Feb. 4, 2009 – As a State Bar volunteer, you serve a vital role in providing services to fellow members and the public while gaining personal and professional satisfaction of making a difference in the legal system. At the same time, you can develop one of the most valuable skills needed today … leadership.
Your legal career may span more than 50 years. Why not help shape your profession by serving on the Board of Governors or a committee? Petitions to run for a seat on the Board of Governors are due March 3, and committee interest forms are due March 31.
Committees. Incoming President Doug Kammer will fill vacancies on standing and special committees this spring, with members taking their posts on July 1.
Committees conduct much of the work of the State Bar and often influence policy on critical issues. Appointments to standing committees are for three years; appointments to special committees are for one year.
Standing committees include:
- Communications
- Continuing Legal Education
- Legal Assistance
- Professional Ethics
Special committees include:
- Bench Bar
- Board of Bar Examiners Review
- Diversity Outreach
- Insurance for Members
- Law-related Education
- Lawyer Dispute Resolution
- Lawyer Referral & Information
- Leadership Development
- Legislative Oversight
- Local Bar Relations
- Media Law Relations
- Members Benefits Advisory
- Professionalism
- Public Image
- Resolution of Fee Disputes
- Solo and Small Firm Practice
- Strategic Planning
- Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP)
- Wisconsin Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection
Visit the Leadership Opportunities Directory for specific information on committee volunteer positions. The online directory answers frequently asked questions covering matters such as specific levels of commitment to expectations of volunteers to the issues addressed. To volunteer, select the “Let us know you’re interested” tab on the online directory page. Interest forms must by submitted by March 31 to be considered for a 2009 appointment.
Run for a Board of Governors seat. The Board of Governors is the State Bar's policy-making body. Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 will elect governors in 2009. District 2 (Milwaukee) will elect seven governors; District 9 (Dane) will elect three governors; and all other districts elect one. Governors serve two-year terms.
To run for a seat on the Board of Governors, members must file with the State Bar by March 3 a petition signed by 10 active members in their district.
For more information, contact Jan Marks at (608) 250-6106, or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6106.
Election ballots will be mailed in April. Those elected will take office July 1.
