Michael S. Kenitz at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michael S. Kenitz
Judge · Washington County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Other roles: Supplemental Court Commissioner for Washington County (2020–present)
- Branch 3 Circuit Judge in Washington County, Wisconsin, appointed by Governor Tony Evers in March 2022 to succeed Judge Todd K. Martens
- Circuit Judge, Branch 3 of the Washington County Circuit Court, one of four branches in the county’s single judicial circuit
Education
- B.A. and J.D. from Marquette University (2004, 2006).
Additional information
- Pre‐judicial career: Since 2006, Kenitz has practiced law in Hartford, WI, through Kenitz Law Office, LLC
- Appointed: March 4, 2022, by Governor Tony Evers.
- Governor Evers and former Judge Martens praised Kenitz’s broad legal experience, community commitment, and integrity, noting his suitability to preside over Branch 3.
- handling criminal and traffic defense, family law, civil litigation, small claims, landlord–tenant disputes, estate planning, and serving as a Guardian ad Litem in custody and guardianship cases.
- His jurisdiction covers a broad range of cases, including criminal, traffic, civil, family, small claims, and landlord–tenant matters.
- Community service: Active in the Washington County Family Law Assistance Program, United Way of Washington County Board, and Sycamore Tree Daycare Center Board (past president); also a youth football coach.
- Kenitz himself described the appointment as “an enormous honor” and expressed commitment to serving the people of Washington County faithfully.
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
Washington 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 ↗