Oct. 4, 2017 – Amidst a night of celebration, 35 new Fellows were inducted into the Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation in Madison on Sept. 27.

The Fellows program recognizes members of the profession who are known by their peers for high professional achievements, distinguished service to the community and the profession, and outstanding contributions to the advancement and improvement of the administration of justice in Wisconsin. New Fellows are elected by the Fellows Board of Trustees.

Board members, in looking for nominees, look at their excellence as a lawyer, said Hon. Louis Butler Jr., Fellows president. “We also look at their service to the State Bar or their local bar associations over the years. And importantly, we look at their community service.”

The program has seen tremendous growth in recent years. “This is an exciting, interesting program that recognizes the talent we have in the State Bar,” Butler said.

Hon. Louis Butler, president of the Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation, with new Fellow, Hon. Ness Flores. Visit the State Bar’s Facebook page for more photos of this event.

An Incredible Honor

Being invited to become a Fellow is “such an incredible honor,” said Anthony Gray of Madison. “Aside from being a truly humbling experience, it offers a wonderful opportunity for me to help in the Foundation’s fight to make Wisconsin a more equitable and just place.”

Gray supports the Foundation because he truly believes in its mission of working toward public understanding of the law and access to the legal system. “It is more important than ever,” he said.

New Fellows stand as their names are called during the program. Visit the State Bar’s Facebook page for more photos of this event.

A Family Tradition

Catherine Orton of Mauston said it is an honor to be selected as a Fellow – and she is proud to share the honor with her son, Richard T. Orton of Milwaukee, also a new Fellow. “Both of us welcome the opportunity to support this outstanding organization that provides such a valuable bridge between the public and the legal profession,” she said.

Membership in the organization is now a family tradition: Both Ortons join Catherine’s husband, John R. Orton, and her brother, William T. Curran, as Fellows. Her father, Hon. Thomas J. Curran, who passed away in 2012, also was a Fellow as well as former State Bar president, 1972-73.

Megan Kuehl, right, shows her certificate with Sherry Coley, left. Visit the State Bar’s Facebook page for more photos of this event.

Tremendous Progress

“Thanks to your generosity,” Foundation President Cheryl Daniels told the Fellows at the celebration, “the Wisconsin Law Foundation has seen real growth in the last few years. That gives us the ability to expand funding of worthy programs.”

The Foundation, the State Bar of Wisconsin’s charitable and educational organization, promotes public understanding of the law, improvement of the administration of justice, and other law-related public services through funding of innovative and creative programs that improve the vision of the American justice system.

It funds more than $34,000 in grants to programs, projects, and services across Wisconsin. And, with strong support from the Fellows and donations from State Bar members, the Foundation gave its highest amount in 2018 – $47,000. “This is a record amount,” Daniels said.

Recipients of its grant money include Wisconsin’s state High School Mock Trial program, programs providing for teen and peer courts, education programs helping low-income individuals better navigate the health care system, and programs to educate pro se litigants about the family court process.

“The Foundation is also growing its Fund to Enhance & Promote Diversity, expanding support for innovative projects and programs in this critically important area,” Daniels said.

Fellow Kathleen Chung, center, with Gabriela Leija, left, and Ann Heaps, right. Visit the State Bar’s Facebook page for more photos of this event.

Welcome, New Fellows