Hon. Stephen A. Simanek

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When a trial judge sits in the traffic division, it’s easy to start thinking that no one on the roads has a valid driver’s license. When it’s children’s court, it becomes apparent that way too many kids suffer as a result of inadequate parenting. In civil court, a judge learns about horrendous accidents that cost people’s lives or severely injured them.

It’s easy to understand how some judges can burn out — and we haven’t even mentioned the plight of victims associated with misdemeanor and felony court.

But 29-year veteran Racine County Circuit Court Judge Stephen A. Simanek has never let the everyday tragedies of his position prevent him from staying focused on his job. He recognizes the importance of listening to litigants and attorneys and applying the law (and a little common sense) to their cases, all while keeping in mind what’s best for the citizens of his hometown. In fact, the only time he’s been gone from Racine for an extended time was to pursue his education.

Simanek says the decision to follow a career in law didn’t just strike him “like some sort of epiphany.”

He says, “I didn’t come from a family of lawyers. I had an uncle who was a lawyer, but my dad was a pattern-maker — a skilled tradesman. It was just what I’d always wanted to do, and I got lucky; it all just fell into place.”

After seven years of private practice, Simanek decided to seek a position on the other side of the bench. He was just 33.

Simanek can’t think of any one “career-making” case from his years in practice or on the bench.

“I like to fly under the radar screen,” he says. “I think my longevity, rather than any one particular case, is what people might remember me for. I’ve always tried to do a good job, and I like it here. I’ve had no desire to seek a spot on the appellate courts.

“Twenty-nine years is a long time, during which I’ve been affirmed on appeal, and have sometimes committed reversible error,” he observes. “It’s kind of like Brett Farve; he’s had a lot of time to break the record for touchdown passes, but also more than a few interceptions along the way.”

From 1987 to 1990, and from 1990 until 1997, Simanek served as deputy chief, and then chief judge, of the 2nd Judicial District. The additional administrative duties reinforced in his mind the importance of the art of compromise.

Simanek is not planning to seek re-election when his term expires next year. He plans to serve as a reserve judge, allowing more time with his family and more time outdoors — the two activities from which he derives the most joy.