Wisconsin welcomes justice, three new judges

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice N. Patrick Crooks, left, administered the oath of office to new Justice Michael J. Gableman during a ceremony on the front lawn of the Burnett County Government Center in Siren on Aug. 1. Gableman, a former Burnett County Circuit Court judge, became Wisconsin’s 81st Supreme Court Justice. Photo credit: Todd Beckmann, Burnett County Sentinel

Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Gableman and three new judges officially took office in August.

Justice N. Patrick Crooks swore in Gableman during a ceremony on the front lawn of the Burnett County Government Center in Siren on Aug. 1.

On Aug. 4, Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson swore in Kenneth L. Kutz who filled the vacancy in Burnett County created by Gableman's election to the Supreme Court. For the past 21 years, Kutz has served as district attorney for Burnett County. Prior to that, he served as the county's assistant district attorney.

Judge Kenneth L. Kutz

Judge Michael R. Fitzpatrick

Judge Thomas E. Lister

Kutz said he has long aspired to join the judiciary. He believes that the court system is operating well, but plans to watch for new programs that might be implemented in his county. He also plans to work with Burnett County Clerk of Court Trudy Schmidt to try to secure additional staffing in the circuit court. 

Kutz received his bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and his law degree from Marquette Law School. He lives in Grantsburg with his wife, Patricia, and their three children.

Michael R. Fitzpatrick took the bench in Rock County to fill the seat of Judge Michael J. Byron, who retired (see retirements). Fitzpatrick has worked as an attorney in private practice for more than 20 years and also as a Janesville Police and Fire commissioner. He received his bachelor's degree and law degree from Drake University in Iowa.

"Michael Fitzpatrick's outstanding legal career has prepared him well for a position on the bench," Gov. Doyle said in a press release. "His broad experience and understanding of the law will allow him to serve the people of Rock County well."

Fitzpatrick said he is honored by the trust and confidence everyone has had in him. He said that this will be a wonderful challenge and a great opportunity for him, and he is looking forward to working in the Wisconsin court system.

Fitzpatrick and his wife, Sharon, have two children and live in Janesville.

The vacancy created in Jackson County by the death of Judge-elect Eric Stutz (see The Third Branch, spring 2008 ) has been filled by Thomas E. Lister, a former Jackson County district attorney who has represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases for nearly 30 years in private practice.

Lister said he will focus in general on improving efficiency in the courtroom through increased use of technology. He also intends to work closely with the tribal courts on alcohol treatment programs to complement the newly created Jackson County Drug Court.

An Ohio native, Lister received his bachelor's degree from DePauw University and his law degree from the UW Law School. When he is not at work, he enjoys golf, bicycling, and rowing. He lives in Black River Falls with his wife, Sally, and their two children.

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