December 24, 2019 – Hartford, WI – It was Nov. 24, 2019 when WashingtonCountyInsider.com first reported Washington County Circuit Court, Branch 4 Judge Andrew Gonring would be retiring March 28, 2020.
Today, the Insider confirmed the name of one of five candidates who have reportedly submitted paperwork to be considered to fill the position.
Attorney Mike Kenitz heads up his own practice, Kenitz Law Office LLC in Hartford. “I started my own practice after graduating Marquette Law School in 2006,” he said.
The Hartford Union High School grad describes himself as “a lifelong Hartford guy.” His education, memberships, accomplishments and activities are posted below.
The 37-year-old Kenitz said his interest in the open judge’s seat grew following a conversation with one of the justices at the Washington County Courthouse. “I was asked if I had ever considered it and that got me thinking,” Kenitz said. “To see the kind of impact the judges have on people and the community just made me think of how I could have a bigger impact on this area.”
The judge’s seat is an elected position, however because Gonring is retiring mid-term Governor Tony Evers will appoint an interim judge to serve until the six-year term expires in 2024.
Kenitz has not run for any political position. He is involved in the community. “At the moment I’m on the Board of Directors at the Sycamore Tree Christian Child Care Center in Hartford,” said Kenitz. “I’ve also been part of the board for the United Way of Washington County and the Hartford Best Scholarship Committee.”
A family man, Kenitz has four children between the ages of 2 through 8.
Kenitz said if he was selected, he would have to close his practice. “I’d wind it down, talk to my clients and find a successor council,” he said. “I do a lot of court-appointed work and state public defender work as part of my case load so I would have to withdraw from those cases. Part of my family practice and civil litigation practice I’d have to communicate with clients and make arrangements for successor council.”
“I have a very diverse foundation in different variations of law. I don’t know everybody that’s applied and if those names are correct, they’re specialists in one area or another. I practice in a variety of different ways,” Kenitz said.
“I’ve been told the temperament I have and the way I deal with people would be an asset to the bench and my commitment and familiarity to the community, that’s the primary reason I want to do it.”
Kenitz describes his temperament as “pretty laid back, willing to listen, and respectful of people.”
“I’m just quoting from the letters of recommendation,” he said.
Applications for the seat in Branch 4 are due January 3, 2020. Click HERE to see the 16-page application.
Governor Evers is expected to name a replacement judge once Gonring’s retirement is effective, however it’s unclear at this point if the successor will step in immediately.
Below is a rundown of the Governor’s Judicial Selection Advisory Committee.
