing timely safety and security guidance for court staff across Wisconsin. This month’s installment focuses on remaining aware of changing seasonal security considerations.
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.
Reminder: Employee Appreciation Week ice cream social set for June 8
Employees are invited to an ice cream social on Monday, June 8, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Garden Level Conference Room at the Tenney Building as part of Employee Appreciation Week. The event is a chance for staff to relax, enjoy a treat, and connect with colleagues.
Employees are encouraged to attend as their schedules allow.
Employees can use the new My Insurance Benefits portal to review, enroll in, or make changes to ETF-administered insurance benefits. The system launched May 1 for state agencies that are part of STAR and will be used during open enrollment this fall.
A celebration of life for former Director of State Courts J. Denis Moran was held May 16 at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison. Moran, Wisconsin’s first Director of State Courts after the court system’s 1978 reorganization, served in that role until 2003 and returned as Interim Director of State Courts from 2015 to 2017.
Sadly, we have recently lost a respected member of Wisconsin’s judicial community. Learn more about the life and legacy of Kerry Connelly.
