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Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Arizona, College of Law, 1972
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1988
Current Rotational Assignment: Misdemeanor Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Municipal Judge, Village of Brown Deer, 1985-1988; substitute judge, City of Milwaukee Municipal Court, 1985-1988; court commissioner, Milwaukee County, 1984-1988; Fiorenza & Hodan, 1973-1988; law clerk, Chief Justice Bruce F. Beilfuss, Wisconsin Supreme Court, 1972-1973.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Wisconsin Trial Judges Association, past member; Milwaukee County Judicial Substitution Study Committee, past member; Wisconsin Supreme Court Misdemeanor Bail Schedule and Traffic Deposit Schedule, past member; Milwaukee Bar Association, past member; Family Bench/Bar Committee, past member; Bench/Bar Committee for Wisconsin Court of Appeals District I, past chair; State Bar of Wisconsin, member; Arizona State Bar Association, member; Wisconsin Municipal Judges Association, past member; American Bar Association, past member; Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, past member; American Arbitration Association, former arbitrator; Advisory Committee on School Safety for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area, past member; frequent lecturer at legal education programs, courses and seminars; past Member: board of directors, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital; Centurions of St. Joseph’s Hospital; board of directors, Blind Children Inc.; board of directors, former member, Milwaukee County Home Improvement Council; board of directors, former member, Brown Deer Little League Baseball.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. The paramount rule of this branch is fundamental fairness and the opportunity to be heard.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette Law School, 1983; Marquette High School, 1975;
Marquette University 1979
Elected to Circuit Court: April 1999
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Commercial underwriter; public defender, 1983-1989; private practice, 1989-1999; administrative law judge, City of Milwaukee, 1997-1999.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Past-president, Wisconsin Association of African-American Lawyers; past chairman and coordinator of the WAAL High School Mock Trial Program (for nine years); past member, Milwaukee Bar Association Board of Directors; past member, Supreme Court Commission on Judicial Elections and Ethics; past member, Legal Action of Wisconsin Board of Directors; member, Marquette University Law School Alumni Board of Directors; frequent lecturer in the area of Children’s Law; past member, Catholic Archdiocese Board of Directors; member, Wild Space Board of Directors; Election Commissioner for the NAACP, 1996 elections; Volunteer of the Year for the Metropolitan Fair Housing Council, 1993; recipient of the Black Excellence Award, 1995; Excellence in Community Service Award from the Career Youth Development, 1995; service on the National Advisory Board for the President’s Family Justice Center Initiative and the Advisory Committee of the National Judicial Center; Supreme Court Policy and Planning Committee, and chair, Subcommittee on Alternatives to Incarceration Committee.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. The paramount rule of this branch is fundamental fairness and an opportunity to be heard.
2. Use the microphone so the court reporter can hear and make an accurate record.
3. Please be on time and be prepared and I will, too.
4. Attorneys should avoid the use of first names during court proceedings, except with children.
5. If you have to cover more than one court, let the bailiff know where you can be found.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1991; Bachelor’s:
Marquette University, 1988; Messmer High School, 1984
Elected to Circuit Court: April 1, 2003
Current Rotational Assignment: Misdemeanor Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Solo practice and Court Commissioner for Milwaukee Municipal Court: 1997-2003; Vlasak, Britton & Konkol, trial attorney, 1994-1997; O’Neil, Cannon & Hollman S.C., associate, 1991-1994.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: City of Milwaukee Administrative Review Appeals Board, former chairman, 2000-2003; MS Leadership Award Recipient, 2000; interests: college basketball, politics, music and reading.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. If you have to cover more than one court, let the clerk know where you can be found.
2. The court prefers a brief statement of the issues and requested relief before proceeding with argument.
3. Please be prepared.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1978; B.A.: St. Norbert
College, 1973; London School of Economics and Political Science University
of London: 1978
Appointed to Circuit Court: 2001; elected in 2002
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Reserve municipal judge, Milwaukee County, 1997-present; municipal judge, Fox Point, 1984-1997; William W. Brash & Associates S.C., 1991-2001; Hopkins & Brash S.C., 1990-1991; Johnson & Brash Ltd., 1980-1990; McKay & Martin, 1978-1980.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Admitted to Wisconsin State Bar, 1978; St. Thomas More Society, past president and member; Wisconsin Construction and Public Contract Committee, State Bar of Wisconsin, past member; Wisconsin Municipal Judges Association, member; Wisconsin Lawyer’s Pro Bono Association, member; Milwaukee and Ozaukee County Bar Associations, member; Medical College of Wisconsin, fund raising; Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament, attorney/coach and judge, 1986-1997; Concerned Community Involvement, dealing with drug and alcohol related issues in the Nicolet School District, judicial invitee; Rotary International exchange scholarship recipient, Rotary Clubs of Southeastern Wisconsin; member, Board of Managers, Milwaukee Downtown YMCA, 2004-present; married, one child.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1977
Elected to Circuit Court: 1994
Current Rotational Assignment: Chief Judge
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Murphy & Brennan, South Milwaukee, 1984-1994; assistant district attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, 1977-1984.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Wisconsin State Bar Association Judge of the Year for 2005; TEMPO Milwaukee’s Mentor of the Year Award, 2006; U.S. Postal Service “Women Making Their Stamp on Metro Milwaukee” Award for 2006; Milwaukee Bar Association, member; State Bar of Wisconsin, member; TEMPO Milwaukee, member; Professional Dimensions, member.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Northwestern University School of Law; B.A.: University
of Notre Dame
Appointed to Circuit Court: Jan. 3, 2000; elected April 3, 2001, re-elected April 3, 2007
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: State prosecutor, three years; private practice, civil litigation, four years; law clerk on federal district and federal appellate courts, two years each.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Federalist Society; 35 published articles on a variety of legal topics; former legal counsel, Criminal Penalties Study Committee.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. The court prefers a brief statement on the requested relief before proceeding with argument.
