May 24, 2010 – The Wisconsin Supreme Court's Appointment Selection Committee seeks applicants for lawyer and nonlawyer appointments to district committees.

"The court relies on volunteers, both lawyers and nonlawyers, because of their diverse expertise and community presence, to serve on our numerous committees and boards," says Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson. "It's a steep hill to find 300-plus volunteers annually, and currently several district committees and boards are operating without full representation. I urge lawyers to volunteer and to speak with their community leaders about serving – even if only for a single term."

While volunteers are needed from all over the state for all committees, there is a particular need to fill vacancies on district committees. These 16 committees, each composed one-third of nonlawyers, assist in the investigation of certain cases involving complaints against attorneys. The committees ensure local input to the grievance process and provide both complainants and respondents with a convenient, economical means of peer review.

Lawyers must have at least five years of practice experience and no record of public discipline. For a list of supreme court boards and committees, visit Wisconsin Courts.

Lawyers are also encouraged to recommend nonlawyers who might be interested in volunteering.

Interested lawyers and public members should send a letter of interest and/or resume to: Appointment Selection Committee, c/o David R. Schanker, Clerk of Wisconsin Supreme Court, P.O. Box 1688, Madison, WI 53701-1688.

For more information, call Sara Foster at (608) 266-1298.