The office plans and conducts educational seminars and training activities for Wisconsin judges, administers the course approval and credit reporting processes and regularly updates a number of reference and resource materials essential to members of the judiciary. Wisconsin's judicial branch education programs and administrative systems are recognized as among the best in the nation. The Office of Judicial Education, working with the Judicial Education Committee composed of judges, organizes statewide educational activities throughout the year. Held annually, the Judicial College focuses on the tools and techniques of judging. It is designed as an introduction to the bench for newly elected or appointed judges and a refresher for sitting judges, each of whom is required to attend the Judicial College at least once every six years.
Sessions are interactive.
Experienced judges share their solutions to the new and recurring problems that arise in litigation and their insights on judicial decision making. Newer judges, more in touch with private, corporate or government practice, share their perspectives from the other side of the bench. At the Judicial Conference the Chief Justice of Wisconsin delivers the annual State of the Judiciary Address. Judges also attend educational presentations and participate in their annual business meeting and in workshops on timely topics affecting the judiciary and the judicial process. The Office of Judicial Education co-sponsors a number of annual programs on topics of continuing interest to judges and other court staff.