2. If you have to cover more than one court, let the bailiff know where you can be found.
3. Please use the microphones.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1987; B.S.: University
of Wisconsin-Madison, 1984
Elected to Circuit Court: 2006
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, 1987-2006; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1997-2000, instructor.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: State Bar of Wisconsin, member; Wisconsin District Attorney’s Association; Wisconsin Professional Society on the Abuse of Children; Association of Women Lawyers; Milwaukee Bar Association; frequent CLE presenter, trainer to other professions and public speaker on child abuse issues; honored as Assistant District Attorney of the Year, 2005, from the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association; attendee, 2004, at the Governor’s “Summit to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect: A State Call to Action;” Received the 2001 June Dobbs Award from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for outstanding contributions to the welfare of children; recognized for service and training of officers statewide in 1993 by the Wisconsin Narcotics Officers Association.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1978; B.A. and M.A.:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Elected to Circuit Court: 1998
Current Rotational Assignment: Family Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Private Practice, 1978-1985; Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, 1985-1998.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Milwaukee Bar Association, member and co-chair of the Juvenile Bench/Bar Association, 1999-2001; Association for Women Lawyers; National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; Judicial Education Committee; Juvenile Jury Instruction Committee; Leander Foley Matrimonial Inns of Court.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1975; BBA University
of Notre Dame, 1972
Appointed and Elected to Circuit Court: 2005
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Circuit Court Commissioner, Milwaukee County, 1995-2005; practiced law in Milwaukee County, 1975-1995, with an extensive trial practice, concentrating in criminal law and juvenile law, in addition to an extensive real estate, bankruptcy and probate.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: State Bar of Wisconsin, Board of Governors for four years, on the Bench/Bar Committee for nine years and the BAPR Study Committee for seven years; member, Milwaukee Bar Association, 1975-present, serving on the Fee Arbitration, Courts and Bench/Bar Committees; Board of Administrative Oversight, Office of Lawyer Regulation for five years; member, Wisconsin Association of Judicial Court Commissioners, serving on its board of directors for eight years, the last two as treasurer; District II Committee of the Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility for 11 years; State of Wisconsin Medical Mediation Panels for 12 years; born Dec. 7, 1950; married, two children.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Be on time
2. Be prepared.
3. Be civil.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Illinois Institute of Technology-Chicago-Kent College
of Law, 1985
Elected to Circuit Court: 1997
Current Rotational Assignment: Presiding judge, Domestic Violence Courts
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Municipal judge, City of Glendale, 1994-1997; private practice, 1987-1997; Kohner, Mann & Kailas S.C. 1987; Godfrey, Trump & Hayes, 1986-1987; law clerk to Judges Michael P. Sullivan, Robert W. Landry, Laurence C. Gram Jr. and William J. Haese, 1985-1986; legal intern for the Honorable John L. Coffey, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Chicago, Ill. and Milwaukee, 1984.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Member, State Bar of Wisconsin; member, Illinois Bar; instructor, Wisconsin Supreme Court-Judicial Education; chair, Milwaukee County Jury Committee; chair, Milwaukee County Videoconferencing Committee; vice-chair, Milwaukee County Law Clerk Committee; former member, Policy and Planning Committee, 1998-2006; Former Member, PPAC Financing Sub-Committee; Recognition Award, Social Development Commission Youth Diversion Program.
Education:
J.D Conferred.: Marquette University Law School, 1974; B.S.: UW-Oshkosh,
1970; UW-Oshkosh Graduate School
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1993
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Milwaukee County Court Commissioner, 1978-1993.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Married, two children; Interest: Bavarian Soccer Club; St. Andrew’s Society.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University, 1984
Elected to Circuit Court: 1997, re-elected 2003
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Independent quasi-judicial work (including mediation); faculty: Marquette University Law School and College of Nursing; trial attorney, Hinshaw & Culbertson; college attorney: MATC; registered nurse.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Frequent national presenter on legal issues for nurses.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin, 1974
Elected to Circuit Court: 1990
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division/Probate
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant district attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, 1975-1990.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Co-presenter, Chinese National Judges College Special Seminar on the Criminal Trial Process in America and Germany, May, 1998; member, Justinian Law Society; member, Association for Women Lawyers; member, Milwaukee Bar Association; member, American Bar Association; member, Wisconsin Criminal Jury Instructions Committee; faculty member and former associate dean, Wisconsin Judicial College; faculty member, National Judicial College; member, Wisconsin Judicial Education Committee.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Attorneys should be reasonable with one another and respectful of one another.
2. Attorneys should be respectful of witnesses in the courtroom (i.e., refer to witnesses by their surnames.)
3. Attorneys should fully comply with appropriate discovery requests and do so in a timely manner within the dictates of the statutes, local rules and scheduling orders, or be subject to appropriate sanctions.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1988; B.A.: Marquette
University, 1982
Appointed to Circuit Court: August 1996; elected in 1997
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant city attorney, City of Milwaukee, 1989-1996; law clerk, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, 1988-1989.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson to serve on Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership Council, 1996-1999; member, Marquette University Law School Alumni Association Board; member, Urban Day School Board; member, Mother of Good Counsel Church and School Endowment Board; member, Milwaukee Area Technical College Board of Directors, 1991-1994; member, Governor’s Task Force to Enhance Probation and Parole; member, Judicial Selection Committee; born in Milwaukee, Feb. 8, 1959; married, three children; member, Mother of Good Counsel Parish.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. The paramount rule of this branch is fundamental fairness and an opportunity to be heard.
2. Use the microphone so the court reporter can hear and make an accurate record.
3. Please be on time and prepared and I will, too.
4. If you have to cover more than one court, let the bailiff know where you can be found.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: New York University Law School, 1974
Elected to Circuit Court: 1992
Current Rotational Assignment: General Felony
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: High School Teacher, Prairie du Chien, 1969-1971; attorney, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1974-1984; alderman, Milwaukee, 1984-1992.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Co-chair for State Planning Group for Legal Services; Milwaukee Bar Association Community Relations Committee; board of directors, Select Milwaukee; Long Range Planning Committee; member, Wisconsin Trial Judges Association; member, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership Council Committee.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. At a minimum, comply with the Local Rules for time of filing briefs in support of, or opposition to, motions. I don’t like to practice my speed reading skills on briefs, especially on summary judgment motions. Give me time to fully consider your arguments and authorities.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University, 1978
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1992; re-elected 1999, 2005
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Private practice (associate, then shareholder, von Briesen & Purtell S.C., Milwaukee), 1978-1992; prosecutor, Village of Shorewood Municipal Court, 1986-1992; prosecutor, Village of Menomonee Falls Municipal Court, 1978-1992.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Associate dean, Wisconsin Judicial College; president, Milwaukee Trial Judges Association; Wisconsin Trial Judges Association, member, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Executive Committee; member, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Video Conferencing Committee; speaker at Criminal and Civil Judicial Conferences; past member, Wisconsin Supreme Court Commission on Judicial Elections and Ethics, past co-chair, Milwaukee Bar Association Bench/Bar Committee, past chair, Misdemeanor Long Range Planning Committee; past member, Church Council; Milwaukee Kiwanis Club, president, 1994-1995, secretary 1991-1992; past member, District 2 Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility Committee; past MYLA/LAW Volunteer Lawyers Project; married, two children.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. The paramount rule is fundamental fairness and an opportunity to be heard.
2. This court follows the standard scheduling order with an additional clarifying page.
3. Attorneys should fully comply with appropriate discovery requests and do so in a timely manner within the dictates of the statutes, local rules and scheduling orders, or be subject to appropriate sanctions.
4. Parties should discuss alternative dispute options prior to the scheduling conference.
5. No dates set by the court can be adjourned nor can counsel withdraw from a case without approval of the court; any requests to change dates by phone require that all parties join in a conference call with the court, initiated by the requesting party.
6. If a local attorney moves the admission of an out-of-state attorney Pro hac vice, local counsel shall be required to participate at trial and all court appearances and sign all documents filed with the court.
7. Summary Judgment/Motions to Dismiss: File motion and supporting documents and brief and the court will issue a briefing schedule with a date for hearing; Other motions: Call the clerk for a date before filing the motion and advise the clerk of the anticipated length of time required for the motion.
8. No Fax filing per local rules.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Georgetown University Law Center, 1975
Elected to Circuit Court: 1997
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division/Probate Division, Presiding-Probate
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Machulak, Hutchinson, Robertson, Dwyer & O’Dess S.C., engaged in civil practice concentrating on commercial and employment law, primarily for new and growing companies, and including real estate, probate and estate planning law, 1989-1997; sole practitioner-general practice, 1977-1989; Panos, Samster & Domnitz, associate, 1975-77; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, School of Business Administration, academic staff, 1978-1986.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Wisconsin Bar Association, director, ADR Section; Milwaukee Bar Association-Case Mediation Committee (1993-97, Past Chair); Ancient Order of Hibernians, past-president; Milwaukee Access Telecommunications Authority, founding president; Future Milwaukee Class of 1987; married, five children; Interests: Children’s activities (basketball, volleyball, Irish dance, and running), downhill skiing, “reading” recorded books.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Trial dates will not be given until a case is ready for trial.
2. Trials will not be adjourned without the approval of the Court.
3. One person talks on the record at a time.
4. Mark and exchange exhibits in advance whenever possible. Have enough copies.
5. To insure consideration of a case, provide the citation in advance, and if the case is not a Wisconsin case available on the current version of LOIS, provide a copy.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1983
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1996
Current Rotational Assignment: Misdemeanor Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Member/shareholder, Fiorenza & Hayes S.C., 1984-1996; judicial clerk for Justice Donald W. Steinmetz, Wisconsin Supreme Court, 1983-1984.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: American Bar Association, member; American Judicature Society, member; American Justinian Society of Jurists, member; Association for Women Lawyers, member; Justinian Society of Lawyers-Wisconsin Chapter, member and Scholarship Fund Raising Committee, 1992-1994; Milwaukee Bar Association, member; Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors, 1986-1991, secretary, 1986-1991, liaison to Board of Governors, 1989-1990, editor, MYLA Advocate, 1985-1986, Minority Joint Certification Appeals Committee, Hearing Officer, 1986-1988; National Association of Women Judges, member; National Italian-American Bar Association, member; St. Thomas More Society, member; State Bar of Wisconsin: Board of Governors, 1990-1992, Mentor Council, 1989-1996, Bridge the Gap Committee, 1986-1993, chairperson, 1992-1993.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Be punctual.
2. Attorneys should be courteous to other attorneys, witnesses and parties.
3. No trial can be adjourned nor can counsel withdraw from a case without approval of the court.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin, 1984
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1993
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil/Small Claims Division; Deputy Chief Judge
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney, 1984-1986, 1989-1993; Supervisor, Domestic Violence Unit; Member, Sensitive Crimes Unit; Dane County Deputy District Attorney, 1986-1989; Supervisor, Juvenile Unit and Sensitive Crimes Unit.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Milwaukee Bar Association, Association of Women Lawyers; National Association of Women Judges; International Association of Women Judges; Wisconsin State Trial Judges Association; Wisconsin State Bar Association; instructor and lecturer for the Wisconsin Judicial Education and the National Judicial Education Programs; instructor, Third Degree Black Belt, Japanese self-defense art of Aikido.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Be on time and call the court when a conflict arises.
2. File pretrial reports, briefs and motions timely.
3. Cooperate fully and in a timely manner on discovery requests and reply to communications from opposing counsel.
4. Make a real effort to work out disagreements before filing a motion to compel or motion for sanctions.
5. Be clear and concise in all material filed with the court.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1978
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1985; re-elected in 1986, 1992, 1998
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Clerk to the Honorable John A. Decker, Chief Judge, Wisconsin Court of Appeals; assistant district attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office; Milwaukee Municipal Judge.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Milwaukee Magazine Milwaukeean of the Year 1996 (for work in implementing the Foster Care Conversion Project which has facilitated the adoption of approximately 200 children who had been mired in long-term foster care); 1997 Children’s Service Society Service to Children Award; chairman, Juvenile Benchbook Committee (1993-present); chairman, Juvenile Jury Instruction Committee; former member, board of directors, Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin; past member, Marquette University College of Arts and Sciences, past Alumni Board; born Jan. 13, 1953; married, seven children.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. I require proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed no later than 48 hours prior to trial by the court.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1976
Elected to Circuit Court: 1987
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Attorney-in-Charge, Milwaukee Field Office, Organized Crime Section, United States Department of Justice, 1982-1987; Assistant United States Attorney, Western District of Wisconsin, 1977-1981.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Member, Felony Division Strategic Planning Team, Milwaukee County Judicial District, 1993; member, Speedy Trial Implementation Committee, Milwaukee County Judicial District; member, Jury Committee, Milwaukee County Judicial District; faculty, Wisconsin Supreme Court Judicial Education; member, Juvenile Jury Instruction Committee, Wisconsin Judicial Conference; member, Task Force for a Drug-Free Milwaukee, 1989-1990; member, board of directors, The Milwaukee Forum, 1984-1997.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Preferences regarding exhibits: To the extent possible, counsel should mark exhibits in advance. Do not defer the offer of an exhibit or objections to an offer until the end of the trial. If you wish an exhibit received in evidence, move it as soon as the foundation has been laid. If either party believes an exhibit should be received with some limitation, this issue should be raised at the time of the offer.
2. Exhibits received are presumptively available to the jury. While some exhibits may not go to the jury room during deliberations, this is not the point at which to object to the admissibility of an exhibit previously received.
Education: J.D. Conferred: Stanford University Law School, 1974; B.A.: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1970
Elected to Circuit Court: 1994
Current Rotational Assignment: Misdemeanor Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Court commissioner, Milwaukee County, 1980-1994; legal counsel, Milwaukee County Child Support Agency, 1977-1980; hearing examiner, Wisconsin Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations-Equal Rights Division, 1976; staff attorney, Legal Aid Society, 1974-1975.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Member of the Supreme Court’s Public Policy Planning Committee; member, Executive Committee of the First Judicial District; State Bar of Wisconsin Professionalism Committee, past member; Family Court Commissioners Procedural Uniformity Committee, past member; Milwaukee Bar Association-Legislative Committee, past chair, vice-chair; Milwaukee Bar Foundation, board member, 1996-present; Bench/Bar Committee, criminal law and family law; Rules Committee to Revise and Update Rules for the 1st Judicial District, Family Court Division, past member; American Bar Association, past member; Judicial Conference, Legislative Committee; Federal Legislative and Procedures Committee, executive past member; Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, former executive member; married, three children.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1969
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1976
Current Rotational Assignment: Family Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools, 1964-1966; Allstate Insurance, staff attorney, May 1969-December 1969; Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, assistant district attorney, 1969-1971; chief staff attorney, Legal Aid Society’s Public Defender Program, 1971-1976; adjunct associate professor of law, Marquette University Law School, 1975-1981.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Bar and Judicial Activities: treasurer, Milwaukee Junior Bar Associates, 1970s; presiding judge, Children’s Court, 1978-1980; chairman, Circuit Court Facilities Committee; member, Circuit Court Security Committee; born Sept. 16, 1940; married, two adult children.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1968; B.S.: University
of Wisconsin-Madison, 1965
Elected to Circuit Court: Aug. 1, 1991
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division, Presiding Judge
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant city attorney, Milwaukee, 1968-1972; partner, Deutch, Hansher & Burns, 1972-1991.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Former deputy chief judge, District I; vice-chairman, Wisconsin Judicial Commission; former member of the Supreme Court Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee, Supreme Court Policy and Planning Committee; board of directors, Milwaukee Bar Foundation; Wisconsin Trial Judges Association.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. This court follows the standard scheduling order.
2. Failure to follow the standard rules could result in being placed on Double Secret Probation.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin, 1974; B.A: George Washington
University, 1971
Elected to Circuit Court: 1992, 1998, 2004
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Private practice, civil and criminal litigation, 1979-1992; Legal Aid Society, Milwaukee, 1976-1979; Wisconsin Indian Legal Services, Keshena, Wis., 1975-1976.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Born 1949, Milwaukee; married to Patti Keating Kahn; Consolidated Courts Automation Program Steering Committee member, 1996-present; faculty, National Judicial College, 2003-present; hobbies: photography, aviation; contact: charles.kahn@wicourts.gov, courtroom: (414) 287-4521, cell: (414) 801-8284.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University, 1976; B.A.: Marquette University,
1973
Elected to Circuit Court: April 1992; re-elected April 1998, 2004
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant family court commissioner, Milwaukee County, 1985-1992; Assistant District Attorney, Racine County District Attorney’s Office, 1976-1984.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Member, Milwaukee Bar Association; member, State Bar of Wisconsin; Criminal Division Past Liaison to Milwaukee Bench/Bar Committee.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Motion hearings are conducted on days other than day of trial.
2. Written scheduling orders are issued when a jury date is provided.
3. Jury trials have a separate final pretrial hearing, usually the Friday before trial.
4. Cases are placed on a non-jury trial track or jury trial track as necessary.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1975
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1992
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division, Presiding Judge; Deputy Chief Judge
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Partner, Fox, Carpenter, O’Neill & Shannon S.C., 1981-1992; assistant district attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, 1976-1981; Denny & Yanisch, 1975-1976.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Member, State Bar of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Bar Association, member; member, Wisconsin Trial Judges Association; member, Association for Women Lawyers.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Motions are heard on Monday or as necessary.
2. Counsel are requested to eliminate unnecessary questions and answers. Videotape depositions should be used sparingly and with advance notice to the court.
3. Attorneys should fully comply with appropriate discovery requests and do so in a timely manner within the dictates of the statutes, local rules and scheduling orders, or be subject to appropriate sanctions.
4. No hearing can be adjourned without approval of the court.
5. To the extent possible, counsel should mark exhibits in advance. Do not defer the offer of an exhibit or objections to an offer until the end of the hearing. If you wish an exhibit received in evidence, move it as soon as the foundation has been laid. If either party believes an exhibit should be received with some limitation, this issue should be raised at the time of the offer.
6. Attorneys should avoid the use of first names during court proceedings except with children.
7. Don’t thank the court for rulings for or against during a hearing.
8. Exchange vitae of experts prior to court trial with a view towards possible stipulation regarding qualifications.
9. If you have to cover more than one court, let the bailiff know where you can be found.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: New England School of Law, 1983; B.A.: St. Mary’s
College, Notre Dame, 1978
Elected to Circuit Court: 1998; re-elected in 2004
Current Rotational Assignment: Family Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant City Attorney, City of Milwaukee, 1989-1998; in-house corporate attorney, A.O. Smith, 1987-1989; adjunct professor, business law, Alverno College, 1989-98.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Annual Judicial Conference, 2005 co-chair; Wisconsin State Bar Annual Meeting, 2005 program chair; presented multiple judicial education programs including: Act 130, Managing Domestic Violence cases and Ethical issues with Judicial elections; Wisconsin Trial Judges Association, secretary; board of directors, Wisconsin Trial Judges Association; Legislative Committee, Wisconsin Judicial Conference, member; State Bar of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bar Association, member; Association of Women Lawyers, member; President’s Circle for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Milwaukee, member; Interests include volunteer work, travel, Green Bay Packers, and an outdoor sports enthusiast. married, five children.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Arrive on time or call the court.
