The Wisconsin Court System’s new online Restraining Order Portal went live statewide September 1 after a July and August pilot in eight counties. The portal is designed to help people complete and file domestic abuse and harassment temporary restraining order petitions through a guided, plain-language process.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court opened its 2026–27 term Sept. 8, with oral arguments scheduled throughout the month on cases involving environmental regulation, election law, criminal law, and other significant issues.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court's Justice on Wheels program is returning this fall, bringing oral arguments to Chippewa Falls and giving students and the public a chance to see the state's highest court in action.
Judge Lisa K. Stark’s judicial career has included leadership on the Court of Appeals, decades of work in judicial education, and a longstanding focus on evidence-based and restorative justice practices.
Judge Tania M. Bonnett’s new leadership role builds on her work in Adams County and on statewide issues involving crime victims, domestic violence, and juror trauma.
The 2026 Wisconsin Judicial College brought judges together in Eau Claire for a week of education, discussion, and collaboration.
A hands-on CCAP Financials training in Crawford County gave clerks and court staff a chance to work through real-world scenarios, share approaches, and build connections with colleagues from across the state.
Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky thanked municipal court clerks for their work on the front line of justice during the annual seminar in Madison, where clerks also shared ideas, built connections, and continued their professional education.
Juvenile judges shared how clerks help them navigate unfamiliar proceedings, while clerks compared practices across counties at their annual conference in Oak Creek.
Clerks of circuit court from five Wisconsin counties represented WCCCA at the Wisconsin Counties Association annual conference September 21 in Wisconsin Dells, where they spoke with local officials about court services and challenges facing the judiciary.
OLR’s fall education lineup includes four in-person Ethics School sessions, an October webinar on mentoring and lawyer wellness, and a November webinar on trust account management and emerging issues.
From courthouse open houses to community conversations, Wisconsin courts marked September’s Juror Appreciation Month by thanking residents for their service and helping others understand their role in the justice system.
Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet joined county officials from across Wisconsin for a coffee-style conversation during the Wisconsin Counties Association conference on September 21 in Wisconsin Dells.
The conversation, moderated by WCA President and CEO Mark O’Connell with WCA General Counsel Andy Phillips, focused on the work of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and its connection to county government. Justice Dallet discussed how cases reach the Court, what happens after oral argument, and the formal ways counties and other interested parties can provide context in cases involving complex systems of government.
from courthouse facilities and clerks of circuit court to the shared responsibility of helping the public better understand the justice system.
St. Croix County Circuit Court Judge R. Michael Waterman draws on feedback from more than 100 jury trials in a recent Wisconsin Lawyer article examining what jurors notice, value, and find frustrating in the courtroom.
In “What Jurors Say,” Judge Waterman shares recurring observations from jurors about attorney credibility, repetitive questioning, courtroom demeanor, jury instructions, and the importance of presenting evidence in a clear and organized way. He also reflects on how jurors’ views of jury service often change as they experience firsthand the responsibility of deciding a case.
Read “What Jurors Say” in the September 2026 edition of Wisconsin Lawyer.
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.
A career in the Wisconsin Court System offers more than employment. It’s an opportunity to serve your community and grow professionally. Each month, we feature current job openings from across the state, highlighting paths for career development within the court system. Browse this month’s listings and consider sharing them with others who may be interested.
Sadly, we have lost a respected member of Wisconsin’s judicial community. Learn more about the life and legacy of Charles Kuehn.
