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Fall, 2007
State Bar of Wisconsin -
Nonresident Lawyers Division |
by Donna M. Jones,
Atlanta
It is an honor indeed to serve as your president,
especially given
the
significance of this year. This fall, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will
conduct not one, but two, hearings on matters that relate directly to
the Nonresident Lawyers Division (NRLD). Both matters arise from the
NRLD’s long-term advocacy efforts. It has been decades since the
court has considered petitions directly related to the NRLD.
Increased board representation. At the
Oct. 29 hearing, the court will consider a State
Bar of Wisconsin petition to increase the number of NRLD
representatives who serve on the Board of Governors from three to five.
The State Bar has a total membership of 22,708 of which 6,504 are NRLD
members. The NRLD represents 29 percent of the State Bar's total
membership. Yet, only three of the 38 board lawyer members elected by
district are NRLD members. Although the increase to five NRLD
representatives will not achieve parity, it will increase the
NRLD’s voting power on the Board of Governors and its voice
throughout the Bar. NRLD board representation was last increased in
1985.
Comity. On Nov. 27, the court will
conduct a hearing on a Board of Bar Examiners petition to create CLE
comity for nonresident lawyers who practice in jurisdictions with
mandatory CLE requirements that are “substantially similar”
to Wisconsin’s and who are current in meeting that
jurisdiction’s requirements. This would create SCR 31.04 to exempt
nonresident lawyers from the attendance requirement of SCR 31.02 and
would allow them to comply with the reporting requirement of SCR
31.03.
The Board of Governors agrees with the NRLD that the
exemption should apply to all nonresident lawyers who are admitted to
practice in Wisconsin and who practice in another jurisdiction with
“substantial similar” mandatory requirements. The BBE
petition presents a narrower position, which would limit the exemption
to lawyers who do not regularly practice in Wisconsin and who practice
elsewhere. At the hearing, Bar leadership will presenttheBoard of
Governors’ position. Three NRLD board members also will
attend.
The lack of CLE comity has long frustrated NRLD members.
In a 2002 study by the Bar’s BBE Review Committee, 65 percent of
the then 5,000-plus NRLD respondents found complying with Wisconsin
requirements to be somewhat or very “burdensome.” In all,
the NRLD has been pursuing CLE comity for its members for 10 years. CLE
exemption requirements were last amended in 1990.
Hopefully, I will be able to report positive results to
you from both hearings. Thank you for your continued State Bar and NRLD
membership.
Top
The NRLD Board of Directors covered a full agenda at its
annual fall board meeting on Sept. 7 - 8, 2007 in Chicago. The NRLD
Illinois Chapter is the second largest chapter with more than 1,400
members. On Sept. 6, the NRLD and the chapter hosted a well-attended
reception for chapter members. Bar leadership and staff also attended
the reception and the annual meeting.
 |
| Former NRLD President Dan Rinzel,
Alexandria, Va., addresses State Bar Board of Governors on comity at
Sept. 14 meeting. |
NRLD increased board representation and comity.
There was considerable discussion about two petitions before the
Wisconsin Supreme Court A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29 on the
Bar’s
petition to increase NRLD representation on the Board of Governors from
three to fie. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27 on the Board of Bar
Examiners’ petition to create CLE comity with jurisdictions whose
mandatory CLE requirements are similar to Wisconsin’s. The NRLD
board
will send three members to the comity hearing. It was emphasized that
although the proposal is not “true” comity, which would
recognize CLE
credits from any jurisdiction, the current petition does represent
substantial progress on this matter. The Board of Governors recognizes
the NRLD’s position on the petition in its response to the
petition.
Strategic Planning. The NRLD board conducted a very
productive
strategic planning session to refine the action steps for achieving its
four goals. In FY ‘07, NRLD: 1) exceeded its goal for increasing
the number of the NRLD members voting in State Bar elections; 2) met the
goal for increasing the number of NRLD chapter events held; and 3) made
significant progress towards the goal of reducing the number of NRLD
lawyers who drop State Bar membership or become inactive. The FY
’07 goal for increasing the number of NRLD members serving on
State Bar committees has been met and the FY ’08 goal has already
been surpassed. The strategic plan is critical because it is an integral
part of the Bar’s budget process. Each Bar entity must prepare a
strategic plan.
Bar leadership. President Tom Basting
reported that he has met with media to better acquaint them with State
Bar issues and that some editorials have resulted that are favorable to
Bar positions on various matters. Past President Steve Levine stated
that he is a strong supporter of NRLD and appreciated working with NRLD
to accomplish certain goals, particularly CLE comity. President-elect
Diane Diel looks forward to working with NRLD. Executive Director George
Brown spoke about the ability to receive CLE credit through State Bar
OnDemand programs.