2. Civility at all times to the court, the staff and each other.
3. All evidentiary motions must be in writing stating reasons and pertinent facts and law.
4. Use the microphone so the court reporter can hear and make an accurate record.
5. No trial can be adjourned nor can counsel withdraw from a case without approval of the court.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Michigan, 1978
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1993
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant and Deputy, U.S. Attorney’s Office (Chief, Criminal Division 1993); U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1984-1993; assistant district attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, 1984; attorney, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1983; trial attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington D.C., 1978-1983.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Judicial Activities: Wisconsin Sentencing Commission; Committee to Improve Interpretation in Wisconsin Courts, chair, 1999-2006; Criminal Penalties Study Committee (chair, Sentencing Guideline Subcommittee); chair, Governor’s Commission on Intensive Sanctions, 1997-1998; professional associations: Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association; Association of Women Lawyers.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Please do not address witnesses or parties by first names during court proceedings.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Harvard Law School, cum laude, 1993; B.S.: Marquette University,
summa cum laude, 1990
Appointed to Circuit Court: 2001; elected 2002
Current Rotational Assignment: Misdemeanor Division, Presiding Judge
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant United States Attorney, Civil Division, 1997-2001; associate, litigation department, Foley & Lardner, Milwaukee, 1995-1997; judicial law clerk, Hon. Robert W. Warren, 1993-1995; associate lecturer, University of Wisconsin Law School, 1999-2001.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: State Bar of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Bar Association; Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association; board of directors, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 2002-present; board of directors, YMCA Metropolitan Milwaukee, Southwest Branch, member, 2002-present; volunteer coach for YMCA youth basketball program; enjoys basketball, jogging, hiking, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles and working with young people; married, four children; significant publications: author, Fair or Foul? The Survival of Small-Market Teams in Major League Baseball, 1994; Records Management Committee- Forms Subcommittee, member, 2003-present; St. Thomas More Lawyers Society of Wisconsin Board of Directors, 2005-present.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Use the microphone so the court reporter can hear and make an accurate record.
2. Attorneys should fully comply with appropriate discovery requests and do so in a timely manner within the dictates of the statutes, local rules and scheduling orders, or be subject to appropriate sanctions.
3. Please be on time and prepared. If delayed, please notify the clerk of bailiff ASAP.
4. If you have to cover more than one court, let the bailiff know where you can be found.
5. For jury trials, proposed jury instructions, motions in limine, and witness lists must be filed no later than the date of the final pretrial conference.
6. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, discovery deadline is seven days prior to final pretrial conference.
7. Cell phones/beepers must be turned off when entering courtroom.
8. Mutual respect and proper decorum are expected at all times in court.
9. Unless good cause is shown, negotiated plea agreements must be entered on or before the final pretrial conference. After that date, the court will accept a change of plea only to the charge(s) listed in the complaint without the benefit of a sentencing recommendation by the State.
10. All parties are expected to comply with the terms and conditions of the pretrial scheduling order. Non-compliance may result in imposition of a court-imposed sanction.
11. Adjournments of trial should be requested at the final pretrial conference. Parties are expected to have properly subpoenaed witnesses for trial and/or confirmed their availability for trial by the final pretrial conference. Unless good cause is shown, the court looks unfavorably on any adjournment request made on the day of trial due to the nonappearance of a witness who was not properly subpoenaed.
12. Attorneys requesting an order for competency/NGI evaluation must submit a written request and proposed order for the court to sign. The approved Supreme Court forms (CR-205, CR-216) must be used for this purpose.
13. Attorneys must file a signed Pretrial Incarceration Credit form prior to sentencing. The court will order credit only if the form has been filed. By signing the form, counsel is affirming that, as an officer of the court, he/she has reviewed the file and all relevant documents and, upon information and belief, believes his/her client is legally entitled to receive such credit.
14. Business attire required for attorneys at all times.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Emory University, 1968; B.S.: College of William &
Mary
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1985; elected: 1987, 1993, 1999, 2005
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Executive director, associate director, managing attorney, staff attorney, Legal Action of Wisconsin, 1970-1985; Foley & Lardner, 1968-1970.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Member, board of directors, Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation; Wisconsin Trial Judges Association Board of Directors; American Inns of Court, Thomas Fairchild Inn; Sergeants’ Inn; National Association of Women Judges; former member, Milwaukee Bar Association Board of Directors, Milwaukee Bar Foundation Board of Directors, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Executive Committee.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. In all cases, no adjournment without prior approval of the court.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University, 1973
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1993; elected 1994, re-elected 2000, 2006
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: McMahon & Moroney S.C., 1973-1993.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Fellow, American Bar Association; member, State Bar of Wisconsin; member, Milwaukee Bar Association (director, 1985-1991); MBA Presidential Citation, 1991; member, Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association (president 1980-1981); past member, Association for Women Lawyers; chairman, District II Section V Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility, 1990-1993; Volunteer Lawyers Project Outstanding Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year, 1990; chairman, Local Bar Grant Committee, 1984-1992; president, Civitan Club of Milwaukee, 1992-1993; member, Metropolitan Milwaukee Civic Alliance (vice-president, board of directors, 1992-1999); St. Thomas More Society, 1996-present, secretary, 1998-1999, past-president, 2000-2001; Issues Committee-Task Force on Family Violence; Tribal Courts Committee-Supreme Court, 1997-present; board of directors, Men of St. Jude and St. Jude Athletic Association; Emerald Society and Shamrock Club member; member, Bench/Bar Committee of State Bar and Milwaukee Bar; Career Youth Development-Image Award, 1996; Community Safety Award from Safety Commission of the City of Milwaukee for Court in School Program; board of directors, Emerald Society, 2000-present; Neville-Dunn American Legion Post 489 Community Service Award, March 2004; Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee (Supreme Court Committee), 2003-present.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. All cases are called on the record, except those for hearing in chambers.
2. Cases are called on the record only when all counsel are present.
3. Sheriff’s Sales confirmation on record while default judgments are not necessarily heard or read.
4. Compliance with scheduling orders and cut-offs will be enforced unless good cause is shown and possible costs awarded.
5. All motions are filed with the court, regardless of the type of motion, and then an appropriate date is given to counsel per local rules.
6. The Rules of Civility will be enforced by the court as needed.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: New England School of Law, 1986; B.A.: Williams College,
1975
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1999; elected 2000, re-elected 2006
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Milwaukee County Judicial Court Commissioner, 1996-1999; Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, head of domestic violence unit, 1992-1996; Massachusetts Department of Social Services, 1988-1992; Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, 1987-1988; Massachusetts Department of Social Services, 1986-1987.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Wisconsin Department of Justice and Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance, 1996; Massachusetts Bar Association, State Intervention in Custody Cases, 1991; National Institute for Trial Advocacy, MA, Trial Advocacy Institute, 1989; Suffolk University Law School, Center for Continuing Professional Development, Winning Trial Strategies, 1988; National Training Center on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, board member; Wisconsin District Attorneys Association and Wisconsin Department of Justice Summer Conference, 1996; Wisconsin Peer Review Organization, 1996; National Teleconference for the Training of Law Enforcement Professionals, 1997; Massachusetts State Bar, member, 1986; State Bar of Wisconsin, admitted 1992; current director, Wisconsin Boys Olympic Development Program; married, three children; Board of Trustees of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, July 2006-present; member, Board of Trustees for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; Program Administrator for the US Youth Soccer Region II Boys’ Olympic Development Program.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. All litigants should focus on the pertinent issues that they want the court to decide.
