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The five circuit court judges selected Gloria Doyle, 42, to replace Roger LeGrand, who was sworn in March 1 as a circuit court judge.
Doyle, a partner in the Doyle and Doyle law firm, was chosen from six candidates, said Circuit Judge Ramona Gonzalez.
Doyle moves into the position after serving since 1995 as one of two assistant family court commissioners.
As family court commissioner, she will preside over child support, paternity, temporary divorce hearings, domestic abuse and harassment injunctions, and post-divorce matters.
LeGrand had held the position from 1993 until he was selected by Gov. Jim Doyle to fill the vacancy left when Circuit Judge Dennis Montabon retired in January.
Doyle was one of three finalists for the open judge seat.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She initially pursued an advanced degree in economics, but later decided on a law career.
After receiving her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School, Doyle moved to La Crosse with her husband, Steve Doyle, a La Crosse native.
They’ve had a private practice in La Crosse since 1987. Her 18 years of practice have included criminal cases but mostly concentrated on family law and other civil cases.
Gonzalez said Doyle is expected to start March 27 as family court commissioner.
Dan Springer can be reached at (608) 791-8269 or dspringer@lacrossetribune.com.
Doyle seeks opinion on spouse’s job
By REID MAGNEY | La Crosse Tribune
La Crosse County Board Chairman Steve Doyle knows the appointment of his wife, Gloria Doyle, as Family Court Commissioner might raise some eyebrows. After all, he’s the county’s top elected official, and holds some power over the court budget.
Doyle said Friday he’s gotten opinions from the Attorney General’s office and the county’s corporation counsel, which indicate there’s no conflict of interest as long as he follows certain rules.
And he has now asked the county’s Ethics Committee to weigh in on the issue “so as to leave no stone unturned.”
The Ethics Committee meets when a complaint is filed but also to give advisory opinions. Corporation Counsel Bill Shepherd said the committee could meet in the next two weeks.
As a part-time court commissioner, Gloria Doyle earned less than $15,000 a year, but as Family Court Commissioner she stands to earn much more. Her predecessor, Roger LeGrand, earned $76,362.
The AG opinion said Steve Doyle can avoid ethical problems if he “would recuse himself from any actions involving the court commissioners.”
Craig A, Nestor wrote on Mar 13, 2006 4:09 PM: