Inside the Bar
March 2008

State Bar recognizes lawyers’ extraordinary public service at Annual Convention

The Volunteer Lawyers Recognition Celebration recognizes individuals who made outstanding pro bono, public service, or law-related education contributions. This free event will be held at the Annual Convention in Madison, May 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

“As I engage in my duties as State Bar President, I am continually amazed by the large number of Wisconsin lawyers who devote their time and excellent talents as volunteers in so many areas,” says Tom Basting. “The State Bar of Wisconsin is recognized as one of the best in the nation, and it is because of these lawyers that such recognition is given. I congratulate all of them and thank them on behalf of the Bar for their dedication and service.”

The 2007 award recipients are:

• Paul Sturgul, Hurley, Law-related Education Attorney of the Year;
• Earl Munson, Madison, Pro Bono Award for a Private, Government, or Corporate Practitioner;
• Legal Aid Society of Door County and the Madison law firm of Heller Ehrman LLP, Pro Bono Award for Law Firm, Organization, or Association;
• Ellen Henningsen, Madison, Pro Bono Award for a Legal Services
  Attorney;
• Lathrop & Clark, Madison, Hotline Firm of the Year;
• Frank Sutherland, Madison, Lathrop & Clark coordinator, Hotline Attorney of the Year;
• Patricia DeLessio, Milwaukee, Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Public Interest Law Attorney;
• Emily Long, U.W., and Anne Jaspers, Marquette, Outstanding Public Interest Law Students;
• Gregory Van Rybroek, WisLAP Volunteer of the Year;
• Christopher Ware and Laura Gramling Perez, both of Milwaukee, Charles Dunn Wisconsin Lawyer™ Author Award;
• Jennifer O’Neill, Hudson, Donald O’Melia Local Service Award;
• John Wabaunsee, La Crosse, Belle Case La Follette Outstanding Professional Award; and
• Michael Hatch and Bruce Keyes, both of Milwaukee, Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence.

Event sponsors include the Law-related Education, Legal Assistance, and Communications committees; Lawyer Referral and Information Service; Wisconsin Lawyers’ Assistance Program; Public Interest Law Section; and Wisconsin Law Foundation.

Inside the Bar