2. Every person is spoken to or heard with respect and courtesy.
3. All court matters will be conducted timely while allowing all litigants an opportunity to be heard.
4. No date changes over the phone.
5. All cases are called on the record.
6. Use the microphone so the court reporter can hear and make an accurate record.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1971; B.A.: University
of Wisconsin, Madison, 1968; M.B.A.: Cardinal Stritch University, 1990
Elected to Circuit Court: 1996, re-elected 2002
Current Rotational Assignment: Criminal Division-Misdemeanor
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Judicial Court Commissioner, 1996; Marquette University Law School, faculty, 1991-1995; United States Arbitration and Mediation of Wisconsin Inc., president, 1986-1996; Halling & Cayo S.C., of counsel, 1994-1996; private general practice law firm, AV-rated, president, 1972-1994.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Board member, Milwaukee Bar Association, 1990-1993; State Bar Board of Governors, 1993-1995; chairman, MBA Juvenile Bench/Bar Committee, 1997-1999; founding chair, State Bar of Wisconsin Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee/Section, 1990-1996; past chair, MBA Case Mediation Committee and MBA Family Law Section; lecturer, University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, State Bar Conventions, local bar associations, Academy of Legal Studies in Business, 1995, Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin, 1994, 13th Annual Family Law Workshop, Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, Annual Judicial Conference, 1998, 2001, Society of Family Lawyers, 2000, State Bar Family Law CLE, 2001; author, Wisconsin Pleading and Practice, Vol. 6A Chapter 57 (1994), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); Marquette Law Review, Vol. 78, Spring 1995, No. 3, Alternative Dispute Resolution in Wisconsin: A Court Referral System, Wisconsin Lawyer, July 1990, Mediation, Answering Your Questions. Presenter: Wis. Stat. 802.12 (ADR Court Referral) for Wisconsin Judicial Council to Wisconsin Supreme Court, 1993; Faculty: Wisconsin Supreme Court, Office of Judicial Education, 1990, 1994, 1997-1999, 2001; Settlement Techniques for Judges, 1997 and Civil Mediation for Judges, 1998-1999; Marquette University Law School, 1991-1995; State Bar Skills Training Workshop, 1992; elected to Civil Jury Instructions Committee, 2004-present; member/speaker, Task Force on Safe Family Visitation, 1999; presiding judge, State Bar High School Mock Trial, 1998; Received Highest Exceptional Achievement for MBA program from State Bar, 1991.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Attorneys should be reasonable and considerate with one another and respectful of all party litigants. Use ADR whenever possible to help settle cases.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1984; B.S.: University
of Wisconsin-Parkside, cum laude, 1981
Appointed to the Bench: 2006
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Private practice, civil litigation and family law, 1984-2006.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Member, State Bar of Wisconsin’s Consumer Protection Committee/Consumer Information and Protection Committee; member, State Bar of Wisconsin’s Public Interest Section; Milwaukee Bar Association, member, and member of the MBA Bench/Bar Civil Committee; guest lecturer at Marquette University Law School and University of Wisconsin Law School; speaker and organizer at State Bar of Wisconsin CLE seminars (including “Dealing with Dealers” and “Protecting Consumers for Fun and Profit: Developing a Consumer Law Practice”).
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1984; B.A.: University
of Vermont, 1981
Appointed to Circuit Court: 2004
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Milwaukee County Office of Family Court Commissioners, assistant family court commissioner, 1994-2004; Milwaukee County Child Support Enforcement, legal staff supervisor, 1990-1994; Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, staff attorney, 1987-1990; Legal Aid Society, Far Rockway, N.Y., staff attorney, 1986-1987; Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, staff attorney, 1984-1985; Legal Action of Wisconsin, legal assistant, 1983-1984; Professor Jay E. Grenig, Marquette University, research assistant, 1983-1984.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Milwaukee Bar Association Legal Services to the Indigent Committee, 2002-present; State Bar Family Law Section Board of Directors, 1998-2003; Parklawn YMCA Board of Directors, 2002-2003; State Bar Government Lawyers Section Ethics Committee, 1993-1994; Matrimonial Inns of Court; National Child Support Enforcement Association; Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association; Wisconsin Association of African-American Lawyers; Executive Committee, Milwaukee County Attorneys Association; New York State Bar Association; Alpha Phi Alpha Graduate Chapter, Public Service; Born 1960, Brooklyn N.Y.; married, two children.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Harvard Law School, 1983
Appointed to Circuit Court: August 1996
Current Rotational Assignment: Civil Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Law Clerk to the Hon. Terence T. Evans, United States District Court (now Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals) Judge, 1983-1984; associate, Jenner & Block, Chicago, Ill., 1984-1986; associate and then shareholder, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., 1986-1996. Areas of practice included business and commercial litigation, antitrust law, health care law, environmental and municipal litigation and appellate advocacy in the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh and Fourth Circuits and the United States Supreme Court.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Faculty member, State of Wisconsin Judicial College; member, Judicial Benchbook Volume I: Criminal; State Delegate, National Conference of State Trial Judges; chair, Supreme Court Planning and Policy Advisory Committee Planning Subcommittee; chair, First Judicial District Local Rules Revision Project; member, American Bar Association: member, State Bar of Wisconsin (former Chair of Bench/Bar and Judicial Independence Committees and member and subcommittee chair of Judicial Education Commission); member, Milwaukee Bar Association (member, Legal Services to Indigent Committee); member, Association for Women Lawyers; former member, Committee for a Diverse Judiciary; contributing author, Contract Law in Wisconsin, (State Bar CLE Books 2d ed. 2000); lecturer, various CLE and Judicial Education audiences in the areas of antitrust law, appointment of counsel, the attorney-client privilege, civil and family case management, distribution law, environmental law, evidence, federal civil procedure, mental health, sentencing and legal writing; MYLA/LAW Volunteer Lawyer Project Outstanding Pro Bono Leadership Award, 2003; Association for Women Lawyers Pro Bono Award, 2001; Forty Under Forty Award, Business Journal, 1997; Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating, 1995-1996; State Bar of Wisconsin Outstanding Service Award, 1994; MYLA/LAW Volunteer Lawyers Project Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Services by an individual Attorney, 1992; Best Lawyers in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Magazine, 1990.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. I respect and expect civility among all in my courtroom.
