The participants of the first G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy, from left, front row: Gabe Johnson-Karp, Stacy Ann Alexejun, Mark Todd Johnson, Lindsay Fedler, Trevor Lippman; middle row: Makda Fessahaye, Annabelle Vang; Katie Kegel, Lindsay Healless, Katherine Charlton, Vanessa Klemish, Elizabeth Constable, Heather Nett, Clyde Tinnen; top row: Patrick Gould, Renae Flowers, Stephanie Propsom, Michelle Hockers, Kristen Hardy, Marisa Kasriel, Erin Kastberg, Amber Raffeet August, and David Turek.
July 5, 2017 – David Turek’s litigation practice is basically solo work.
“A lot of what I do is solitary, individualistic,” said Turek, a managing partner at Gas Webber Mullins LLC in Milwaukee.
He didn’t see himself as a leader. Until he realized, during last year’s G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy, that the skills he learned are those he needs – and uses now every day.
The G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy is a multi-session training program that fosters leadership skills in Wisconsin lawyers.
“The academy really opened my eyes on working collaboratively, on getting out of my comfort zone working on my own in my office,” Turek said. “That working with other people is really the best way to get big things done.”
David Turek responds to a question during the second Leadership Academy session in February in Madison.
That wasn’t the only thing he realized after attending last year’s program, held over five days in November, February, and April. “Before, I thought I was a pretty good leader,” he said. “But I think I was trying more than actually doing.”
Now he has the skills and knowledge to listen to differing perspectives, and to be more comfortable making – and being accountable for – decisions in his practice. “I’ve gotten better at working with people in my office, communicating with associates and staff, at communicating clearly about my expectations and then holding people accountable.
“For the most part, I’ve gotten better at being a holistic lawyer – not only in practice, but in running a business,” Turek said.
I’ve gotten better at being a holistic lawyer – not only in practice, but in running a business.
– David Turek, alumnus of the 2016-2017 Leadership Academy
‘A Spectacular Opportunity’
Turek was one of 23 lawyers who attended the first academy last year.
For him, the academy was a successful hybrid of law-oriented CLE and general leadership training.
“You won’t get this kind of training from any other legal-driven CLE, and you won’t get this from general leadership business classes,” he said. “This was really well done, well thought out.”
Apply for 2017-2018 Academy
Apply before Aug. 12 to join the program that gives lawyers skills, strategies, and resources to become effective leaders in the profession and community. Candidates will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by mid-September. Space is limited.
Topics include: effective written and verbal communication, time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, interpreting financial documentation, active listening, community leadership, and networking. The program will be submitted for CLE credit.
When: Nov. 3-4, 2017; Feb. 2, 2018; and April 13-14, 2018; attendance at all five program sessions is required.
Where: State Bar Center, Madison
Apply by: Aug. 12, 2017
Cost: $300. A limited number of scholarships are available.
To Apply: Review the application instructions and submit your application by Aug. 12. Applicants will be notified of selection by Sept. 15.
Comments from Attendees of the 2016-2017 G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy
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“A spectacular opportunity.” – Clyde Tinnen
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“I absolutely recommend lawyers from all backgrounds to participate in the Leadership Academy.” – Makda Fessahaye.
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“The Academy focused on the type of skills that I practice every day as a lawyer, but are often overlooked in the typical CLE.” – Stacy Alexejun.
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“It was inspiring to be in the room with so many interesting attorneys in various stages of their careers. It was meaningful to hear from an impressive list of professionals (judges, professors, and psychologists) on a range of topics that we can all put into practice, regardless of our practice areas.” – Kristen Hardy.
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“The Leadership Academy really showed me how to recognize that everyone has different leadership styles and learning styles. Once you recognize that fact, you are better equipped to capitalize on critical leadership skills to successfully work with others, whether in a professional or personal setting.” – Renae Flowers.
