July 19, 2017 – John Lederer saw it as his mission to help solo and small-firm lawyers master skills and technology to build their practices. Do you know someone who has the same dedication?

Now is the time to nominate a person, group, or organization exemplifying the late John Lederer’s leadership, spirit, and dedication.

The 2017 John Lederer Service Award will be presented at the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 26-28, 2017, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

Showing Leadership

Nominees should show leadership in furthering the mission of the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference – to educate and support solo and small-firm attorneys as they practice law, manage their businesses, and enjoy their lives.

Nominees must show continued, selfless service to projects, efforts, or organizations of benefit to solo and small-firm practitioners across Wisconsin.

Who was John Lederer?

Lederer was a visionary when it came to integrating technology into the practice of law. He chaired the State Bar’s Technology Resource Committee (TRC). While serving on the TRC, he took on the copyright controversy with Westlaw and facilitated Wisconsin’s universal citation program.

The universal citation, issued by courts, prevents any company from claiming a copyright on the publication of cases, making them available to attorneys at no cost.

Lederer was key in creating the Solo & Small Firm Conference and saw it as an opportunity to better the practices and lives of Wisconsin’s attorneys.

Nominees should have advanced solo and small-firm practitioners in the areas of technology, legal education, practice management, ethics, or quality of life.

To Enter a Nomination – Due Aug. 25

Each nomination should include:

1. name and contact information for the person making the nomination;
2. name and contact information of the individual, group or organization being nominated; and
3. a one-paragraph statement on how the nominee meets the criteria for the award.

Additionally, up to three letters of recommendation may be submitted from individuals who know of the nominee’s qualifications to receive the award.

Send nominations by Aug. 25 to Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section board member Nancy Trueblood via email.

For more information, contact Nicole Williams Buttery, State Bar Member Services section liaison.

Past recipients of the John F. Lederer Service Award

• Terry Dunst (2016)
• William "Byll" Hess (2015)
• Nerino J. Petro (2014)
• Nancy L. Trueblood (2013)
• Paul F. Angel (2012)
• Roberta A. Heckes (2011)
• Lowell Sweet (2010)
• Ross Kodner (2009)