2. In mine-run motor vehicle personal injury cases, I may propose a scheduling order in lieu of conducting a scheduling conference; I invite counsel to negotiate and propose a scheduling order themselves if they prefer.
3. I invite parties involved in a discovery dispute to contact the court together for an impromptu, informal conference before filing a motion, to keep the case on schedule if possible.
4. I encourage pretrial stipulations as to all undisputed issues and facts, to help focus on what needs to be decided.
5. I believe firmly in scheduling a trial only when the parties have concluded discovery and exhausted efforts to settle; I will make an exception in cases where reserving a trial date more than 90 days in advance of trial is necessary to coordinate the schedules of multiple attorneys or accommodate the schedules of expert witnesses who are in high demand.
6. Use the microphone so the court reporter can hear and make an accurate record.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1974; Bachelor’s
degree: University of Chicago
Elected to Circuit Court: 1999
Current Rotational Assignment: Misdemeanor Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Municipal judge, City of Milwaukee, 1979-1983, 1993-1999; police officer, City of Milwaukee, 1976-1979, 1983-1989; Milwaukee County Treasurer, 1990-1993.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Former newspaper reporter, The Chicago American; former assistant vice president for government relations, Golden Rule Insurance Company; born Franksville, Racine County; former candidate, Racine County Executive.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Payment of fines at time of sentencing is encouraged.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1972; Bachelor’s
degree: University of Wisconsin, 1967; Master’s degree: Marquette
University, 1969
Appointed to Circuit Court: September 1999, replacing Judge Michael Barron in Branch 8
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: District Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee County, assistant district attorney, first assistant district attorney, 1972-1984; attorney, shareholder, Mulcahy & Wherry, 1984-1991; attorney, shareholder, Davis & Kuelthau S.C., Milwaukee, 1991-1998; Attorney General’s Office, 1998-1999.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Village Board Trustee, Village of Bayside, six years; past- president, Corporate Practice Institute, Milwaukee, Board of Governors; Board of Governors, Seventh Circuit Bar Association; 27 years of civil and criminal litigation in both the public and private sectors; married, three children; enjoys sports and recreational activities.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Everybody should be treated with respect.
2. Everyone is expected to be prepared for the scheduled matter and arrive on time.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1988; B.S.: University
of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 1984
Appointed to Circuit Court: 2004; elected 2005
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division, Presiding Judge
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Milwaukee County Circuit Court, assistant court commissioner for Hon. Mary Kuhnmuench, 2000-2004; Legal Action of Wisconsin Inc., director of Volunteer Lawyers Project, 1994-2004, managing attorney, Milwaukee office, 1996-2004; Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, Norris & Rieselbach S.C., associate attorney-litigation, 1988-1994; Boardman, Suhr, Curry & Field, law clerk, 1986.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Commission on Children, Families and the Court-Policy and Law Subcommittee; Milwaukee Trial Judges Association; 2008 Juvenile Law Institute Faculty; Milwaukee County Circuit Court Committees-Unified Family Courts, Videoconferencing; State Bar of Wisconsin, 1988-present; Association for Women Lawyers-president, member 1998-present; Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association, 1994-present; Milwaukee Bar Association, 1991-present; Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association, 2001-present; Wisconsin African American Lawyers Association, 2006-present; Justinian Society, 2004-present; Thomas E. Fairchild Inns of Court, 2004-2006; Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, 2002-present; International Association of Collaborative Professionals; MPS Violence Prevention Task Force; Wisconsin Association of Mediators, 2002-2005; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America, Wisconsin Chapter, 1988-present; Women’s Resource Day, 1994-present; Milwaukee Forum, 2001-2006; Professional Dimensions, 2004-present; Tempo, 2004-present; Express Yourself Milwaukee, 2006-present; Peace Learning Center, 2006-present; My Good Mourning Place, 2006-present; Centro Legal Por Derechos Humanos, 1996; Firearm Injury Center Advisory Board, 2004-2005.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. It is essential in my courtroom that lawyers: communicate early and often with their clients and others involved, and not just before entering the courtroom before a hearing; act with brevity and civility; be tolerant of each other and the litigants, especially those who appear pro se; act with courtesy — it counts; and have a collaborative spirit. We all work with many players in the child welfare arena—a child or children, parents, attorneys, social service agencies and others. We need to look for workable solutions and/or narrow the issues where feasible. You also can expect that I will be fair, patient and act with an even temperament.
2. Lawyers also should use their skills to become more involved in the life of our communities. I believe this will help improve the quality of justice for our communities. Lawyers are especially equipped to govern, educate, and problem solve. They have skills that are unique to our profession that allow for close human contact instilling confidence, behavioral insight, and influencing others by teaching and role-modeling. Lawyers have courtrooms in which they persuade the court and juries; classrooms in which they educate law students; and offices and social outings where they interact with persons of other disciplines — all which can be used to promote the social order of our society.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1986; L.L.M. in Health
Law from De Paul, University’s Health Law Institute, 1995
Elected to Circuit Court: April 2005
Current Rotational Assignment: Misdemeanor Division-DV
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Chairman of Health Law Department and litigator, Kasdorf, Lewis & Swietlik S.C.; shareholder, Techmeier & Van Grunsven S.C.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Office of Lawyer Regulation Special Preliminary Review Panel, chair, 2001; Milwaukee Bar Association’s Health Law Section and Judicial Polling Committee, chairman; MBA Court Committee, member; State Bar of Wisconsin, member; American Bar Association, member; Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, member; Association of Trial Lawyers of America, member; MBA’s Judicial Selection Committee; Committee To Improve Interpreting In The Wisconsin State Courts; Adjunct Professor, Marquette University Law School; authored many articles published in legal and medical journals on issue of health law and litigation; recently co-authored Health Care Law, published by ALI-ABA in March 2001; lecturer on litigation, trial practice, health law and health care issues; received the highest AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and listed in Who’s Who In American Law.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 1976; Undergraduate
degree: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Elected to Circuit Court: 1988
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Former City of Milwaukee assistant city attorney; former municipal judge, City of Milwaukee.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Past member or member: American Judges Association; Revenue Task Force; Milwaukee Youth Gang Task Force; lecturer and group discussion leader, National Judicial College; co-chair, Milwaukee Youth Commission and Matrimonial Lawyers Association; Task Force on Family Violence; Healing of Brokenness of our Children Initiative, St. Michael’s Hospital Community Foundation; St. Joseph’s Foundation; House of Peace; former Advisory Committee member, Ronald McDonald House; board member, Big Brothers/Big Sisters; State Bar of Wisconsin Professionalism Committee; several Milwaukee Bar Association committees, including the Executive Committee as a director of the Judicial Conference; awards and honors include: Metropolitan Municipal Prosecutor of the Year Award, 1982; Justinian Society of Lawyers Service Award; and special commendation from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women; interests include family, golf, reading, community service.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. The paramount rule of this branch is fundamental fairness and an opportunity to be heard.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, magna cum laude, 1984;
B.S.: Marquette University, cum laude, 1979
Elected to Circuit Court: April 3, 2001
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant United States Attorney, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1986-2001; Special Assistant United States Attorney, Northern District of Illinois, 1993; assistant district attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, 1984-1986; Touche Ross & Co., 1979-1981 (Certified Public Accountant).
