March 2005
Convention programs encompass ethics, pro bono, views from the
bench, and more
The State Bar Annual Convention and Bench &
Bar Seminars, from May 4 to 6, at the Midwest Airlines Center,
Milwaukee, offers lawyers and judges the rare opportunity to jointly
discuss major issues that confront them in administering justice and
practicing law. The convention offers more than 36 CLE programs focusing
on topics affecting the legal profession today. CLE programming begins
on Wednesday and concludes on Friday. Here are a few highlights.
Wednesday. The Diversity Outreach
and Gender Equity committees program will review the
issues that face a potential candidate or nominee on the way to the
bench.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis B. Butler Jr. will present "A
View of the Law from the Bench" during the Government Lawyers
Division program, which also addresses privacy issues under
Wisconsin law and the USA PATRIOT Act.
The Business Law Section program features hot issues
including customs law practice, trade secrets in IP licensing, new rules
for nonqualified deferred compensation, and the lessons of
Sarbanes-Oxley for nonpublic companies.
Thursday. Two plenary sessions are offered during
the Bench & Bar CLE programs. The morning topic is "Justice: What is
Justice in Our Society?" The afternoon plenary session, "Justice Skills:
What's Expected of You," follows the keynote speaker luncheon featuring
Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank J. Williams. Williams
will discuss whether the war on terror has become a permanent fixture of
the American political landscape, as have the wars on drugs, poverty,
and crime. If it has, are there constitutional implications? Are
traditional civil liberties and constitutional protections against
unlawful imprisonment in jeopardy?
Other programs include: "A Conversation on Specialization," "Limited
Representation: How Does it Serve the Client," "Pro Se and How It
Impacts the Legal System," "Right to and Availability of Counsel,"
"Unauthorized Practice of Law," "Local Rules," "Caseload Management:
Managing Your Calendar, Managing Your Case, Managing Your Time," "Judges
and Lawyers Giving Suggestions for Improving Efficiency and Avoiding
Acrimony in Litigation," "Oral Advocacy," and "The Use of Technology in
the Interest of Justice."
Friday. The Professional Ethics
Committee and Nonresident Lawyers Division
will present "Professional Ethics in Wisconsin _ After the Supreme Court
Hearing, Where are We Headed?"
The Senior Lawyers Division is offering programs on
planning for retirement and pro bono responsibilities and opportunities
for senior lawyers.
To register or for more information, visit www.wisbar.org/convention or
call (800) 728-7788.
Inside the Bar
