Mary Sowinski at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Mary Sowinski
Judge · Oneida County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Elected to the Oneida County Circuit Court, Branch II, in April 2024 and formally took office on October 18, 2024, succeeding Judge Michael Bloom
- Sowinski emphasizes understanding, compassion, and courage as essential qualities for a judge, advocating for judicial independence and fair application of the law
- As a fifth-generation resident of Oneida County, she is deeply connected to her community and has contributed to initiatives such as the Coordinated Community Response Team and juvenile justice programs
Education
- Sowinski has a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School (1998) and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Additional information
- Her current term extends until April 2, 2030.
- She has also served on the Wisconsin Commission for Children, Families & the Courts since 2017.
- Recognized as a 2008 Rising Star and appointed to the Wisconsin Chief Justice’s Commission for Children, Families & the Courts.
- The first woman elected to this position in Oneida County.
- handling a wide range of criminal and civil cases, including jury trials, appellate briefs, and complex litigation.
- Her legal career spans over 25 years, including roles as an assistant corporation counsel in Vilas County, assistant district attorney in Milwaukee County, and private practice in Oneida County.
- She has prosecuted cases involving methamphetamine production, fentanyl and heroin possession, sexual assaults, theft, impaired driving, and other criminal matters, as well as civil and family law cases, including child welfare, guardianship, and termination of parental rights.
- Prior to her judgeship, Sowinski held the role of an Assistant District Attorney in Oneida County for eight years
- She supports treatment courts for first-time drug offenders, reflecting her belief in combining accountability with rehabilitation.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Camera Notice
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.
the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advanceWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Courtroom Equipment Control
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control.
Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be usedWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions.
The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Statewide
Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access.
Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Oneida County Circuit Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked August 22, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked August 22, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster ↗Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