Domina named Waukesha County Circuit Court judge
Waukesha - William Domina, a former assistant corporation counsel in Waukesha County who moved to Milwaukee County to become that county's chief legal counsel in 2003, has been appointed a Waukesha County circuit judge by Gov. Jim Doyle.
He will fill the vacancy created with the December retirement of Judge Robert Mawdsley, Doyle's office announced Monday. Domina will start in February after he moves back to the county. His term will end July 31, 2011, requiring him to stand for election in April 2011.
Domina ran unsuccessfully for Waukesha County judge in 1996 and again in 1999 and was a finalist for the Waukesha-based District 2 Court of Appeals in 2008. Previously, he'd been elected four times to the Waukesha School Board.
As Waukesha County's senior assistant corporation counsel, he was perhaps best known for his work in the "cocaine mom" case, in which he forced a pregnant, cocaine-abusing Waukesha mother into treatment when she was eight months pregnant and continuing to abuse drugs.
Domina's actions, although upheld by trial and appeals judges, were ruled illegal by a 4-3 vote of the state Supreme Court, which said state child protection laws did not extend to fetuses.
Domina then worked with lawmakers to get a bill passed that now gives judges power to detain pregnant, drug-abusing women so that they can receive treatment while the fetuses are protected.
As Milwaukee County corporation counsel, Domina was at the legal helm for the near-record $45 million settlement last year in the county's pension lawsuit against Mercer Inc., a consulting firm, alleging it failed to warn the county of the potentially high costs of pension changes approved in 2000.
Walker praises Domina
In a statement issued by his office, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker called Domina "one of the best attorneys I know.
"Even more important, he is one of the most decent, fair and objective people I have ever worked with in public office," Walker said. "We are sad that he will be leaving as our corporation counsel, but so proud that a person of his character will serve the public as a judge."
Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway released a statement saying, "The departure of Mr. Domina is a huge loss for Milwaukee County government and its people. He has demonstrated the ability to work with both the executive and legislative branches of county government in an extremely effective manner."
Domina said Monday: "It's obviously a great opportunity and challenge, and something I've wanted to do for a long time. My time in Waukesha and Milwaukee were important. I feel I'm a better lawyer for all the opportunities I've had."
He remembers his first week on the job as Milwaukee County corporation counsel, when the county was embroiled in the "Blue Shirt" controversy in which Walker terminated a contract for a controversial piece of public art at Mitchell International Airport. He's faced many other high-profile challenges since then.
"It's been a real ride, and I have enjoyed it and at times been overwhelmed by it, but I do think it will make me a better judge," he said.
Domina, 49, also served on the Wisconsin Tobacco Control Board. His wife, Julie Gay, is a part-time city attorney for Waukesha.
Journal Sentinel reporter Bruce Vielmetti contributed to this report.
Daniel Bice: Ron Johnson pursues radio talker’s vaping cause
On Tap Today: Summerfest and more outdoor music
Summerfest 2016: Selena Gomez blossoms at Marcus Amphitheater
Summerfest 2016: Summerfest Reviews: Willie Nelson, Martin Garrix, Kiings and more
28 private schools register for special-needs voucher program
Girl, 3, woman wounded in shooting on Milwaukee's north side
Istanbul airport attackers seized on chaos to cause carnage
Showers and thunderstorms expected in Milwaukee Thursday
Motorcyclist killed in Dane County crash
Jockey taps veteran to 'Show 'Em What's Underneath'
Watchdog Update: Todd Dyer, the ‘bring it on’ felon, indicted for 3rd time
Paul Ryan says he's on the same page with Donald Trump on trade
Southwest Airlines tries to balance strong brand and the need to grow revenues
Exact Sciences executive attends Cancer Moonshot Summit
Time is running out to get free upgrade to Windows 10
Means resigns as leader of Milwaukee turnaround district
Beyond fast food: New franchising ideas draw entrepreneurs
Microsoft CEO Nadella to pen book about changes in his life
Groups to provide $1 million for YMCA’s urban mission
Madison utility company to be added to S&P 500 stock index
Vans, car stolen in burglary at Cedarburg dealership
Fed gives approval to 30 banks to increase dividends, buy back shares
DNR’s report on Kohler golf course spurs concerns
Marcus considers downtown tower that would include cinema
Roy Lukes: Writer, educator Lukes instilled respect for nature
S&P assigns debt ratings to Johnson Controls automotive business
S.C. Johnson CEO testifies before Senate panel on Zika virus
Referendum will be held to decide fate of Forest Park Middle School
Milwaukee police search for man who pointed a gun at man downtown
Indoor sports complex pitched for Jackson
Truck hits, kills 83-year-old woman crossing street in Bay View
Man remains in custody in fatal shooting in Milwaukee
Initial Reaction Podcast: A look ahead to US Open 2017, look back at Champions Tour event in Madison
Jury dismissed after deadlocking in Berit Beck murder trial
Stegman is new president of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Canadian bank to buy parent company of The PrivateBank
Green Sheet: When RFK slipped into Appleton for McCarthy’s funeral
Meijer says Waukesha store to open on Aug. 2
Summerfest 2016: Follow the action at Summerfest
Summerfest 2016: Milwaukee band Direct Hit! opening for Blink-182 at Marcus Amphitheater
Patti Guerrero: Guerrero battled health challenges by giving to family, co-workers
Man found guilty of vandalizing Wales Elementary School, causing $70,000 of damge
Authorities ID body found in Lake Michigan in Kenosha
Delafield residents call for restrictions on national political campaign spending
Walker's Point strip club loses fight to delay 90-day closure
Wife speaks out after fireworks incident involving war vet
Suspect held as FBI transcribes tapes in Masonic center plot
Village of Mukwonago's sex offender residency ordinance takes effect June 30
On Tap Today: Summerfest, of course
PolitiFact: Do doctors kill 250,000 people every year in botched surgeries?