April 2004
Lawyers teach children about the law, First Lady joins State Bar
at Lawyers for Learning program
First Lady Jessica Doyle, State Bar President-elect Michelle Behnke,
and State Bar Law-related Education Committee Cochair Mike Tobin of the
Public Defender's Office spoke to more than 75 fourth and fifth graders
at Marquette Elementary School in Madison on March 9, as part of the new
Lawyers for Learning program. State Bar President George Burnett
developed the program to encourage attorneys to volunteer in local
schools as a way to help Wisconsin children learn about the law, to
promote cooperation between the state and local bar associations, and to
enhance the image of the legal profession.
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Law-related Education Committee Chair Mike Tobin, First Lady
Jessica Doyle (seated) and President-elect Michelle Behnke answer
student questions following the presentation.
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The Lawyers for Learning Committee is encouraging local bar
associations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of
Education by speaking to schoolchildren this spring about the
landmark decision. The presentation at Marquette Elementary marked the
inaugural presentation of a curriculum explaining the Brown
decision to elementary-school students. During the hour-long
presentation, the speakers discussed the importance of laws, the way to
challenge an unjust law in the court system, and the central role played
by the Brown case in the nation's race relations.
"The Brown case is an excellent topic for students because it
teaches them about law, about history, and most importantly, about
mutual respect and cooperation among people of different races and
cultures," said Tobin. "The Marquette teachers prepared the students
during class time, enlisting several students to research and give
presentations during the program. I am grateful to the Marquette
community, the State Bar, and First Lady Jessica Doyle for making the
program a success."
"I enjoyed being a part of the Lawyers for Learning program," said
Behnke. "The student presenters were well prepared and the students in
the audience asked thoughtful questions about segregation and equal
education issues. It is exciting to be a part of the learning process
for these young students. I hope I have a chance to work with other
schools on this project."
"Not only does this program emphasize the importance of diversity in
our schools, it promotes a continued sense of tolerance and respect,"
said Behnke. "What could be more important than to educate our youth
about treating each other fairly and equally?"
Lawyers for Learning is part of an ongoing State Bar effort to
educate the public about the value of lawyers and to showcase the
important contributions that lawyers make in their communities. Lawyers
who are interested in making a presentation at local schools can view four
easy-to-use activities or contact Dee Runaas, State Bar Law-related
Education coordinator, at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6191, or (608)
250-6191.
Inside the Bar
