Members of the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy class of 2025-26.
Aug. 5, 2026 – Successful lawyering requires more than legal knowledge – it requires leadership. Successful leadership requires the ability to manage and support people, delegate effectively, navigate conflict, and use emotional intelligence to read the room, listen closely, and respond thoughtfully.
The
State Bar of Wisconsin G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy is built to strengthen these skills – helping lawyers expand their networks, boost leadership skills, and create lasting support systems. Participants not only learn practical skills like public speaking and effective networking, but also form bonds that last well beyond the program.
Recruitment for the 2026-27 Academy is open through Sept. 14, 2026.
First launched in 2016, the Academy this year marks 10 years, with almost 200 lawyers participating to date.
“As lawyers, we all have the potential to be effective leaders. Leadership may come naturally to some, while others develop it more intentionally, but everyone benefits from training and practice. The G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy provided me the knowledge and practical skills to put leadership into action,” said Jacob Birenbaum of HKK Law Offices, Sheboygan, who participated in the 2025-26 Academy.
About the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is a comprehensive training program created by the State Bar’s Leadership Development Committee that strengthens practical leadership skills for Wisconsin lawyers and increases the confidence in using those skills.
The Academy takes place over three 1.5-day sessions in November, January, and April. It teaches skills in time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, active listening, effective written and oral communication, networking, and more.
The Mission of the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy
To provide lawyer leaders with the essential skills, strategies, and resources necessary to empower them to become effective leaders in their careers; their local and state bar associations; their local communities and organizations; and the legal profession.
Act Now for the 2026-27 G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy – Deadline is Sept. 14
Here’s your opportunity to participate in a program that gives you skills, strategies, and resources to become effective leaders in the profession and community. Learn more about the State Bar of Wisconsin
G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy on Wisbar.org and read the
2026-27 Interest Form and Instructions.
The next session begins in November 2026. Topics include effective written and verbal communication, time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, active listening, community leadership, and networking. The program will be submitted for CLE credit.
When: 1.5-day sessions Nov. 13-14, 2026; Jan. 22-23, 2027; and April 16-17, 2027. Attendance at all sessions is required.
Where: State Bar Center, Madison
Submit materials by: Sept. 14, 2026 (space is limited)
Cost: $425. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available based on financial need.
For more information,
review the instructions and submit your interest form.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Law Foundation
G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy scholarships are funded through the G. Lane Ware Leadership Fund, a designated fund of the
Wisconsin Law Foundation, the charitable arm of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Find out more about the Foundation’s programs by visiting
wisbar.org/wlf.
