Municipal court clerks from across Wisconsin gathered in Madison September 10-11 to sharpen their skills, share experiences, and strengthen the professional network that supports municipal courts around the state.
Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky joined the group for lunch September 10 and offered welcome remarks, thanking clerks for the work they do each day and recognizing the important role they play in how members of the public experience the court system.
Chief Justice Karofsky noted that municipal court clerks are often among the first people members of the public encounter when they come to court. Their work, she said, helps keep courts running while also shaping how people understand and experience the justice system.
She also recognized the close-knit community municipal court clerks have built around education, mentoring, and supporting one another. In addition to developing their professional knowledge, clerks regularly turn to colleagues around the state to share experiences and help work through challenges.
The seminar included sessions on accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act, OWI cases and ignition interlock devices, working with interpreters, and other issues municipal courts encounter in their day-to-day work. Breakout sessions also gave clerks opportunities to discuss issues specific to courts of different sizes.
The Office of Judicial Education developed the seminar in cooperation with seminar faculty.
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