Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation. See more photos of the event on the State Bar of Wisconsin Facebook page.

Oct. 16, 2019 – The night encompassed a recognition of leaders of all ages – from high school students just starting their mock trial experience, to those leading in the profession for over the past half-century. It encompassed laughter and tears, standing ovations, and moving remarks by those recognized for their leadership in the profession.

Forty-five new Fellows were inducted Oct. 10, 2019, into the Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation in Madison. The Fellows are lawyers who join by invitation as a result of their service to the profession, to their communities, and to justice.

“These Fellows are recognized not only for their outstanding contributions to their profession,” said Kathleen Grant, president of the Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation. “We have also served the public, given back to our communities, and made efforts to improve our system of justice.”

“These ideals are what we are passing on to our younger peers and members of our community,” Grant said. “This service spans all the way from representing those who are under-represented, to those serving on judicial commissions.”

“As Fellows,” Foundation President Kevin Lonergan said, “you’re the leaders who are making a good name for lawyers in our state. I’m honored to be here with you.”

More than 200 attended the event, including representatives of the next generation of leaders – members of Milwaukee’s Golda Meir High School Mock Trial team. The mock trial students attended on invitation to honor Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Carl Ashley, a recipient of the Foundation's Charles A. Goldberg Award of Excellence.

Longtime Foundation board member and supporter Cheryl Furstace Daniels speaks at the podium. She was honored for her 26 years of service to the Wisconsin Law Foundation.

The Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation

The Fellows program recognizes members of the profession who are known by their peers for high professional achievements and outstanding contributions to the advancement and improvement of the administration of justice in Wisconsin. New Fellows are elected by the Fellows Board of Trustees.

The program supports the mission of the Wisconsin Law Foundation, the charitable arm of the State Bar of Wisconsin. The Foundation promotes public understanding of the law, improvement of the administration of justice, and other law-related public service by funding innovative and creative programs that improve the vision of the American justice system.

The Foundation in 2019 funded more than $52,000 in grants to programs, projects, and services across Wisconsin that assist public understanding of the law and improve access to justice. And, with strong support from the Fellows and donations from State Bar members, the Foundation in 2020 will give its highest amount– more than $55,000.

“Thanks to the generosity of our Fellows and donors, we’ve been able to expand support for these worthy programs,” said Kevin Lonergan, Foundation president.

Recipients of its grant money include Wisconsin’s High School Mock Trial Program, programs providing for teen and peer courts, education programs helping low-income individuals better navigate the health care system, and programs to educate pro se litigants about the family court process.

Members of Milwaukee's Golda Meir High School Mock Trial Team attended the event, with their coaches, attorney Kori Ashley (back row, second from left) and Yara Rosario (back row, second from right).

Honoring a Leader

Lonergan took a few moments during the dinner to thank longtime Foundation board member and supporter Cheryl Furstace Daniels.

Daniels first joined the board in 1993 and served for 26 years in various capacities, including two separate terms as Foundation president. “She has also chaired, at least once, almost every committee within the Foundation,” Lonergan said.

Daniels said she is proud to have assisted, over the years, the growth of the Foundation – so that it can support “more and more worthy programs.”

“The longer I’ve been involved, the more people we have brought into this organization – allowing it to have as broad an effect as possible,” Daniels said. “I’m really very happy that this is a part of the legacy I am leaving.”

New Fellow Hon. Mary M. Kuhnmuench, Milwaukee, with her husband, John Kuhnmuench.

Welcome new Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation