Ponath To Seek Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Seat

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — Sarah A. Ponath, a veteran attorney has announced her candidacy for the Waukesha County Circuit Court Branch 5 judge seat.

Ponath, who operates The Law Offices of Sarah A. Ponath LLC in Butler, will seek the seat held by retiring Judge Lee Dreyfus Jr. in the April 7, 2020 election. Ponath has served as an advocate in juvenile court, criminal proceedings and civil litigation in Waukesha County circuit courts for more than 12 years. She has handled nearly 700 cases in all divisions of the Waukesha County court system including estate administration, small claims and real estate.

“Community service has been a driving force my entire life,” Ponath said in a statement to Waukesha Patch. “This foundation underlies my decision to seek a Waukesha County Circuit Court judicial seat. My leadership skills, administrative abilities and fair mindedness offer opportunity to further the integrity and professionalism established by the judges who have served Waukesha County.”

Ponath says she will campaign on a theme of “Your County, Your Values, Your Judge.” She says she wants to bring a pragmatic approach to the bench, building upon successful programs such as the county’s drug courts and alcohol treatment courts that divert potential repeat offenders. She promised to advocate for those who often need legal protection, such as domestic abuse victims, children and the elderly.

Ponath’s legal background includes experience as a special prosecutor in the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office, and as an assistant municipal prosecutor for the city of Brookfield and town of Delafield. She practiced with Nelson, Connell, Conrad, Tallmadge & Slein, SC, for several years before opening her own law office in 2012. Her practice focuses on business transactions, civil litigation, real estate, estate planning, traffic defense and debt collection.

A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Ponath has lived in Menomonee Falls since 1997. She is married to Scott Ponath.