146 Algoma Blvd. Oshkosh WI 54901
 

About Michael

Thank you for your interest in learning more about Michael Rust.

Michael has long believed in the importance of being well-rounded. Judges in Winnebago County do not serve in a single capacity. The Judges are tasked with hearing every kind of case. As you get to know more about Michael below, you will see how his broad experience will immediately translate to being a knowledgeable, neutral, and ethical Judge. 

Family

Michael is an extremely proud father of three children, Savannah (14), Evelyn (12), and Anthony (9), and owner of a nearly-perfect rescue Aussiedoodle named Coco. All three of Michael's children attend schools within the Oshkosh Area School District and are very involved in extracurricular activities (basketball, cross country, track, baseball, orchestra, and choir, just to name a few).  Michael can often be found cheering his kids on from the sidelines -- or serving as Dad Taxi, transporting them to and from practices. 

Annie Elmer, Michael's long-time girlfriend, is a major part of his and the kids' lives. Annie is an Oshkosh native and works as an estate planning and probate attorney. In her free time, Annie enjoys baking, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with her Havanese, Sadie. 

In their free time, Michael, Annie, and the kids have fun with their shared interests, which include Star Wars and Marvel movies, Lego-building, Jimmy Buffett, and Taylor Swift.

Community

Michael strongly believes in giving back to the community that he lives in. Here is a selection of some of the things that he has done in the community:

Michael on TEDxOshkosh stage

Professional

After law school, Michael worked for Marquette University for a year before becoming a litigation attorney in Green Bay.  As part of a general practice law firm, Michael had an opportunity to hit the ground running and began litigating cases almost immediately. He tried multiple jury trials, handled complex commercial and real estate litigation, and wrote multiple successful briefs for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. 

Michael made the decision to transition his practice to conflict resolution.  He opened a private mediation law firm prior to joining the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center in Oshkosh. During his 9 years at the WCRC, he served as Chief Executive Officer, managed a roster of 50 mediators, and oversaw over 500 mediations a year.

Professionally, Michael has been an active leader in the legal community at the local, statewide, national, and international levels.  His involvement includes the following:

Law School

Michael attended Marquette University Law School (MULS) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was named to the Dean's List and served on the Intellectual Property Law Review.  Michael was also selected by Ret. Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske to be a founding member of the Restorative Justice Initiative. 

Michael's additional law school involvement included representing MULS at the National Criminal Law Moot Court competition, interning for Judge Mel Flanagan in Milwaukee County, and representing MULS at national and international mediation competitions.  A highlight of his law school experience was getting to travel to Paris, France for an international mediation competition -- and placing third in the world! 

College

Michael attended Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin and graduated with double majors (neuroscience and psychology) and double minors (entrepreneurial studies and biology).  Michael also played on the baseball team until an ACL injury ended his catching days. He also played for Carthage's men's volleyball team, served as photo editor for the college newspaper, served multiple years in student government, and was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. 

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