Waukesha Candidate for Judge Shares Her Story

From Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Candidate Laura Lau: My name is Laura Lau, and I am a Candidate for Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge. The vacancy in Branch 12 is the result of Judge Kathryn Foster’s retirement after 30 years on the bench. I am currently a member of the Judiciary, serving Waukesha County as a Circuit Court Commissioner since 2001 when Judge Foster appointed me.

Commissioners are the Gatekeepers of the Judicial System. Nearly every case passes through a commissioner's courtroom. In my 16 years on the bench, I have presided over more than 20,000 hearings in all 5 court divisions (civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate). I have been applying the Rule of Law in Waukesha County courts for 16 years.

At the heart of my judicial philosophy are two beliefs: (1) The law, as written, must be applied and (2) People should be responsible for their actions (or sometimes inaction). I am firm and consistent in handling cases. This sends a message to the individuals passing through my courtroom that they will be held accountable for their actions.

Waukesha County Court Experience

There is an undeniable difference between me and my opponent. Here are some strengths I bring to the Circuit Court Judge position in Waukesha County:

• Only candidate with 16 years of Judicial Experience
• Only candidate who has presided over 20,000+ cases
• Only candidate with experience in all 5 court divisions: civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate
• Only candidate with a history of applying the Rule of Law in court
• Only candidate in court everyday working to keep Waukesha County safe from alleged criminals
• Only candidate to co-author a book utilized by lawyers and the Judiciary to decide cases

Backed by the Badge

In Waukesha County we are blessed with excellent law enforcement agencies. They work tirelessly to keep our community a safe place to live. I am proud to include members of Waukesha’s finest on my Endorsement List:

• Waukesha County Sheriff Eric Severson
• Waukesha County District Attorney Sue Opper
• Waukesha Deputy Sheriff’s Association
• Former Waukesha County Sheriffs Dan Trawicki & Arnie Moncada
• Former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher
• Waukesha County Police Chiefs and Municipal Judges (Please see, LauForJudge.com.)

Waukesha County Roots

I was born in Waukesha and educated in the public school system (Waukesha North High School, 1981 Valedictorian). My two children were also raised in Waukesha. My daughter, Andrea, followed in my footsteps and became a lawyer. She is a fellow Marquette Law School graduate and I was able to swear her in at the Supreme Court. Andrea’s undergraduate degree is in Spanish and she uses her bilingual skills as an attorney for Waukesha County Corporation Counsel’s office. My son, Ryan, is a second year medical student at The Medical College of Wisconsin. He has spent time in Bolivia volunteering with the Hospital of Hope. He plans to incorporate missionary work into his medical career. My parents are graduates of Waukesha High School and Catholic Memorial. My dad, Richard (Schmidt), was a CNC operator and my mom, Patricia, a secretary.

Faith

Our family was strengthened by faith following the loss of my husband in 2003. We strive to live in a way that is Christ honoring and to improve the lives of people around us. I grateful for the amazing faith community in our County and the amazing people who lead our churches and ministry events. Weekly Bible study and the Women’s Ministry at my church continually challenge and fulfill me.

Community Service

I believe that when one has been given an amazing life, that giving back is a natural response of gratitude. In the court system, and in my own life, I have seen people struggle with issues beyond their control or solution. I am proud to have been affiliated with many incredible organizations in our County on their Board of Directors:

• The Women’s Center, Inc.
• Pro Health Care Visiting Nurse Assn
• Pro Health Care VNA/Hospice
• WCTC Women’s Development Center
• NAMI-Waukesha (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Parents Place
• Rolland B. Nelson Memorial Hospice
• Chosen, Inc. (fostering forever families)

Thank you for reading this summary of my qualifications to become your next Circuit Court Judge. With the challenges facing our County, we need a Judge who has the experience, temperament and trust of the community. I welcome the opportunity to continue to serve Waukesha County, a county that I have devoted my life to and that has given so much back to me and my family.

Please vote April 3. The future of upholding the rule of law in Waukesha County Courts depends on your participation.

Visit www.LauForJudge.com to learn more.

Image courtesy of Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Candidate Laura Lau