--- title: "Samuel Lawton | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/samuel-lawton-judge-barron-county-circuit-court-wi" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-22" --- # Samuel Lawton Barron County Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Barron 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/samuel-lawton-judge-barron-county-circuit-court-wi", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/samuel-lawton-judge-barron-county-circuit-court-wi", "name": "Samuel Lawton | KnowJudges", "description": "Samuel Lawton, Barron County Circuit Court. 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Lawton is the current Branch 2 Circuit Court Judge for Barron County, Wisconsin, elected in April 2024 after running unopposed to fill the vacancy left by Judge J. Michael Bitney’s retirement. - In summary: Samuel L. Lawton is a seasoned attorney now serving as Branch 2 Circuit Court Judge in Barron County, WI, elected in 2024 to fill a long-standing vacancy and to bring his legal expertise and community focus to the bench. - The Branch 2 position in Barron County’s three-judge system became vacant in September 2023 after Judge Bitney retired. - Elected without opposition and assumed the role as Barron County’s third judge - Samuel L. Lawton Barron County Justice Center 1420 State Hwy 25 North, Room 2602 Barron, WI 54812 Phone: (715) 537‐6399 ### Education ### Additional information - He previously practiced in Rice Lake and Spooner, Wisconsin, and was associated with Lawton & Lawton, S.C., which closed in May 2024 following his election to the judgeship. - Lawton declared his candidacy on October 3, 2023, and became the sole candidate for the April 2, 2024 election. - Governor Tony Evers initiated a search, but the process was delayed. - As Branch 2 Judge, Lawton presides over a wide range of cases, including criminal, family, and other circuit court matters. - Judicial Assistant: Danielle Court Reporter: Alison Ostenson - Samuel L. Lawton is a licensed attorney with extensive experience in criminal law, family law (divorce, custody, child support, guardianships, adoptions), bankruptcy, contracts, wills, trusts, and estates. ## 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.