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  • December 04, 2013

    Know an Outstanding Volunteer Lawyer? Nominate Them for Pro Bono Public Service, and Public Education Awards

    AwardDec. 4, 2013 – The State Bar annually recognizes attorneys, judges, law firms, organizations, and law students who have made outstanding pro bono, public service, or public education contributions. If you know of an individual or organization that should be recognized, contact the State Bar by Jan. 31 (unless otherwise noted).

    Pro Bono Service

    The Legal Assistance Committee recognizes attorneys or organizations for their outstanding pro bono service. These awards may be given to honor attorneys in private, government, or corporate practice. Pro bono projects by private law firms, bar associations, or other organizations may also be recognized. Awards are given to recognize efforts that provide legal services to low- and moderate-income people, explore new ways to increase the accessibility of legal services, provide encouragement and assistance to others in improving legal services delivery, or promote pro bono service for Wisconsin lawyers. For more information, contact Jeffery Brown at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6177, (608) 250-6177, or visit the Legal Assistance Committee Pro Bono Awards web page.

    Public Education

    The Public Education Committee (formerly Law-related Education Committee) seeks nominations for the Public Education Attorney of the Year Award. This award honors an attorney who has demonstrated excellence in promoting and supporting statewide efforts to educate the public, encourage understanding of and respect for the legal system, and foster appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of all persons under the law. Contact PubEdCoordinator@wisbar.org at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6128, or (608) 250-6128.

    Public Interest

    The Public Interest Law Section (PILS) seeks nominations for the Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Public Interest Law Attorney Award, which recognizes a lawyer who has demonstrated a selfless, lifetime commitment to working in the public interest, both inside and outside the field of law. The section seeks nominations for the Outstanding Public Interest Law Student Award for the U.W. and Marquette law schools. Nominations for the student awards are due by Dec. 31.

    PILS also seeks nominations for the Ryan Klesh Public Interest Legal Worker Award for an individual that captures the essence of Ryan's selflessness, work ethic, and humor in working to seek justice for our low-income neighbors, family, or friends. This new award is named after Ryan Klesh, an administrative staff person for SeniorLAW at Legal Action of Wisconsin's Milwaukee office from 2001 until his death in 2006. Ryan set the standard for being "selfless to a fault." He gave everything – his intellect, spot-on humor, time, attention, empathy, kindness, stories, authenticity, music and band recommendations, zest for life, and advice and world observations – to everyone and he did so regardless of any cost to himself.

    Contact Nicki Oster at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6190, or (608) 250-6190.

    Senior Lawyers Division

    The Senior Lawyers Division seeks candidates for the annual Leonard L. Loeb Award. Nominees must be 60 years or older, have improved the legal system, and shown leadership in advancing the quality of justice for all. The award recognizes a lawyer who has made significant contributions to the legal community, has shown respect for the legal system, and has demonstrated a love for the law and what it seeks to accomplish. For more information, visit the Leonard L. Loeb Award page on the SLD webpage or contact Sonabai Kanhai at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6181, or (608) 250-6181. The deadline for nominations for this award is Feb. 5.

    WisLAP Volunteer

    The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) seeks nominations for the WisLAP Volunteer of the Year Award. This award honors a lawyer or judge who has provided confidential, meaningful assistance, educational outreach or other volunteer service through the WisLAP program. Contact Linda Albert at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6172, or (608) 250-6172.

    Wisconsin Law Foundation

    The Wisconsin Law Foundation seeks nominations for the Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence, which recognizes a lawyer or organization for work on an individual law-related education or public service project in the preceding year. Contact Beth Drake at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6171, or (608) 250-6171.

    Awards Presentation Celebration

    The awards will be presented at the Member Recognition Celebration on June 26, 5:30 - 7 p.m., in Lake Geneva. The event is free to all State Bar members and will be held on the first day of the 2014 State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference. To register or for more information about the conference.


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