--- title: "Michael D. Zell | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-d-zell-judge-portage-county-circuit-court-wi" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-22" --- # Michael D. Zell Portage County Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Portage 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) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-d-zell-judge-portage-county-circuit-court-wi", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-d-zell-judge-portage-county-circuit-court-wi", "name": "Michael D. 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Zell", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-d-zell-judge-portage-county-circuit-court-wi" } ] } ] } ``` ## 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. ## 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.