A brief look at Waukesha County Judge William Domina

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Judge William J. Domina admits that one of the benefits of being a judge is the distinguished attire.

The veteran corporation counsel in two counties wryly said in January that he sought appointment to the Waukesha County Circuit Court because he always thought he’d look good in black.

Now five months on the job, Domina enjoys being on the bench because his decisions can impact people’s lives, for better or worse.

Prior to his appointment, he served as Milwaukee Corporation Counsel for seven years, during which time he helped secure a near-record $45 million payment from Mercer Inc. in the county’s pension lawsuit against the human resource consulting firm.

Ever active in the legal profession, Domina served on the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors and is a member of the Waukesha, Milwaukee and American Bar Associations.

In this week’s Asked & Answered, the new judge offered some insight into the man under the robe.

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

Hon. William J. Domina: As a circuit court judge, I value most the opportunity to make a difference, even if it is in some cases so very small. My previous work in Milwaukee County was like this, but as a judge, I deal with people at the front line and in crisis where I sometimes get more immediate feedback.

WLJ: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Domina: “Never run with scissors,” which to me means that you should not be afraid to take a risk, even if there may be a probability of failure, but that you should not make your choices out of anger or emotion.

WLJ: What is your favorite website and why?

Domina: Personally and my dirty little secret is www.bradsdeals.com which gives me a fix for internet shopping for items on sale and at a value.

WLJ: Which actor would play you in a movie?

Domina: Living — Drew Carey. Dead — my kids would say Chris Farley, but I would say the great John Houseman, who I was privileged to interview when I was in college.

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

Domina: A sense of humor. This is a quality that has gotten me through many dark times.

WLJ: What is the first concert you went to?

Domina: Harry Chapin. My children hate that I know all the words to the song “Taxi.”

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

Domina: A soldier serving in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Although I grew up as an Army brat, I have never served in the military as my father did. I think that even a one day substitution would be incredibly rewarding and educating and would allow one of our country’s heroes a small respite.

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

Domina: An article entitled, “How to Lose Weight on the South Beach Diet.”

WLJ: What is your biggest judicial pet peeve?

Domina: A lack of civility and anyone who thinks it is OK to wear shorts to court.

WLJ: Where and when are you most happy?

Domina: Watching my kids participate in school activities.

Jack Zemlicka can be reached at [email protected].