Michael Rust for Judge

The role of the judge is to neutrally and impartially apply the law to each case. An impartial, neutral judiciary is fundamental to the American system of government.

Michael has been a professional neutral for more than twelve years. Neutrality is not something that just happens when someone becomes a judge. It is a skill that must be developed and honed over time. No other candidate has the long-standing experience of serving as a neutral as Michael. 

Having acted as neutral in over 2,000 disputes, plus presiding over a wide variety of case types as Circuit Court Commissioner, Michael brings vast expertise to the bench.

In 2020, Michael was elected to the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, an honor bestowed on less than 20 individuals in Wisconsin.

Judges are entrusted by the public to maintain justice -- and to demonstrate professionalism and integrity while doing so. It is important that every person serving as Judge be a standard bearer of professional ethics. 

As an experienced speaker on professional ethics, Michael is supremely qualified to lead by example. Michael has served as President of the Association for Conflict Resolution, one of the three organizations that jointly created several ethical codes for professional neutrals. He also commissioned the review of Wisconsin ethics codes and served as chair of the working group.

Michael currently serves on the Board of Administrative Oversight of the Office of Lawyer Regulation, the agency of the Wisconsin Supreme Court that processes and investigates grievances relating to misconduct and ethical violations by attorneys and prosecutes those violations.

Judges should be an active part of the communities that they intend to serve. Michael believes strongly in serving his professional and local communities through active participation and involvement. 

Michael has served as the Board Chair of the Oshkosh Area United Way, President of the Rotary Club of Oshkosh, and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6270. Michael has coached several youth sports teams and volunteered for numerous roles with school and church groups.

Michael founded TEDxOshkosh in 2016, which is an annual event showcasing Ideas Worth Spreading. In addition to co-organizing the event, Michael has also coached over 100 TEDx speakers over the years.

Currently, Michael serves on the Core Team of the Oshkosh Civility Project and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Oshkosh.