Medlock earns dream job, doesn’t look back

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Janet Medlock wasn’t sure she was ready to become clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

“It’s really an honor to have this job. I never would have dreamed that I would have a job like this, and there’s not a day that I take it for granted. But I was pretty intimidated at the thought of taking on such an important role.”

She credits the court’s judges and staff for making her a success. But Medlock deserves a little credit; she’d been preparing for the job since she started in the law more than 20 years ago.

“I’ve held most positions,” Medlock said. “I’ve been a case administrator, courtroom deputy, assistant to the clerk, personnel specialist, chief deputy clerk, acting clerk twice.”

She began her career as a receptionist, working her way up to legal secretary and paralegal in Kentucky and Louisiana, including a stint at a state Department of Justice, before following her Navy husband to Wisconsin.

Medlock joined the bankruptcy court in 1997 after she had found a job in the file room.

Five years ago she was asked to run the whole show, managing an office of 37 deputy clerks in four departments and serving four judges — all while pursuing her master’s degree in administration.

“For many years I thought about going to law school, but I discovered my real passion is in leadership and making the workplace better. I finally found something I just can’t get enough of!”

She also feels like she can give back, even if that means being kind in some small way.

“My maternal grandparents were sharecroppers, and they always said: ‘It doesn’t cost a dime to be kind to people.’ I really take that to heart. I enjoy knowing we’re helping people who are often at the lowest points in their lives. Helping them get back on track, that gives me satisfaction,” Medlock said.

“And,” she added, “I really do feel like we’re a family. We’ve had a lot of uncertain budget times, and we’ve had to be creative to come up with ways to do more with less. But I’ve learned a lot of lessons from good leaders, and not-so-good leaders.

My biggest lesson has been walking the talk, leading the way you want to be led. I really try to set a positive tone. And I think it really does make a difference.”