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

Two New Richmond Attorneys Honored for Dedication to Public, Profession
John Doar and Gary Bakke Recognized by State Bar of Wisconsin

MADISON, June 27, 2001 - Two attorneys hailing from New Richmond received top honors at the State Bar of Wisconsin's Annual Convention in May. Attorney John Doar was recognized with a "President's Award" for a lifetime of extraordinary service to the nation and Attorney Gary Bakke was saluted by Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson for his successful term as State Bar President, which ends June 30.

Doar was one of four award recipients recognized for commitment to the public and the profession. "Attorney Doar has demonstrated through his career in the law the value and need for zealous advocacy on tough social issues," said Bakke.

In the early 1960s, Doar left a successful law practice in New Richmond to take a position in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. As head of that division he quickly earned a reputation as a courageous, hands-on litigator who, despite great personal risk, aggressively pursued the goals of integration and social justice throughout the South during a time of violence.

He later served with distinction as chief legal counsel to the House Impeachment Committee, chaired by Peter Rodino, during the investigation of President Nixon. He has headed the Bedford-Styvesant Redevelopment Project in New York - a massive effort to rehabilitate a depressed area with private funds. Because of his stature, Doar was selected by New York City Mayor John Lindsey to guide the School Board through a protracted strike by New York City teachers.

Doar practices law at the firm of Doar Rieck & Mack in New York City where he lives. Aside from earning recognition at the State Bar Convention, Bakke and Doar have something else in common - Doar's father, W.T. Doar, served as president of the State Bar of Wisconsin from 1932-33, making the senior Doar and Bakke the only two past presidents from New Richmond.

Also at the State Bar Convention, Bakke was praised by State Bar leaders and Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson for his efforts to focus the profession on the sweeping changes affecting the law - including concerns about the high cost of legal services to the public and the increasing number of people who choose to represent themselves in legal matters.

As he turned the leadership position over to Attorney Gerald Mowris from Madison, Bakke said, "I am confident that the legal profession will continue to serve the public, be a champion of the weak, and a defender of the oppressed. But in order to maintain public trust in our justice system, we do need to recognize that our system needs to change. We need to work together with the public to ensure access to justice for all."

Bakke is founder and shareholder of Bakke Norman S.C., a general practice firm with offices in New Richmond, Baldwin, Menomonie and Hudson. His practice is concentrated on family and business litigation and business planning. Bakke also is a trained mediator and has been in law practice for 33 years.

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