Michael D. Zell at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michael D. Zell
Judge · Portage County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge on the Portage County Circuit Court (Branch 1) in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, appointed by Governor Tony Evers in June 2022
- Assistant District Attorney (2015–2022) in Wood, Portage, and Marathon Counties
- Owner, Zell Law Office, LLC (2003–2015) — practice in family law, guardian ad litem, child welfare, criminal appeals, and some bankruptcy cases
- Special Investigator for the Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation (2014)
- Associate at Anderegg & Mutschler, LLP (2001–2003)
- Assistant State Public Defender in Racine County (1998–2001)
- His prior significant legal work included co‐counsel in a first‐degree intentional homicide in Marathon County
Education
- University of Wisconsin Law School — J.D. (1998)
- B.A. & M.A. (Philosophy) — University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (1993, 1995)
Additional information
- Appointment: June 24, 2022, by Governor Tony Evers, replacing the retired Hon. Thomas B. Eagon
- Assistant State Public Defender (2021–2022) for Wood and Marathon Counties
- In his judicial role, Zell presides over a range of cases, including recent traffic forfeiture matters in Portage County.
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
Portage 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 ↗