For Immediate Release
	CONTACT: Jason Westphal State Bar of Wisconsin (800) 444-9404, ext. 6077 jwestphal@wisbar.org

State Bar Seeks Nominations for 2002 Judicial Awards

MADISON, August 8, 2002 - The State Bar's Bench Bar Committee is searching for two outstanding jurists to honor through its judicial awards. Nominations are being sought for the 2002 Judge of the Year Award and the 2002 Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award. Both awards will be presented at the 2003 State Bar Annual Convention, May 7 - 9 in Milwaukee at the Midwest Express Center.

"We want to recognize the important work that the judiciary of Wisconsin performs for this state," says Raymond Taffora, Bench/Bar Committee chair. "We, therefore, strongly encourage members of the Bar and the public to submit letters of nomination for these awards."

The Judge of the Year Award recognizes a jurist who has improved the judicial system during the past year by his or her leadership in advancing the quality of justice, judicial education, or innovative programs. High ideals, personal character, judicial competence, and community involvement are hallmarks of the Judge of the Year Award recipient. Past Judge of the Year recipients include Hon. Dennis Barry, Hon. Harold Froelich, Hon. Michael Sullivan, Hon. Gary Carlson and Hon. Maxine White.

The Jurist Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a jurist with at least 12 years' experience as a trial judge who has demonstrated outstanding, long-term judicial service during his or her years as a sitting judge. Past recipients include Hon. Peter G. Pappas, Hon. Patrick T. Sheedy, Hon. Mark J. Farnum, Hon. P. Charles Jones, Hon. Edwin C. Dahlberg and Hon. Myron L. Gordon.

Send letters of nomination explaining why the nominee is exceptional to: Bench / Bar Committee, c/o Patricia Morgan, State Bar of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707-7158, by Oct. 18. For more information, contact Morgan at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6107, or email pmorgan@wisbar.org.

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 assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the legal system.

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