“The State Bar of Wisconsin has numerous committees that are comprised of member attorneys and many of those give service awards. The WisLAP Lawyer Assistance Program specifically provides assistance to lawyers who are confronting issues such as addiction and substance abuse, mental health, depression, and other stressors that affect their lives and practices. Many of our volunteer attorneys for WisLAP have been through recovery programs themselves and have a background of substance abuse or other issues. They use those experiences to counsel other attorneys in need to help them in their recovery. The WisLAP Committee’s annual volunteer award is presented to a volunteer attorney who provides substantial support and past behavior has not been a factor in consideration historically. However, the WisLAP Committee will be reconvening to discuss this award and their selection. And, as President of the State Bar of Wisconsin, it is my recommendation that this nomination be withdrawn, acknowledging the seriousness of the issue of sexual assault and out of respect to survivors and victims.”