Third Branch eNews

Director of State Courts Hon. Audrey K. Skwierawski opened the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference in Elkhart Lake on November 13 by highlighting key accomplishments and ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting judges and improving access to justice. Addressing judges and court staff, Skwierawski emphasized this year’s conference theme, Access to Justice, as a guiding principle for the court system’s mission.

Skwierawski recognized the dedication of Wisconsin’s judiciary, stating, “Your selfless contributions to our justice system are too many to count and do not come without sacrifice. Thank you for all you do.” She extended a special welcome to newly appointed judges, encouraging them to uphold the promises of justice for all who enter the courthouse doors.

She then outlined the Director of State Courts Office’s role in supporting the judiciary through seven core offices:

• Office of Court Operations, led by Deputy Director Holly Szablewski, supports circuit courts in records and caseload management, staffing, policy analysis, and long-term planning to enhance court efficiency and accessibility.
• Office of Management Services, headed by Deputy Director Caitlin Frederick, manages essential administrative functions such as budgeting, human resources, payroll, and facility management to ensure smooth court operations.
• Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP), led by Chief Information Officer Tom Flitter, provides technology services, including electronic case management and data-sharing solutions, to improve court efficiency and accessibility across Wisconsin.
• Office of Judicial Education, led by Morgan Young, delivers training programs and educational resources to Wisconsin judges, helping them stay current with legal developments and best practices.
• Children’s Court Improvement Program, directed by Bridget Mauerman, focuses on child welfare cases, providing training and implementing best practices for handling abuse, neglect, and adoption cases in the court system.
• Wisconsin State Law Library, led by State Law Librarian Amy Crowder, offers legal research materials and resources to state employees, attorneys, and the public, ensuring access to vital legal information.
• Medical Mediation Panels, directed by Randy Sproule, provides an impartial assessment of medical malpractice claims before they proceed to court, helping to streamline the litigation process.
• Office of Lawyer Regulation, headed by Tim Samuelson, investigates complaints of lawyer misconduct, conducts disciplinary proceedings, and enforces ethical standards to uphold professionalism within Wisconsin’s legal community.
• Board of Bar Examiners, led by Jacquelynn Rothstein, oversees the qualifications, character, and fitness of attorneys in Wisconsin, as well as compliance with continuing legal education requirements.

In a show of appreciation for recent retirees, Skwierawski acknowledged Laurie Nelson, former coordinator for judicial conferences; Chris Paulsen, retired Chief Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals; Patrick Brummond, District Court Administrator for District Seven; and Susan Byrnes, District Court Administrator for District Nine. Skwierawski encouraged the audience to recognize the contributions of Director of State Courts Office staff, many of whom were present to assist throughout the conference.

In her closing remarks, Director Skwierawski emphasized the Director of State Courts Office’s commitment to supporting judges and court staff in their mission to improve access to justice across Wisconsin. She encouraged conference attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and explore new strategies to strengthen the court system, stating, “Our goal in the Director of State Courts Office is to support you as you undertake this critically important work.”

The full text of the 2024 Director’s Address is available here.