July 2004

'Wisconsin Lawyers Make a Difference' TV series expands, 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 30-second spots, which kicked off in the spring with a three-month pilot airing on WISC-TV3 and UPN-14, highlights lawyers who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to community or pro bono service.

According to Public Image Committee Chair Kevin Palmersheim, "The pilot project was well received, and the committee is researching expanding its message to other areas of the state. Television offers an effective means to communicate to the public that lawyers, as expert advisers, are actively involved in their communities." The committee invites nominations of lawyers or groups of lawyers statewide to feature in future vignettes.

The TV spots will continue on WISC-TV3 and UPN-14 July through September. In addition, the Image Committee is considering airing the spots in the La Crosse-Eau Claire and Green Bay-Fox Valley areas. The committee also is exploring statewide primetime Badger Basketball TV, which would reach more than 10,000 households in the Madison, Green Bay/Appleton, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Wausau, and Rhinelander areas.

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. All nominations previously submitted will be reconsidered for future spots.

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