Jan. 6, 2016 – It’s a stepping stone to further your career, and a way to forge new connections with like-minded lawyers and to make a difference in your profession and the State Bar of Wisconsin, say those who have held officer or directors positions within their State Bar division.

The State Bar divisions will soon select candidates to run in their 2016 elections. Consider running for a division officer or board of director position in your division – the deadlines to sign up are fast approaching. All positions will begin July 1, 2016.

Government Lawyers Division President-elect and Division Directors: Deadlines for Nominations are Feb. 1

Government Lawyers Division (GLD) members in 2016 will choose a president-elect for a one-year term (three-year commitment) and three division directors to serve two-year terms. The president-elect then serves as president for a one-year term and past president for a one-year term.

Kathleen Chung, GLD past president, urges government lawyers to run for the positions -- the benefits are many.

"What I've found after 10 years is that my rewards for participation have only increased as my practice has grown and deepened. The shared experiences and wisdom from other division directors and members provide me with a constant flow of information and offers of consultation, as well as presenting professional training and employment opportunities," Chung said.

Serving in these positions "provides a space for us to grow and engage opportunities, limited only by our volunteer work and efforts," Chung said.

To apply: GLD members are asked to email a resume, letter of interest, and a headshot photo to the GLD Nominating Committee, attn: Lois Berning, at lberning@wisbar.org, by Feb. 1, 2016.

Run for a Senior Lawyers Division Leadership Position: Apply by March 1

Have you ever thought about becoming more involved with the Senior Lawyers Division (SLD)? Now is the time to volunteer to serve on the division’s board of directors.

Members of the SLD are encouraged to run for the open board of directors' positions for 2016. Each position is a two-year term.

The SLD Board meets five times per year, with at least two of the board sessions held in-person at the State Bar Center in Madison. The remaining sessions are conducted via teleconference.

To apply: Interested SLD members should send a resume, letter of interest, and headshot photo by March 1, 2016, to the SLD Nominating Committee:

• via an email to Lois Berning, at lberning@wisbar.org, or
• via USPS to State Bar of Wisconsin, SLD Nominating Committee, Attn. Lois Berning, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707-7158.

Nonresident Lawyers: Sign Up by Jan. 15 to Run for President-elect or a Board of Directors’ Position

Members of the Nonresident Lawyers Division (NRLD) will choose a president-elect, who then serves as president, then past president, each for one-year terms. Additionally, five two-year board of directors’ positions are open for 2016.

Why run? For NRLD board member Michael A. McCaskey of Chicago, the benefits are myriad.

“It’s nice to work with accomplished, interesting people – especially when those people share a passion for Wisconsin and the worthwhile mission of the State Bar of Wisconsin,” McCaskey said.

It is also a great way to network with like-minded people and maintain your connection to Wisconsin, he said.

To apply: Interested NRLD members should send a letter of interest, resume, and headshot photo to Kris Wenzel (kwenzel@wisbar.org) by Jan. 15, 2016.

Please note that only active and emeritus-status NRLD members can run for these positions. Persons elected will take office July 1, 2016.

Young Lawyers Division Board and Officer Elections – Nomination Deadlines Approaching in February and March

Young Lawyers Division (YLD) President Ryan Blay urges young lawyers to run for a position with the division. Young lawyers are those within their first five years of practice or under the age of 36.

Positions available in 2016 are the president-elect, secretary, and five board of directors’ positions, beginning July 1, 2016.

“Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with other lawyers and further the profession by participating in our division,” Blay said.

Serving as a director, secretary, president-elect, and now president has been “one of the most worthwhile endeavors of my professional career,” Blay said.

“Time on the board has helped me recognize the challenges facing young lawyers and the profession as a whole, along with numerous opportunities to connect with other State Bar entities."

The secretary position is a one-year term. The president-elect serves for one year, then serves as president and past president, each for one-year terms. The positions on the board of directors are two-year terms.

To apply: Interested YLD members should send a statement of interest, resume, and a headshot photo to Kris Wenzel (kwenzel@wisbar.org) and Clay Kawski (ckawski@gmail.com).

Limit statements of interest to 350 words for president-elect nominees and 250 words for all other nominees. The statements of interest will be published in the YLD newsletter Fresh Perspectives and on the election ballots.

The deadline for nominations for the officer positions (president-elect and secretary) is Feb. 1, 2016. The deadline for nominations for the open YLD board of directors’ positions is March 1, 2016.