Paz finds success behind the scenes

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During a recent parental rights trial in Waukesha County Circuit Court, the defense attorney made an objection based on a published appellate case.

As Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge William Domina listened to the oral argument, Monica Paz, deputy clerk of courts, quietly pulled up and slid to Domina the appellate case to which the defense council had referred.

Paz’s quick research helped the judge make an immediate ruling on the objection.

That scenario illustrates how Paz works quietly behind the scenes to assist Waukesha County judges, court managers, officials and co-workers.

“Her keen eye for detail is outstanding,” Domina said. “Monica’s relentless dedication frequently goes unrewarded but not unnoticed.”

Paz began her career with Waukesha County in 1998 when she joined the typing pool with the Department of Health and Human Services. A few months later, she transferred to the cashier unit of the circuit court’s criminal/traffic division.

It was there, she said, that her interest in law grew. And there, she accepted various promotions.

Paz has worked in the family, civil and now the juvenile divisions of circuit court. She said that during that time, some of the judges she has worked with have encouraged her to return to school.

Paz has an associate’s in criminal justice from Waukesha County Technical College and is attending Cardinal Stritch for her bachelor’s in business administration. She and her partner have two children, ages 20 and 12.

“Returning to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree has been the biggest challenge to overcome,” she said. “The ability to balance full-time work, full-time school and my family life (is difficult).

“I’m glad to say that I have been successful.”