Hon. Michael J. Skwierawski
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
The legal community in Wisconsin is mourning the loss of Judge Michael J. Skwierawski, who passed away on March 8, 2024. He was 81 years old. Judge Skwierawski served Milwaukee County for 25 years, including five years as chief judge, before retiring in 2003 to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Skwierawski was a well-respected judge, administrator, and manager of the court system, providing numerous opportunities for people to grow their careers. He presided over 512 jury trials, including many high-profile cases. Skwierawski was first appointed to the Branch bench in 1978 be then-Gov. Martin Schreiber, and won election four times. In 1998 he was appointed chief judge of the First Judicial Administrative District by the Supreme Court, a role he served in until his retirement from the bench in 2003. He had previously served as the deputy chief judge for the district.
During his time in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court he also served as the presiding judge for the civil division, vice-chair of the Committee Judicial Section, and as a member of the Pro Se Working Group, Judicial Workload Committee, and the Planning & Policy Advisory Committee. He also showcased his musical talents at the annual Judicial Conference as a member of the band Presumed Guilty, made up of judges, whose performances were a conference favorite. Outside of the courthouse he was an active member of the Milwaukee community, serving as a board member and consultant for Southeastern Wisconsin Youth and Family Services, on the Polish National Alliance, and as chair of the Polish Center of Wisconsin.
Skwierawski leaves behind a legacy of significant contributions to the court system, which made it more accessible and efficient for the community. He was instrumental in developing the first drug court in Milwaukee. He also implemented several institutional changes, such as creating a written policies and procedures manual for the First District. Colleagues remember him as a role model and passionate advocate for cameras in the courtroom, which he believed would provide better access to justice.
His passing is a significant loss to the legal community, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations of judges and legal professionals.
Hon. Jess Martinez Jr.
Waukesha County Circuit Court
Former Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Jess Martinez Jr. passed away on January 14 at the age of 78.
Martinez served on the Branch 7 bench from 1983 until 1985. He received his law degree from the University of California-Davis after serving as a First Lieutenant in the Vietnam War. Martinez helped to establish the State Public Defender’s Offices in Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties, and the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association.
Martinez is survived by his son Nicholas, daughter-in-law Sheila, and grandson, as well as other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Gabriel.
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