Kenosha judge builds her legacy off early impression

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Kenosha County Circuit Judge Mary Wagner’s first experience with the law left a lasting impression.

Wagner was in middle school when her mother hired attorney Doris Vaudreuil to handle an eviction case. She remembers Vaudreuil as a woman with an impeccable suit and matching high heels; a woman in command of herself and her profession.

Wagner also noted the judge working behind the attorney.

“While Mrs. Vaudreuil was doing her work, I saw the person on the bench making the decisions,” Wagner said. “That was intriguing.”

So, years after she left Madison to practice the laws she helped draft, Wagner decided to run for judge.

That early exposure inspired Wagner to become an attorney and eventually, run for judge. She previously worked as a teacher, county clerk and state Assembly representative.

Wagner attended law school while serving four years in the Assembly and, by 1982, had her degree. She was elected judge in 1991, making her only the second woman in Kenosha County to take the bench.

Wagner served as deputy chief and chief judge of the Second Judicial District. She now serves as chief judge in Kenosha County.

She said she is most proud of her work in juvenile court, where she has helped develop an annual juvenile justice report card and worked with social services to help at-risk children find safe and permanent homes.

“I had such a wonderful childhood,” she said. “I think it’s important to make every effort to see if other kids can have something even close to it.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What is the best part of being a judge?
Mary Wagner: I think it’s the variety of subjects that you deal with every day. There are just so many different things you get to work on.

WLJ: What do you consider your biggest achievement so far? Why?
Wagner: I think my biggest achievement is becoming a judge. It’s an honor and an opportunity, something I’m grateful for. It’s just been the most wonderful job in the world.

WLJ: What object in your office means the most to you? Why?
Wagner: Everything in my office means something to me, otherwise it wouldn’t be in here. But I would say mementos regarding my parents are the most meaningful.

WLJ: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Wagner: You would better ask people who have to listen to me, but I think one I use frequently is “malarkey.” That has been a word in my vocabulary since I was about 12. It came from my mother.

WLJ: What was your most useful law school course? Why?
Wagner: I would say it was constitutional law. And the reason it’s the most useful? It’s such a basis for what we do every day and what our responsibilities are. But also, it’s a course where you learn about issues that come up every day in newspapers, public discussions. It’s such a part of our community – from swimming suit ordinances in the park to big issues that the Supreme Court sees.

WLJ: What was your least favorite course in law school? Why?
Wagner: None. I like them all. And, in law school, you get to pick your own courses. So, if you don’t like something, it’s your own fault. It was all so interesting. What an opportunity!

WLJ: If you could develop one CLE course for credit, what would it be about?
Wagner: I think it might be on client communication and, maybe, even involving attorney communication with opposing counsel and clients, the ability to communicate clearly, lots I think would aid and assist lots of resolutions.

WLJ: What word in the English language do you wish you had invented?
Wagner: Malarkey. I wish I invented malarkey. It’s a perfect word.

WLJ: What is your greatest extravagance?
Wagner: I would say when I am extravagant it’s in purchasing ingredients for food to serve my family and friends. I love excellent ingredients, excellent cuts of meat, some spices – saffron, in my estimation, that’s a little extravagant – good ingredients for desserts, special cheeses.

WLJ: Finish this sentence: Happiness is …
Wagner: Enjoying each day and looking for the good that exists in all.