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Judge on different bench than planned

By: Jack Zemlicka, [email protected]//October 6, 2010//

Judge on different bench than planned

By: Jack Zemlicka, [email protected]//October 6, 2010//

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Judge David L. Borowski
Judge David L. Borowski

As president of the Milwaukee Trial Judges Association, Judge David L. Borowski keeps an eye on local litigation trends and practices.

That makes sense. Borowski currently resides in the Felony Division of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

But the Branch 12 judge also keeps close tabs on his alma mater, Marquette University, especially during the college basketball season. Prior to graduating from Marquette Law School in 1991, Borowski had coaching aspirations, but ultimately opted to become a referee of sorts.

He was elected in 2003 and re-elected last year. Prior to taking the bench Borowski spent six years as a court commissioner.

Drawing on his judicial experience, Borowski handled the full-court press of this week’s Asked & Answered.

WLJ: What do you value most about being a judge?

Hon. David L. Borowski: As a judge, I value the chance to make a difference. Sometimes, the difference is a small one. However, the cases I have handled in Children’s Court, Domestic Violence Court, and now in Drug Court have a major impact on the individuals involved and the community at large. I strive to make sure justice is done in each and every case.

WLJ: What is the most important thing attorneys should know before walking into a courtroom?

Borowski: Be prepared. Come to court ready to have a productive hearing. While this is pretty basic, it does not always happen.

WLJ: What is your favorite website and why?

Borowski: ESPN.com. However, Wispolitics.com is a close second. They cover two topics that I really enjoy: sports and politics.

WLJ: If you could change one thing about Wisconsin’s legal system, what would it be and why?

Borowski: This applies to both the legal and political system. However, if it were up to me I would change the decision in Wagner v. Milwaukee County Election Commission, 263 Wis. 2d 709.

WLJ: What is one thing attorneys should know that they won’t learn in law school?

Borowski: Well, I actually recall one of my professors in law school giving us this tip: While it is important to get along with the judge, it is really important to be nice to the deputy court clerks!

WLJ: What is the first concert you went to?

Borowski: Alice Cooper at the 1980 Wisconsin State Fair.

WLJ: If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

Borowski: I would take over as head coach of the Marquette University men’s basketball team, because if I had not gone to law school, I would have considered being a coach or possibly a veterinarian. As an MU graduate, this would be the ultimate coaching job.

WLJ: What is on your desk that you would most like to get rid of?

Borowski: Nothing really. I tend to read and/or sign things fairly quickly after they hit my desk.

WLJ: What is your biggest judicial pet peeve?

Borowski: Lawyers that are not prepared and lawyers that are routinely late for court.

WLJ: Where and when are you most happy?

Borowski: When I am hanging out with my wife, my dog and my 10-month-old son.

Jack Zemlicka can be reached at [email protected].

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