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Federal Judge Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

GovernmentJobs.com

Deputy Clerk of Courts

Elkhorn, WI · On-site

Ensure the quality and accuracy of the court files by having specific knowledge of federal, state ... Ensure court records are available for the judges and provide the proper records to the Court upon ...

Walworth County

Deputy Clerk of Courts

Elkhorn, WI · On-site

$23.89 - $32.38/hr

Ensure the quality and accuracy of the court files by having specific knowledge of federal, state ... Ensure court records are available for the judges and provide the proper records to the Court upon ...

TEEMA Group

Pharmacist

Waupun, WI · On-site

$58 - $67/hr

Strong clinical knowledge and ability to exercise independent professional judgment * Knowledge of state and federal pharmacy regulations * Ability to work efficiently in a structured, high-volume ...

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All JobsFederal Judge JobsFederal Judge Jobs in Wisconsin

Federal Judge information

See Wisconsin salary details

$18.7K

$74K

$164.4K

How much do federal judge jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal judge in Wisconsin is $74,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,264.00 and $95,422.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal judge?

Federal judges are officials appointed to serve in the United States federal court system. They preside over cases involving federal laws, the U.S. Constitution, and disputes between states or citizens from different states. Federal judges can serve on district courts, courts of appeals, or the Supreme Court, and they are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Most federal judges have lifetime appointments, allowing them to make decisions independent of political pressure. Their responsibilities include interpreting laws, ruling on legal motions, and issuing sentences in criminal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal judge?

To thrive as a Federal Judge, you need extensive legal expertise, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, substantial experience practicing law, and often prior judicial experience. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and continuing legal education are typical technical requirements. Exceptional analytical thinking, impartiality, strong ethical judgment, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure fair application of the law, uphold judicial integrity, and maintain public trust in the federal judiciary.

What are some common challenges faced by new federal judges during their first year on the bench?

New federal judges often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy and diverse caseload, mastering complex procedural rules, and maintaining judicial impartiality under public scrutiny. Adapting to the administrative responsibilities of running a courtroom and working with experienced clerks and staff can also be demanding. Many new judges benefit from mentorship programs and judicial training sessions to navigate these challenges and build confidence in their decision-making.

What is the difference between Federal Judge vs Magistrate Judge?

AspectFederal JudgeMagistrate Judge
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor, Bar Admission, often years of legal experienceJuris Doctor, Bar Admission, typically less experience required
Work EnvironmentHears federal cases, presides over trials, makes rulings in district courtsAssists federal judges, handles pretrial matters, issues recommendations
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. District Courts, federal judiciaryU.S. District Courts, federal judiciary
Common Search & ComparisonFederal JudgeMagistrate Judge

Federal Judges and Magistrate Judges both serve in the federal judiciary but differ mainly in experience, responsibilities, and authority. Federal Judges handle full trials and make final rulings, while Magistrate Judges assist with pretrial activities and issue recommendations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the federal court system.

Federal Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Judge job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,045 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Chief Judge/Court Administrator/Healing to Wellness Court Judge

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

WI • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: Negotiable
Location : Red Cliff, Wisconsin
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: TC10006
Division: Tribal Administration
Department: Tribal Court
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Chief Judge/Court Administrator/Healing to Wellness Court Judge
LOCATION: Judicial Branch, Red Cliff Tribal Court
SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications
SUPERVISOR(S): Day-to-day supervision provided by Tribal Chair and Vice-Chair, with Tribal Council as ultimate supervisor.
THIS IS A REGULAR PART-TIME EXEMPT POSITION
JOB SUMMARY: Chief Judge and Court Administrator, directing and coordinating judicial operations of the Red Cliff Tribal Court, supervising court staff and managing operations of all Court programs.
Examples of Duties
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: As Chief Judge and Court Administrator, you will provide a full range of administrative and judicial services, including:
  • Hearing cases in the trial and appellate court(s) and exercising the full range of civil jurisdiction granted by the Red Cliff Tribal Council as set forth in the Red Cliff Code of Laws.

  • Assign cases to Associate Judges as needed.

  • Supervise and provide the Court Clerk and Assistant Clerk in effective maintenance of court records and managing court procedures.

  • Prepare and issue written orders, judgments, search and arrest warrants, and perform other judicial duties.

  • Conduct legal research and writing, when necessary, for timely court decisions and opinions.

  • Develop and implement new or improved policies and procedures consistent with the Tribe's needs and tribal law and policy.

  • Attend judicial training sessions and meetings, as needed.

  • Keep accurate records of caseloads and court hearings for quarterly and annual reports to Tribal Council, BIA (638 contract), Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (Voigt Judicial Services contract) and other funding agencies.

