Judges from Wisconsin’s Seventh Judicial District gathered October 1–2 in Wisconsin Dells for training and a chance to share developments in their local courts. The meeting at Wilderness Glacier Canyon Resort drew nearly all of the district’s judges, including reserve judges.
A county-by-county discussion gave judges from across the 15-county district an opportunity to highlight recent accomplishments and learn from their colleagues. Updates included courthouse construction in Pierce County, courtroom improvements in Clark and Juneau counties, the electronic temporary restraining order portal in Adams County, and an attorney incubator in La Crosse County. Judges also shared news about judicial transitions, recruitment, and staff training.
The exchange reflected pride in local work and interest in other counties’ approaches, with judges offering support and asking questions about their colleagues’ experiences.
Training on the first day focused on children and youth in court. Christina Tenuta of the Children’s Court Improvement Program provided legislative and program updates. Becky Krisko of Acceptional Minds, LLC, discussed autism and neurodiversity, including communication strategies for working with children and youth. Milwaukee Children’s Court Staff Attorney Robert Mochel addressed juvenile court placement options.
The second day featured a presentation on the ethical and efficient use of generative artificial intelligence in legal practice by Kristopher Turner and Bonnie Shucha of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Law Library.
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