Racine County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz has been honored as the trial judge of the year by the Wisconsin chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Judge Gasiorkiewicz was selected from among 261 circuit court judges in the state for his outstanding work ethic, exceptional knowledge and evenhandedness in the courtroom.
Judge Gasiorkiewicz said he was humbled by the selection, adding "It is always nice to be recognized by your peers for excellence in your profession however I accept this award on behalf of all the members of the Wisconsin judiciary who oversee and administer justice for our fellow citizens of this great state.”
Before being elected to the bench in 2010, Judge Gasiorkiewicz had nearly 35 years of experience as a civil law litigation attorney. He has presided over numerous trials and is known for his no-nonsense approach. He expects lawyers appearing in his courtroom to be thoroughly prepared, and he has gained a reputation for his high standards.
Attorney Tim Trecek, who nominated Judge Gasiorkiewicz for the award, praised the judge's handling of a 2020 trial against Hyundai Motor Co. In that trial, a jury awarded the client $38.1 million, marking the largest single-plaintiff award in state history. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld the verdict, affirming Judge Gasiorkiewicz's decision.
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