Circuit Court judge still settling in

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Jodi Meier

Meier appointed to the bench in July

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Since Jodi Meier’s appointment to Kenosha County Circuit Court judge in July, the Salem resident has been through a whirlwind of training, but has found the journey satisfying.

Meier, appointed by Gov. Scott Walker, filled a Branch 7 vacancy left by Michael Wilk, who died in March.

The newest Circuit Court judge has maintained strong roots in Kenosha County, where she graduated from Westosha Central High School in 1984, followed by a Marquette University undergraduate degree in 1988, and capped off with her 1991 Juris Doctorate from the same school.

While Meier acknowledged it has been difficult to replace Wilk, who served the bench from 1994 until his death, she hopes to carry his longstanding legacy on Branch 7.

“Judge S. Michael Wilk was a truly special man and I am grateful for the privilege of practicing before him since he took the bench in 1994,” Meier stated. “Although Judge Wilk is irreplaceable, I strive each and every day to continue his legacy while presiding.”

His legacy, she said, includes a fair, respectable and reasonable approach to his judgments.

When she received appointment, Meier closed her Salem practice of 25 years, and started to shadow a variety of judges in Kenosha, Racine and Kenosha Counties.

Furthermore, she attended a weeklong judicial college to enhance her skills, and added other training and workshops.

“On top of all that, I have been handling the regular court caseload,” Meier stated. “It has been a lot of work but it has been immensely satisfying.”

While she served as a private practice attorney, conducting business on the bench is nothing new, noting her experience as a Guardian ad Litem since 2005 in addition to work as a court commissioner.

Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman, who appointed her as court commissioner in 2015, said Meier has an established record, according to a July news release.

“Ms. Meier has clearly earned an excellent reputation as an attorney in Kenosha. She would be an indispensable asset to the Kenosha County judiciary,” Kerkman stated.

In addition to Meier’s experience in Kenosha, she also practiced in Milwaukee, before focusing on her hometown about 14 years ago.

The focus, she said, gives her the added benefit of staying close to her friends from school and creates an opportunity to give back to the community.

“It has always been home. My best friends have been my friends from grade school and high school,” said Meier, who noted her father’s experience as a Town of Salem supervisor and Salem Grade School teacher.

“My dad, Joseph Meier, was very committed to the community and had so many ties to so many people through his teaching,” Meier said.

Although she enjoys staying close to home, she loves traveling when not on the bench. She also knows her new task comes with a set of responsibilities.

“When I received the call from Gov. Walker appointing me to the Branch 7 bench, I was extremely humbled,” Meier said. “I know this position is very special and highly respect, and I have been entrusted with the responsibility.”


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