In all, the NRLD board held an excellent annual
fall meeting. There was considerable discussion about two
petitions before the Wisconsin Supreme Court A hearing is scheduled for
Oct. 29 on the Bar’s petition to increase NRLD representation on
the Board of Governors from three to fie. A hearing is scheduled for
Nov. 27 on the Board of Bar Examiners’ petition to create CLE
comity with jurisdictions whose mandatory CLE requirements are similar
to Wisconsin’s. The NRLD board will send three members to the
comity hearing. It was emphasized that although the proposal is not
“true” comity, which would recognize CLE credits from any
jurisdiction, the current petition does represent substantial progress
on this matter. The Board of Governors recognizes the NRLD’s
position on the petition in its response to the petition.
This year, 21 NRLD members are serving 22 posts on 15 of
the State Bar’s 29 committees: Francine
Bailey,Illinois, Diversity Outreach; Charles
Berryman, Minnesota, Insurance for Members; Kathryn
Bullon,Ontario, Canada, Continuing Legal Education;
Wendy Calvert, Illinois, Diversity Outreach;
Leslie Parker Cohan,New York, BBE Review; Paul
Conrad, Washington D.C., BBE Review; John
Hanson, Washington D.C., BBE Review; Donna
Jones, Georgia, Convention and Executive; Jon
Kingstad, Minnesota, Continuing Legal Education;
Kimberly Matthei-Briggs, California, Communications;
Larraine McNamara McGraw, Illinois, Wisconsin Lawyers
Assistance Program; Jennifer Nutt Carleton,Nevada,
Diversity Outreach; Rhea Ramsey,Illinois,
Professionalism; Daniel Rinzel,Virginia, Leadership
Development; Steven Schuster, Washington D.C., Lawyer
Dispute Resolution; Lisa Skrzeczkoski,Minnesota, Local
Bar Relations; Leticia Smith-Evans, New York, Diversity
Outreach; Benton Strauss, Illinois, Finance;
Albert Wehde, California, BBE Review; David
Werwie,Minnesota, Professionalism; David
Zubke, Minnesota, Member Benefits Advisory.
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New online directory connects members
to leadership opportunities
A new Leadership
Opportunities Directory takes the mystery out of becoming a
State Bar volunteer. The electronic directory provides members with
detailed information about the many committee, section, division, and
governance volunteer opportunities available. The State Bar depends on
the valued contributions of its volunteer leaders to advance the Bar and
the legal profession. |
State Bar committee service gives nonresident lawyers a
vehicle to remain connected with Wisconsin, meet Wisconsin colleagues,
and work on issues of importance to the profession. Nonresident lawyers
can easily participate since committee work is often conducted in phone
meetings, by email and fax, as well as by in-person meetings at the Bar
Center in Madison.
State Bar President Tom Basting will be making a special
request that nonresident lawyers consider volunteering on State Bar
committees in an upcoming president’s column in the Wisconsin
Lawyer™ magazine. NRLD chapter members also will be hearing
from their chapter presidents on this subject.
Nonresident Lawyers Division members will choose a
president-elect for a one-year term, and five directors to serve
two-year terms. Please note that only active and emeritus status NRLD
members can run for these positions.
Members interested in running are asked to send
their resumes and letters of interest to the NRLD Nominating Committee
Chair in care of the State Bar of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI
53708-7158 by Jan. 15. Elections will take place by ballot in April. All
terms will begin July 1, 2008.
The Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) reminds attorneys
admitted to practice in odd-numbered years they will receive the 2006 -
07 CLE Form 1 continuing legal education reporting form in mid-October.
All active Wisconsin-licensed attorneys, including nonresidents, are
required by SCR 31.03 to file a CLE Form 1 with the Board of Bar
Examiners (BBE) biennially.
Nonresident attorneys who have not practiced law in
Wisconsin during the reporting period are exempt from the attendance
requirement but not the reporting requirement. Check the appropriate box
on the form.
“This is the first reporting period that on-demand
credits can be reported,” says BBE Director John Kosobucki.
On-demand programs are CLE seminars that previously were presented live
or in another format and have been reapproved allowing members to earn
CLE credit for programs viewed over the Internet.
The deadline for completing all required coursework is
Dec. 31, 2007. Attorneys who file CLE Form 1 after Feb. 1, 2008, are
subject to late fees and possible suspension. Attorneys admitted
to practice in 2007 do not need to report their credits until
2009.
- Read Kosobucki’s
tips to help attorneys avoid common reporting errors in the October
issue of Wisconsin Lawyer™ magazine.
