Washington Co., WI — Michael Kenitz will fill the seat being vacated in Branch 3 of Washington County Circuit Court. The appointment fills the vacancy created by Judge Todd K. Martens’ resignation. Kenitz will complete a term ending July 31, 2023.
“Mike Kenitz is a well-respected attorney with a broad range of experience in numerous practice areas,” said Gov. Evers. “His commitment to his community, combined with his legal experience, by all accounts will make him an excellent judge for the people of Washington County.”
Kenitz opened a private practice in his hometown of Hartford after graduating from law school in 2006. His primary areas of practice include criminal and traffic defense, family law, civil litigation, small claims litigation, landlord-tenant litigation, and estate planning, representing both individuals and small businesses.
He also handles cases as a Guardian ad Litem in custody, placement, and guardianship disputes. In 2020, Kenitz was appointed to serve as a Supplemental Court Commissioner for Washington County.
“I am pleased Governor Evers has appointed Mike Kenitz to succeed me as Washington County Branch 3 Circuit Judge,” said Judge Martens. “I have known Mike since he started practicing law. Mike is a smart, honest, hard-working lawyer with a tremendous breadth of experience and an impeccable reputation in our legal community. The people of Washington County will be fortunate to have him preside over Branch 3; he will be a credit to the bench.”
A graduate of Marquette University and Marquette University Law School, Kenitz lives in Hartford with his wife and children. He is active with the Washington County Family Law Assistance Program and has served in leadership positions with the Washington County Bar Association. He has also been a youth football coach, served on the United Way of Washington County’s Board of Directors, and is the current President of the Sycamore Tree Daycare Center’s Board of Directors.
“It is an enormous honor to be selected to serve as the next judge of the Washington County Circuit Court, Branch 3,” said Kenitz. “I would like to thank Governor Evers and the members of the Judicial Selection Advisory Committee for their efforts and consideration for this appointment. I also want to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for their support. I look forward to faithfully serving the people of Washington County.”
Gov. Evers is currently looking for applicants for Branch 1 on the Washington County Circuit Court. Judge James Pouros turned in his resignation effective June 3. Evers appointment will fill the term ending July 31, 2023.