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Milwaukee Bar Association; volunteer attorney, St. Benedict the Moor, 1983-1990, 1999-2001; board of directors, Legal Action of Wisconsin, 1998-2001; Milwaukee Bar Association Legal Services for the Indigent Committee, 1999-2001; Justinian Law Society, member; Seventh Circuit Criminal Jury Instructions Revision Committee, 1998; Milwaukee Public Schools Reading Tutor, 1998-2000; guest lecturer, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Juvenile Jury Instruction Committee; board of directors, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families.
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Attorneys are expected to appear in court at the scheduled time, be fully prepared and treat one another with respect.
2. To the extent possible, counsel should mark exhibits in advance. If you wish an exhibit received in evidence, move it as soon as the foundation has been laid.
3. The court prefers a brief statement of the issues and requested relief before proceeding with argument.
4. Final pretrials are intended to be substantive. All motions and anticipated evidentiary issues should be resolved at the hearing.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin, 1968
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1983
Current Rotational Assignment: Family Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Private practice, 1975-1983; assistant city attorney, City of Milwaukee, 1970-1975; private practice, 1968-1970.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Chair, Civil Jury Instruction Committee, 2005; former president, Water Tower Landmark Trust and Milwaukee North Sunrise Rotary; board member, Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra; chairman, Charles Allis Art Library Study Committee; commissioner, Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District, 1977-1983; chairman, MMSD, 1981-1983; president, Milwaukee Society; board member, St. Joseph’s Foundation; member, Milwaukee Bar Association Bench/Bar Committee; Judicial Education Committee, former member; Civil Jury Instruction Committee, member, 1996-present; Civil Benchbook Committee, member, 1993-2004.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University, 1985; B.A.: Sociology, magna cum
laude, Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi, 1973; Master’s
Degree: Public Administration, University of Southern California, 1982
Appointed to Circuit Court: 1992; elected 1993, reelected in 1999, 2005
Current Rotational Assignment: Family Division, Presiding Judge
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Assistant United States Attorney, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1985-1991; legal advisor and instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA., 1991-1992; United States Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, 1973-1982.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Judicial and extrajudicial activities (past and current) include providing legal instruction for judges, legal professionals and the community; service on boards and committee memberships including legal associations, schools and community groups. Service affiliations include: judicial representative and director on the Wisconsin Judicial Conference; Wisconsin representative, National Association of Women Judges; president-elect, Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers; council chair, House of Peace; and memberships in the State Bar of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Association for Women Lawyers, the National Bar Association, the Marquette Law Alumni Board Diversity Recruitment Committee, Milwaukee Chapter, Links Inc., Professional Dimensions Inc. and the NAACP. Awards/Commendations include: State Bar of Wisconsin Judge of the Year Award; 2007 Marquette University All-University National Award recipient-Service to the Community; Alcorn State University Distinguished Achievement Award; Sacagawea Award (Professional Dimensions Inc.); Pioneer Award (Cardinal Stritch University); Civil Rights Award (Nehemiah Project Inc.); Outstanding Women of Achievement & Philip Lerman Racial Justice Awards (YMCA of Greater Milwaukee); the To Do What Is Just Award, (Milwaukee Inner City Churches Allied for Hope, or “MICAH”); and the Stamp On Milwaukee Award (U.S. Postal Service).
Rules, Policies, Protocol, etc.:
1. Follow rules of evidence and local rules particularly on discovery matters; civility and notice requirements are a must; motions for reconsideration are generally handled on without hearing unless specifically determined otherwise for cause by the Court; the Court requests a brief statement of the issues and the requested relief before proceeding with argument.
Education:
J.D. Conferred: Marquette University Law School, 1984; B.S.: Marquette
University, 1981; California Western School of Law: 1982
Appointed to Circuit Court: 2002
Current Rotational Assignment: Felony Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Tylicki, Witkowiak & Jennings S.C., 1984-2002; judicial court commissioner, 1991-1997, 1997-2002.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: Ethics commissioner, Ethics Board Chair, 2000-present; State Bar of Wisconsin, chairman, Children and Law Section, 1999-2000, board of directors, 1995-2000, liaison, Family Law Section, 1996-1999; Milwaukee Bar Association, Ethics Committee, 1998; Milwaukee World Festivals Board, 1998-2000 and 2001-present; United Ethnic Festivals President, 1999-2000; Milwaukee Art Museum Regional Advisory Board, 2001-2003; Milwaukee Society President, 1996-1997; City of Franklin Board of Ethics, chairman, 2000-2002; Southside Business Club Board, 1996-1998; Boy Scouts of America District Fund Drive director, 1994-1995; St. Joseph’s Foundation Board, 1995-1999; Child Development Center Board of Directors, 1999-2001; Polish Festivals Incorporated, president, 2000-2002; Polish Center of Wisconsin, president, 2000-2002
Education:
J.D. Conferred: University of Wisconsin Law School, 1991; B.A.: University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 1983
Appointed to Circuit Court: 2003
Current Rotational Assignment: Children’s Division
Summary of Career Preceding Judgeship: Judicial court commissioner, 1999-2003; Cornwall, Rhiel & Yamahiro, 1995-1999; trial attorney, Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, Milwaukee, 1991-1995; Wisconsin Correctional Services, 1986-1988; mental health counselor, 1983-1986.
Other Pertinent Biographical Data: First Asian-American circuit court judge in Wisconsin; first judicial court commissioner to preside in Domestic Violence Court, recognized for service there by the Task Force on Family Violence; Wisconsin Public Defender Special Service Award, 1997, and SPD Exceptional Performance Award, 1994; married to attorney Deja Vishny, one child.