Third Branch eNews

The fresh faces of Wisconsin's judiciary converged on the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East from August 7-9 for the 2024 New Judge Orientation program. In all, 27 recently appointed and elected judges participated in the immersive three-day event, which was packed with expert-led sessions and practical workshops designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to uphold justice and serve their communities.

The event kicked off on August 7 with a warm welcome from Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley. She offered valuable advice and encouragement to the new judges, adding, "The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to always be humble."

Key figures within the Wisconsin Court System introduced the new judges to the various departments and their functions. Over the next three days, participants engaged in several hands-on technology training sessions through the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP).

Appellate Court Judge Lisa Stark, Dean of the Wisconsin Judicial College, led sessions on Evidence-Based Decision-Making, which provides judges with the tools to make informed, impartial decisions. Stark, who has led the New Judge Orientation for 14 years, highlighted the program's role in accelerating learning and fostering important connections.

"We provide a lot of substantive information which will help them practically live their lives on the bench, not just legally render decisions, but also manage personal relationships with staff and attorneys, and ensure procedural fairness in the courtroom," Stark said. "These practical aspects are crucial and are often not taught in traditional legal education."

Workshops on jury trials, family law, criminal law, and child welfare were among the highlights. Alexandra Wirth, manager of the court interpreter program discussed working with court interpreters while Judge Mark Sanders and Judge Andrew Voigt discussed practical security measures within the courtroom.

The orientation concluded at the Dane County Courthouse, focusing on civil and criminal procedures and nuts and bolts topics. Judge Stark and Judge Gregory Gill summarized the orientation's key takeaways, encouraging the new judges to diligently apply their newly acquired knowledge and continue their development.