Building on themes introduced in the State of the Judiciary, Director of State Courts Audrey K. Skwierawski used her annual address at the Wisconsin Judicial Conference to highlight the operational work that supports judges, court staff, and court users every day. She focused on strengthening administrative services, modernizing tools used across the court system, and supporting the workforce that keeps courts functioning statewide.
Director Skwierawski opened by thanking judges and court employees for their work over the past year. She expressed appreciation for the Wisconsin Supreme Court's support and for the strong partnership between the Director's Office and the justices. She also noted that the courts continue to serve increasingly complex needs and that administrative planning and coordination remain essential to meeting those demands.
Throughout her remarks, Director Skwierawski emphasized the importance of maintaining systems that are reliable, secure, and responsive. She described ongoing improvements within Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP), including updates to security infrastructure, continued investment in electronic filing tools, and work to ensure case management systems remain efficient and sustainable.
“Our courts operate on systems that must be reliable, secure, and responsive to the needs of the people who depend on them,” Director Skwierawski said. “These improvements are not abstract. They are investments in the daily work of judges, clerks, and court staff throughout Wisconsin.”
Director Skwierawski also highlighted administrative efforts focused on recruitment and professional development. She noted that maintaining a skilled workforce is central to the effectiveness of the courts and that statewide efforts continue to support training, onboarding, and long-term retention. She emphasized the partnership between counties and the state in this work, as well as the importance of ongoing communication with clerks of circuit court and judicial staff.
Another priority she outlined was courthouse security. Director Skwierawski described the ongoing efforts to strengthen threat assessment practices and improve coordination among local, county, and state agencies. “Every judge and every court employee deserves to feel safe at work,” she said. “We are committed to building and maintaining the structures that ensure that safety.”
In addition to internal support, Director Skwierawski noted ongoing efforts to improve the public’s experience with the courts. She pointed to technology enhancements that help reduce barriers for court users and to continued efforts to provide consistent guidance and information across counties.
As she concluded, Director Skwierawski thanked judges and staff for the dedication they bring to the courts each day and encouraged continued collaboration across all levels of the system.
“Our mission is clear,” she said. “We serve the people of Wisconsin, and we must do that work with fairness, integrity, and care. Everything we do is centered on that purpose.”
Read the Director’s full remarks here.
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