June 2004
'Wisconsin Lawyers Make a Difference' TV series continues, Bar
seeks
lawyers who epitomize community service
As part of its long-term effort to educate the public
about the value lawyers bring to their clients and their communities,
the State Bar is exploring expanding its "Wisconsin Lawyers Make
a Difference" TV series to other areas of the state.
The program, which kicked off in the spring, highlights lawyers who
have demonstrated exemplary commitment to community or pro bono
service.
The 30-second spots aired on WISC-TV3 and UPN-14, reaching 23 Wisconsin
counties from April through June. The State Bar's Public Image
Committee
will develop three more TV spots for broadcast in July, August, and
September.
According to Public Image Committee Chair Kevin Palmersheim, "The
pilot project was well received, and the committee believes it is a
positive
means to educate the public about the community service lawyers
perform."
The pilot programs highlighted Troy Mayne, Madison, for his work
with
Habitat for Humanity; Lance Grady, Waukesha, and Dean Richards,
Delafield,
for their efforts on their local fire department and a search and
rescue
dive team; and Beth Roney Drennan, Baraboo, for providing legal
assistance
in family law, child support, and domestic abuse matters to poor
families
who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
The State Bar seeks nominations of lawyers or groups of lawyers
statewide
to feature in future vignettes. Nominees must engage in extraordinary
community or pro bono service activities that have had a significant,
positive impact on an individual, group, or community. The TV spots are
not intended to be a commercial for a lawyer's practice, nor is the
State
Bar seeking examples of the routine delivery of quality legal services.
For nomination criteria, contact the State Bar at (800)
728-7788 or (608) 257-3838. Nominations are due by Aug. 1.
Nominations previously submitted will be considered for future
spots.