The NRLD seeks candidates for its third annual
Founders’ Award. Originating in 2005 as the O’Melia Award,
in memory of Richard O’Melia, one of its founders and most active
members, the Founders’ Award will be awarded to a nonresident
member who embodies the following characteristics:
- worked for many years of NRLD projects, the board of
directors, etc;
- has been active in the work of the State Bar of
Wisconsin (before, during, or after activity in NRLD);
- blends consistent hard work with humor, talent,
mentorship, camaraderie, and high ethical and personal behavior;
and
- is viewed by his/her colleagues as one who brought
leadership and positive changes to the division.
The award will be presented at the 2008 State Bar of
Wisconsin Annual Convention in Madison, May 7 - 9. Past award recipients
include Richard O’Melia and Jerris Leonard. The deadline for
nominations, along with explanation or support for them, is Dec. 20.
Nominations can be sent to former NRLD President Ben Strauss or
faxed to his attention at (847) 562-1422.
Make plans now to attend the State Bar 2008 Annual Convention, May 7- 9
in Madison at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. Earn a year’s
worth of CLE credits in a few days. Connect with old friends and
discover the latest products and services at the Legal Expo.
The 2006 and 2007 NRLD-sponsored Annual Convention
programs were well attended. The 2008 program is scheduled for May 9
from 10:25 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. The program is still in the planning
stages.
By Cate Hayne,
State Bar WisLAP Coordinator
|
The WisLAP helpline is
available
24-hours a day, seven days per week
(800) 543-2625. |
The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) is a
member service that exists to help lawyers help lawyers. Its history is
rooted in compassion for impaired law students, judges, lawyers, and
their family members who seek professional and community help to restore
them to a higher quality of life and professional competency. Put
another way, WisLAP is a type of disciplinary diversion program for
those lawyers who find themselves out of control and resources to
resolve a myriad of personal and practice issues.
It is universally known that the practice of law can be
stressful, especially for those who lack knowledge of time and stress
management skills. Unresolved stress has cumulative effects that can
manifest in alcohol and other drug abuse, clinical depression and
anxiety, and psychosocial low-functioning, e.g., parental and marital
distress, and law office management difficulties.
How WisLAP works. When attorneys seeking
help call the WisLAP toll-free number they are asked if they would like
to connect with another attorney who has experienced the same problem
and resolved it. If the answer is “yes,” the callers are
then matched with WisLAP volunteers. It’s that simple.
 |
| WisLAP Committee member Larraine
McNamara-McGraw, Chicago, presented a session on Mindfulness,
Meditation, and the Lawyer at the WisLAP volunteer training event on
Oct. 19 in Madison. |
Sometimes a caller will request a referral to a treatment
facility or community resource for help. Sometimes, a lawyer may have
reached a point where hospital admission is the only option to sustain
life. WisLAP can make recommendations and assist in the admissions
process.
Committed volunteers. WisLAP volunteers
serve on the WisLAP Committee and subcommittees and work toward
promoting its mission to the greater legal community. WisLAP lends its
program expertise and experience to other State Bar divisions needing
programmatic guidance and operates in concert with other divisions that
share its goal to help lawyers who may be struggling with difficult
personal and professional issues. Program staff and volunteers also have
regular contact with Marquette University and U.W. law schools to offer
their expertise.
WisLAP maintains confidentiality of callers and is exempt
from reporting professional misconduct to the Office of Lawyer
Regulation under the provisions of Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule
20:8.3(c)(2). WisLAP does not have “Caller ID,” nor does it
keep files of caller names – only of statistical demographics.
For more information contact WisLAP coordinator Cate Hayne at (608) 250-6172.
Illinois
| The Illinois Chapter is
planning to hold a three credit, half-day CLE ethics seminar in late
November or early December. Chapter members should watch their mail and
email for details on the ethics seminar coming soon. The Illinois
Chapter co-presidents, Kevin
McQuillan at (630) 960-1242, and Ilan
Chorowsky at (312) 643-5893,
may be contacted with questions. |
A chapter reception was held on Sept. 6 at the Hilton
Suites Chicago/Magnificent Mile in conjunction with the NRLD Board
meeting, held in Chicago, Sept. 6 - 8. More than 50 members attended,
and it was a good opportunity for the Illinois Chapter members to meet
and visit with the current NRLD officers and directors.
Dallas
Chapter president needed. If you are a
Wisconsin-licensed lawyer in the Dallas area who finds value in
networking with other Wisconsin-licensed lawyers through chapter events,
please consider serving as your local chapter president.
We know your time is important and State Bar staff is
always there to help you accomplish your goals without demanding too
much of your time.
For more information, contact Sue Seibold at
(800)-444-9404, ext. 6120.
Minnesota
A football game event will be held on Nov. 17 at the HHH
Metrodome in Minneapolis between the Badgers and the Gophers. A chapter
meeting and breakfast reception will be held at the Dorsey & Whitney
law office before the football game. Tickets for this event have already
been sold, and tickets will be distributed at the breakfast
reception.
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