---
title: "Mary Sowinski | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mary-sowinski-judge-oneida-county-circuit-court-wi"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-22"
---

# Mary Sowinski

Oneida County Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Oneida County Circuit Court
- State: Wisconsin
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### camera notice

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.

Evidence excerpt: the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advance

[Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### courtroom equipment control

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control.

Evidence excerpt: Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be used

[Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing notice

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions.

Evidence excerpt: The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone.

[Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing technology

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access.

Evidence excerpt: Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible.

[Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit/judges.htm)
- [Official roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit/judges.htm)
- [Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit/judges.htm)
- [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
- [Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)

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## 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.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-36fa3f826227447b1512eede) — 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](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099). Collected 2026-07-26.