  • Administer the Tribal Court budget.

  • Administer Oaths of Office for Tribal Council and Law Enforcement.

As Healing to Wellness Court Judges, you will:
  • Oversee the cases of the Red Cliff Healing to Wellness Court and strive to implement similar methods of alternative healing court methods.

  • Must maintain confidentiality due to nature of certain cases such as ICW matters.

  • Attend Healing to Wellness Court meetings and trainings.

  • Maintain general knowledge of addiction and continuing education regarding new research and best or promising practices for treatment courts and interventions for cooccurring mental/substance disorders.

  • Provide guidance and supervision to Healing to Wellness Court clients.

  • Assist with the collection and maintenance of performance outcome data.

  • Assist with cross-training and orientation of new hires or Healing to Wellness Court team members.

  • Assist the Finance Department with fiscal, contractual, and grant funding reports/requirements.

  • Assist in the creating as well as updating Court Policies, Procedures, and Protocols and ensure fidelity to the same.

  • Expand services of Tribal Healing to Wellness Court through collaboration with local jurisdictions.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: Supervise Associate Judges, Court Clerk, Assistant Clerk, and contractual services.
Typical Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE: Must have working knowledge of courtroom procedures, the Red Cliff Constitution and Laws of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas and other secondary sources of authority that may assist in the development of tribal law. Must have working knowledge of Indian Civil Rights Act; trust responsibilities of the Federal Government; civil and criminal law concepts; and the cultures, traditions, and values of the people of the Red Cliff Reservation.
QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must meet each of the following qualifications
  1. Must be at least 35 years of age.
  2. No felony convictions, unless pardoned.
  3. Law degree preferred. Some level of post-secondary education required.
  4. Red Cliff Tribal Member preferred; must be a member of an Ojibwe Tribe.
  5. Must be of good character and reputation.
  6. Must be able to travel to attend trainings and meetings as required.
  7. Must be able to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources of authority as necessary for the development of tribal law.
  8. Must pass a thorough background investigation.
  9. Must have a valid driver's license. Must maintain driver's eligibility as a condition of employment. Must be eligible to be put on the Tribe's vehicle insurance policy.
  10. Must possess experience as a judge with at least two (2) years of experience practicing in court on a full-time basis.

Supplemental Information
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Daily with Tribal Court personnel, defendants, Indian Child Welfare department staff, law enforcement officers, and attorneys.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Position is mainly sitting with some walking, stooping, and bending required. Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. May be required to store and lift boxes in overhead storage.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Tribal courthouse and professional office setting.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Will be required to attend trainings and meetings both in-state and out-of-state.
BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE: The vision, goals and objectives of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa requires that the employee performs in both a professional and personable manner. The manner in which the employee relates to fellow employees, customers and visitors is considered parallel in importance to technical knowledge and ability. Respect and consideration given to the dignity of each customer, visitor and fellow employee is a requisite of successful job performance. Any behavior or attitude that tarnishes the name or image of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Indian preference will be applied in the case of equally qualified applicants, but all qualified applicants will be considered.
This job description is subject to change at employer's discretion, after consultation with the employee.
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: The following items are required for this position:
  1. Completed Tribal Application, to include work history and references, available on the Tribal website.
  2. Tribal Background Investigation Disclosure; available on the Tribal website.
  3. Consent to Release Liability and Reference Information Form; available on the Tribal website.
  4. Resume, required; cover letter, optional.
  5. Post-secondary transcripts or certifications; if applicable.
  6. Must provide three (3) letters of reference, required.
  7. Must complete a writing sample that demonstrates an ability to conduct appropriate analysis of sometimes complex legal issues and an ability to clearly convey reasoning used in arriving at legal conclusions, required.
Please download the forms from the links below. Complete the forms and save them. Then, please upload and attach them as "other" attachments with your application.
Consent Form
Tribal Background Investigation Form
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Red Cliff Tribal Administration Building
Personnel Office
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, WI 54814
www.redcliff-nsn.gov
hr-helpdesk@redcliff-nsn.gov
(715) 779-3700
The Red Cliff Tribal Council has a Drug Free Work Place Policy and adheres to the intent of the Drug Free Work Place Act. All new hires are subject to a drug test prior to starting.
ALL APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH THE RED CLIFF TRIBE ARE SUBJECTED TO THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF RCCL CHAPTER 43, AND THAT YOU ARE UNDER A CONTINUEING OBLIGATION TO SUPPLEMENT THIS APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY CONVICTIONS THAT OCCUR AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE TRIBE.
01
Are you at least 35 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a law degree or some level of post-secondary education? Please explain.
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have experience as a judge with at least two (2) years of experience practicing in court on a full-time basis?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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