CONTACT: Teresa Weidemann-Smith
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6025
twsmith@wisbar.org
Olsen and Miller Honored with Scales of Justice Awards
MADISON, August 2, 2006 -- The State Bar of Wisconsin's Legislative
Oversight Committee recently presented the Scales of Justice Award to
Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) for
their outstanding efforts towards improving the administration of and
access to justice. Additional award recipients include Representative
Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Senator Ted Kanavas
(R-Brookfield).
"The State Bar of Wisconsin is committed to the vital role it plays
in positively impacting the legislative process on issues of importance
to the courts, the legal profession and the public," said John Walsh,
Chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee. "The Scales of Justice
Award was created to formally recognize and thank policymakers for
aiding the association in fostering and maintaining the high standards
of the legal profession."
Olsen and Miller were recognized for their work with the State Bar's
Elder Law Section to reorganize Chapter 880 of Wisconsin Statutes – to
modernize and clearly define duties and powers of both the guardian of
the person and the guardian of the estate. The legislation (2005
Wisconsin Act 387) has been a decade long process for the Section, with
the constant goal to best promote standards and court procedures in the
best interests of some of our most vulnerable citizens.
"It is an honor to receive the Scales of Justice Award," said Senator
Olsen. "It was a pleasure working with the State Bar on the
Guardianship Reform bill. A complete overhaul of our statutes was
necessary and long overdue."
According to Senator Miller, "I am honored by the recognition. But
more importantly, I hope that the work we did together will help further
protect some of our most vulnerable citizens. I look forward to
continuing our work together."
For more information, visit www.wisbar.org or www.legalexplorer.com.
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