Feb. 6, 2019 – Volunteers are the life blood of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

They help decide what CLE the Bar offers, what changes should be made to our ethical rules, and what member services will best help our members now and in the future. The State Bar relies on hundreds of attorney volunteers each year to serve on boards, committees, and put on programs.

Without volunteers, the State Bar cannot function. Without new volunteers bringing different perspectives and innovative ideas, the State Bar cannot move forward. That's why I'm calling for more lawyers to step up.

In a few months, it will be my responsibility to make appointments to the State Bar's various committees, task forces and work groups. My goal is to involve as many lawyers as possible from different practice areas, geographic areas, and experience levels.

We are a diverse State Bar, and it is my goal to get the broader base of members involved in State Bar leadership. We need new lawyers and experienced lawyers, specialists and generalists, from big cities and rural communities, from within the state and nonresidents, big firm, government, solo, and everything in between.

I ask that you take a look at the various committees and let me know of your willingness to serve.

Why Should I Join a Committee?

Committee service not only benefits Wisconsin lawyers, but also provides you with the opportunity to influence important issues facing the profession, the legal system, and our State Bar membership in general.

It is also a great way to meet lawyers from around – and even outside – the state who want to make a difference by serving the profession through State Bar activities.

For me, committee work not only allowed me to do important and rewarding work shaping Wisconsin's legal system, but also gave me the opportunity to meet and network with other lawyers from across the state. I've made great friends and important connections through my committee service.

What Do I Have to Offer?

Every lawyer has something to offer. If you like what the State Bar is doing, you can help continue those great programs. If you believe the State Bar needs to make changes, you can bring new perspectives to move the organization forward and make the changes needed to improve our legal system and benefit our members.

The State Bar needs hundreds of volunteers each year. While some leaders dedicate significant hours, there are many committees that only ask for a few hours each month.

I believe that giving back to our community and helping to improve the administration of justice is an obligation of every lawyer. Even if you have never been involved before – especially if you have never been involved before – I ask that you visit the Leadership Opportunities and committees pages on WisBar.org, and submit an Interest Form to let me know which committees and issues facing Wisconsin lawyers you are willing to serve.

Thank you,

Jill Kastner,
State Bar President-elect