State Bar of Wisconsin

Professionalism Committee

U.W. Emeritus Professor Marc Galanter, State Bar Professionalism Committee Chair Bruce Ehlke, and attorney/psychologist Gregory Van Rybroek share a light moment at Madison's Comedy Club, an appropriate location to discuss the motivation behind lawyer jokes. Read more.

Professionalism is conduct consistent with the highest ethical standards and which demonstrates character, competence, diligence, fairness, honesty, integrity, and respect for others and the rule of law. The State Bar Professionalism Committee focuses on issues of professionalism in contemporary legal practice and supports efforts to promote professionalism among Wisconsin attorneys.

About this committee

• Roster
• Professionalism Work Groups / Chart with Members 16 KB
• FY10 Strategic Plan 24 KB
• Meeting agendas
• Meeting minutes
• 1988 Professionalism Report 600 KB

Committee resources

• Presentations on Professionalism Issues
  • In Civil or Family Court Litigation: How Does the Role of the Attorney Change with a Pro Se Opponent? 352 KB
  • Who is in Charge? A Frank Discussion Regarding the Decision-making Process in the Representation of a Client and a Review of the Duty to Communicate with the Client during the Course of Representation 550 KB
  • Use of Technology and Pitfalls Under the Ethics Rule 2 MB
• Member Expense Reimbursement form

Professionalism Resources On the Internet and Elsewhere

• Perceptions of the legal profession: "What's up with that?" Lampooning Lawyers Wisconsin Lawyer, March 2007
• Risky Practice Areas Wisconsin Lawyer, March 2007
• The ABA Center for Professional Responsibility
• ABA Family Law Civility Standards
• ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Code of Conduct
• New Mexico Professionalism Guidelines
• Office of Lawyer Regulation
• State Bar of Wisconsin Ethics advice
• Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism
• SCR Chapter 62: Standards of Courtesy and Decorum

Contact Us!

The Professionalism Committee welcomes input from State Bar members regarding professionalism issues. If you have suggestions concerning any issues that you believe merit discussion by our committee, please forward your ideas directly to Chair Bruce Ehlke at behlke@egbllaw.com.

State Bar members who have an interest in joining the Professionalism Committee or have an interest in attending a committee meeting are encouraged to contact Patricia Morgan, Professionalism Committee Liaison at (608) 250-6107, or pmorgan@wisbar.org. She is happy to provide you with current information.