Former Shawano County Corporation Counsel Jeffrey Kuglitsch was sworn in as a Rock County Circuit Court judge Aug. 11 in Janesville.
Rock County Administrator Josh Smith noted that Kuglitsch embodied the basic values of county government, focusing on honor, integrity and respect.
Kuglitsch was sworn in by James Daley, chief judge for the 5th Judicial District,who noted that the county government’s loss was a gain for the judiciary.
Kuglitsch’s children, Adam and Alysse, helped place the black robe on the new judge, who noted the absence and positive influence of his wife, Deb, who passed away in 2012.
When appointing Kuglitsch to the bench, Gov. Scott Walker’s press release quoted Shawano-Menominee Circuit Court Judge James R. Habeck that “Kuglitsch understands the legislative process and recognizes his role in enforcing public policy. His calm demeanor fits the ideal judiciary candidate and his personal ethical standards are clearly in line with the conduct expected of Wisconsin’s judges.”
Kuglitsch replaces Judge Michael Fitzpatrick, who was elected to the court of appeals. Four appellate judges from the district attended the ceremony.
Kuglitsch left the Vilas County corporation counsel office in 1993 to take the Shawano County post, then moved in 2007 to head up a seven-attorney office in Rock County.
Habeck attended the ceremony. Kuglitsch received letters of congratulation from the other Menominee -Shawano Circuit Court judges that he worked with, Earl W. Schmidt and Thomas G. Grover.
Kuglitsch’s parents and 10 siblings were able to attend the ceremony, where his sister, attorney Jennifer Kopp, provided some additional comments.