The Honorable Phillip Koss has been recognized as the University of Wisconsin Law School's Adjunct Teacher of the Year. Judge Koss has served as a circuit court judge in Walworth County since 2012.
Judge Koss brings a wealth of experience to his teaching role, having previously worked in the district attorney's office in Waupaca County and later served as the District Attorney for Walworth County. At the ceremony, Dean Dan Tokaji said Judge Koss' dedication to legal education extends beyond the classroom. The Kids First Foundation of Milwaukee selected him to travel to Latvia in 2003 and 2017 to provide training to prosecutors, judges, and parliament members on important legal topics.
Since 1998, Judge Koss has taught Trial Advocacy at UW Law School. He has taught the course an impressive 25 times, impacting over 220 students. His commitment to providing students with a unique and practical learning experience has been reflected in the glowing student evaluations that led to his recognition as the Adjunct Teacher of the Year. One student remarked, "His actual litigation experience in the class is like no other course in law school and really makes me feel like a lawyer."
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