For Immediate Release
	CONTACT: Christi Powers State Bar of Wisconsin (608) 250-6025

La Crosse County Bar Association Recognized for Public Service

MADISON, May 18, 2001 - The La Crosse County Bar Association was honored with an Award of Exceptional Achievement by the State Bar of Wisconsin for developing the Family Law Information Center. The La Crosse County Bar worked with the Family Court Commissioner's Office to establish the center, which received funding from the State Bar's Local Bar Grant Competition. The grant competition awards funding to local bar associations that develop and implement public service projects that may be replicated by other bar associations statewide.

"The Family Law Information Center helps fulfill a pressing need," said La Crosse County Family Court Commissioner Roger LeGrand. "Family courts throughout the county are being flooded by self-represented litigants who generally do not understand the legal system and need basic information to help them navigate through the courts. We recommend that people use attorneys but some people just can't afford them or believe their problem doesn't require one."

The Family Law Information Center, which opened in January, is designed to give information and advice to the general public about family law matters, provide court forms and instructions for self-represented litigants in family law matters, and share local referral information about professional service providers.

At present, attorneys and paralegals volunteer at the center on Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Monday. In the future, volunteers will be recruited through the volunteer center, churches, synagogues, and other community groups to help staff the center.

The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides continuing legal education for its members, and carries out initiatives to educate the public about the legal system. The La Crosse County Bar is made up of approximately 200 attorneys and judges, many of whom are active in local public education and outreach activities.

For more information on the center contact Roger LeGrand at (608) 785-5623.

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