Wisconsin judges gathered September 15 through 19 at the Heidel House Hotel & Conference Center in Green Lake for the 2025 Wisconsin Judicial College. The weeklong program featured training, discussion, and professional development designed to support judges at all stages of their careers.
First established in 1968, the Judicial College provides practical instruction on courtroom management, substantive law, and the responsibilities of judicial service. This year’s schedule combined large-group sessions with specialized workshops on topics such as case management, ethics, jury trials, communications, and wellness.
Opening sessions included welcomes from College Deans, Judges Guy Dutcher of Waushara County and Wendy Klicko of Sauk County. Faculty from across Wisconsin led courses on criminal law procedures, evidence, sentencing, and implicit bias. Court of Appeals Judges Rachel Graham and Greg Gill presented on “Making the Record,” while Milwaukee County Judge Cynthia Davis addressed Chapter 51 mental health proceedings. The program also featured guest faculty member Judge Edward Wahl of Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.
Beyond the classroom, judges connected through evening activities, including trivia and a graduation banquet. New judges also took part in the traditional “Cone of Silence” luncheon, a candid discussion of the challenges faced in the early years on the bench.
This year’s faculty included a cross-section of jurists recognized for their leadership in judicial education. Judge Dutcher, now Co-Dean of the College, has presented on topics ranging from constitutional law to civil discovery. Judge James Babler, named Judge of the Year in 2022 by the State Bar of Wisconsin, has served as an Associate Dean of the College since 2016.
Organized by the Office of Judicial Education in cooperation with the Judicial College Committee, the program continues to serve as a cornerstone of judicial education in Wisconsin, offering judges a forum to learn, teach, and exchange ideas that strengthen the courts statewide.
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