A word to our readers

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that alcohol is involved in more than one-third of all fatal traffic crashes in the state, making alcohol-related traffic deaths the single largest component of all Wisconsin traffic fatalities.

In Waukesha, they’re taking affirmative and groundbreaking steps to reverse this trend.

As you’ll read inside this publication (our eighth Judges Directory, and the second of its kind to put an emphasis upon Waukesha County), Waukesha County created its Criminal Justice Collaborating Council with one goal in mind: relieving jail overcrowding via crime prevention, with the understanding that a number of those crimes in one way or another involve alcohol and drug abuse.

The council was among the first of its kind in the state, says its coordinator, Michelle Cyrulik. Now about 25 counties in the state have put similar bodies in place. Waukesha’s council, relying upon the expertise of a number of individuals, including the chief judge, now oversees approximately nine different innovative programs, including the Alcohol Treatment Court and a Day Reporting Center.

The county simply could’ve built a larger jail. But its residents are not so shortsighted. They understand that taking steps to prevent crime is preferable, and are willing to make the financial investment to do so.

The progressive and efficient justice system, coupled with a caring and knowledgeable citizenry, are two of the many reasons that we take great pride in being residents of Waukesha County — in addition to the county’s geographic beauty, economic strength, excellent schools and abundant cultural and recreational offerings.

In the 2007-2008 edition of the Judges Directory, you will also see that the two jurists interviewed within give high praise to the local bar. Judge Michael O. Bohren cannot say enough good things about the professionalism of Waukesha’s practitioners, while Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District, Judge J. Mac Davis, commends the work of the Waukesha County Bar. We urge anyone reading this who practices in Waukesha, even only occasionally, to join the Waukesha County Bar Association — a vital player in the county’s high-quality justice system.

Finally, inside this Judges Directory are two profiles of Waukesha County municipal judges. Probably for many people, their only contact with the justice system is a speeding ticket. The two jurists profiled within, Judges Joseph Cook and JoAnn Eiring go out of their way to ensure that they feel that they are heard and treated fairly and respectfully. They, and all their colleagues, serve us well.

As usual, a hearty “thank-you” is extended to the judges who took the time to respond to our requests for resumes and other information about how they run their courtrooms. Special thanks are due to the judges profiled within, who offered a great deal of insight as to what lawyers and litigants can do to present their cases more effectively within the circuit and municipal courts.

Thanks are also due to Cindy Hapka of the Chief Judge’s Office, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, as well as the staff from the Waukesha County Clerk of Court’s Office.

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

Ann Richmond
Publisher, Wisconsin Law Journal

Marjorie Wendt
President, the Waukesha County Bar Association