Michael Rust

Professional career

• Michael Rust has been a professional neutral for over 12 years, presiding in more than 2,000 disputes and serving as Circuit Court Commissioner
• Michael D. Rust is the Circuit Court Judge for Branch 1 in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, serving from the Winnebago County Courthouse in Oshkosh
• Judge Rust’s office is located in Room 413 and is open for public business during court hours
• In summary: Judge Michael D. Rust brings extensive experience in conflict resolution, ethics, and community leadership to his role as a judge in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, serving the public with a focus on impartiality, professionalism, and civic engagement

Education

Additional information

• He was elected to the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals in 2020, an honor given to fewer than 20 individuals in Wisconsin.
• For case information, schedules, or to contact the court, visit the Winnebago County Circuit Court Branch 1 page.
• Recognized for his commitment to judicial ethics and has held the role of President of the Association for Conflict Resolution, commissioning reviews of Wisconsin ethics codes.
• Before his judicial role, he was Chief Executive Officer of the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center for 9 years, managing a roster of 50+ volunteer mediators and overseeing over 500 mediations annually.
• His career also includes litigation work in Green Bay, complex commercial and real estate cases, and leadership in Wisconsin’s Special Education Mediation System.
• Core Team member, Oshkosh Civility Project