Julie Genovese (1987-88)
Dane County Circuit Court Judge
I had the privilege to clerk for the Chief when she had only been on the bench ten years. One classic story is that she called me on a Saturday morning to offer me the job. I was dating a guy in Nashville where I attended law school so was on the fence about a move. I asked if I could have the weekend to think it over. She said, “No, you can have an hour.” So I quickly called around and talked to my Vanderbilt professor who told me she was a rising star and I should accept a clerkship with her over a federal judge. That decision was the beginning of a journey that has kept me in the great State of Wisconsin for over three decades. (The guy, by the way, is still in Nashville).
After my clerkship, I worked in private practice for 11 years at Foley & Lardner in Madison where I practiced in civil litigation and met my husband. (Shirley performed our wedding.) I then spent ten years working part-time as a mediator and legal writing instructor while I raised four children. I was inspired to run for judge in 2009 and have served on the Dane County Circuit Court ever since.
My memories of SSA are many and fond, but here’s a few.
She was loved and respected by all the other clerks and interns. They were fiercely protective of her. She could talk to anyone, no matter their age, background or education. If she met someone touring the Capitol, she offered to take them in her chambers and give them a tour of the court. Her connection to the community was important to her and she wanted people to understand the court system. She gave speeches all over the State to diverse groups, ranging from business members to first graders.
There are a number of Shirley-isms which I continue to practice to this day. When I struggle with a decision, I hear her say, “See how it writes.” When someone is not meeting my expectations, I hear her say, “Well, we’ll just work around them.” And when something bad happens, I hear her say, “Let’s not get hysterical.” Most of all, I remember her combining the key attributes of an outstanding jurist: a fierce intellect with a warm heart.
