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Statement from State Bar of Wisconsin
President D. Michael Guerin

September 12, 2005

The State Bar of Wisconsin joins the nation in extending its concern and support to those who struggle to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. We send special thoughts and prayers to our members in the Gulf Coast who are rebuilding their lives and practices. Thousands of our colleagues in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have lost their homes and are unable to serve their clients.

Many of our 21,000-plus members are asking how they might help those uprooted from their communities. In the months ahead, an untold number of people will need our assistance with legal situations of all kinds, including consumer, family, health care, and other issues. The State Bar of Wisconsin is working with the state's Emergency Operations Center, local bar associations, and various legal assistance programs to organize free legal services to displaced persons who relocate to Wisconsin. Our Young Lawyers Division is working with the American Bar Association and FEMA to provide legal assistance to those in affected states through hotlines. In addition, we have established telephone numbers, (800) 444-9404, ext. 6004, or (608) 250-6004, that evacuees locating to Wisconsin can call to request legal advice about issues specific to their stay in Wisconsin.

I know we can count on Wisconsin's legal community to do its part to help the Gulf Coast recover from this unprecedented disaster. Visit this Web site frequently in the coming weeks for updates on ways to provide legal or financial assistance. Wisconsin lawyers interested in providing pro bono services should contact Jeff Brown, State Bar pro bono coordinator, at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6177.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to helping those whose lives have been so profoundly changed as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

D. Michael Guerin
President
State Bar of Wisconsin


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