(Waupun) An attorney from Waupun has formally announced her candidacy for Dodge County Circuit Court judge. Kristine Snow is seeking the vacancy being created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Steven Bauer.
Snow has 27 years of legal experience, appearing before dozens of judges, in both state and federal court. She says her experience in multiple counties and in federal court has given her a perspective of what courts and judges do well, and what they do not do well.
“Consistency, application of the law as written, and explaining the basis for a decision are the hallmarks of a great judge. I will strive to be that kind of judge,” she says.
Snow and her husband are currently partners in the Waupun law firm of Snow Law, S.C. As part of her practice, she represents the citizens of Dodge and surrounding counties in family law, bankruptcy, real estate, probate matters, and other general legal matters.
Snow has experience as a civil trial lawyer and has represented clients on appeal before both the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Wisconsin Supreme Court. She has argued and won two cases at the Wisconsin Supreme Court, including a case through appointment by former Governor Tommy Thompson to represent a state commission.
Snow grew up in Columbus and was valedictorian of her graduating class at Columbus High School. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, followed by her law degree. After law school, she clerked two years for Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Daniel Anderson (retired).
Snow notes “My experience clerking at the Court of Appeals, working for a litigation law firm, and now running my own legal practice has provided me the broad range of experience necessary to be an effective circuit court judge.”
Snow has a special interest in Dodge County’s alcohol and drug treatment courts. She currently serves on the board of directors for Mahala’s Hope, a transitional recovery residence for women.
“Alcohol and substance abuse is not just a criminal problem. Addiction affects every part of a person’s life: their job, their family, and the community,” she says adding, “but if a person is willing to accept treatment, that presents the best long-term benefit for the individual, their family and the community as a whole. Real success stories happen every day at Mahala’s Hope. Treatment can work if the individual is willing to get help.”
Snow is a member and past secretary of the Waupun Rotary Club, past president of the Waupun Christmas Club, and past treasurer of the Waupun Figure Skating Club. She was the first woman president of the Madison Exchange Club. She currently serves as co-coordinator for the Wisconsin Regional High School Mock Trial competition held at the Dodge County Courthouse. She has coached the Waupun High School Mock Trial team and served as a judge for the regional and state competitions.
Kristine Snow and her husband Todd Snow reside in Waupun with their two daughters, Alaina and Shelby. She has two adult stepsons, Ian and Alex, who reside in Virginia.
The election will be held on April 7, 2020. Dodge County Assistant District Attorney Jim Sempf is also running for the seat.
