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  • April 01, 2004

    Inside the Bar April 2004: Lawyers teach children about the law, First Lady joins State Bar at Lawyers for Learning program

    First Lady Jessica Doyle, State Bar President-elect Michelle Behnke, and State Bar Law-related Education Committee Cochair Mike Tobin of the Public Defender's Office spoke to more than 75 fourth and fifth graders at Marquette Elementary School in Madison on March 9, as part of the new Lawyers for Learning program. State Bar President George Burnett developed the program to encourage attorneys to volunteer in local schools as a way to help Wisconsin children learn about the law, to promote cooperation between the state and local bar associations, and to enhance the image of the legal profession.

    Inside the Bar
    April 2004

    Lawyers teach children about the law, First Lady joins State Bar at Lawyers for Learning program

    First Lady Jessica Doyle, State Bar President-elect Michelle Behnke, and State Bar Law-related Education Committee Cochair Mike Tobin of the Public Defender's Office spoke to more than 75 fourth and fifth graders at Marquette Elementary School in Madison on March 9, as part of the new Lawyers for Learning program. State Bar President George Burnett developed the program to encourage attorneys to volunteer in local schools as a way to help Wisconsin children learn about the law, to promote cooperation between the state and local bar associations, and to enhance the image of the legal profession.

    Mike Tobin, Jessica Doyle and Michelle   Behnke

    Law-related Education Committee Chair Mike Tobin, First Lady Jessica Doyle (seated) and President-elect Michelle Behnke answer student questions following the presentation.

    The Lawyers for Learning Committee is encouraging local bar associations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education by speaking to schoolchildren this spring about the landmark decision. The presentation at Marquette Elementary marked the inaugural presentation of a curriculum explaining the Brown decision to elementary-school students. During the hour-long presentation, the speakers discussed the importance of laws, the way to challenge an unjust law in the court system, and the central role played by the Brown case in the nation's race relations.

    "The Brown case is an excellent topic for students because it teaches them about law, about history, and most importantly, about mutual respect and cooperation among people of different races and cultures," said Tobin. "The Marquette teachers prepared the students during class time, enlisting several students to research and give presentations during the program. I am grateful to the Marquette community, the State Bar, and First Lady Jessica Doyle for making the program a success."

    "I enjoyed being a part of the Lawyers for Learning program," said Behnke. "The student presenters were well prepared and the students in the audience asked thoughtful questions about segregation and equal education issues. It is exciting to be a part of the learning process for these young students. I hope I have a chance to work with other schools on this project."

    "Not only does this program emphasize the importance of diversity in our schools, it promotes a continued sense of tolerance and respect," said Behnke. "What could be more important than to educate our youth about treating each other fairly and equally?"

    Lawyers for Learning is part of an ongoing State Bar effort to educate the public about the value of lawyers and to showcase the important contributions that lawyers make in their communities. Lawyers who are interested in making a presentation at local schools can view four easy-to-use activities or contact Dee Runaas, State Bar Law-related Education coordinator, at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6191, or (608) 250-6191.


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