Inside the Bar
January 2008

Outstaters vie for four of six State Bar offices – Bertz and Knudson face off for president-elect

Tom Bertz, Stevens Point, and Ken Knudson, Superior, have accepted nominations to run for 2008 State Bar president-elect. Bertz is a partner with Anderson, O’Brien, Bertz, Skrenes & Golla, practicing in the areas of litigation, personal injury, insurance defense, worker’s compensation, and products liability. Knudson of Knudson, Gee & Torvinen S.C. practices in the areas of civil trial work, school and special education law, and employment law. Both candidates were selected by the State Bar Nominating Committee, chaired by Earl Munson, of Madison.

Nominees for secretary are Mark Pennow, Green Bay and Pamela Veith, Eau Claire, Nominees for Judicial Council are Beth Ermatinger Hanan and Kevin J. Lyons, both of Milwaukee.

“It’s a great honor to be nominated as a candidate for president-elect of the State Bar of Wisconsin,” says Bertz. “The Wisconsin Bar is rightfully recognized as one of the outstanding bars in the country. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee for the Board of Governors, and as board liaison to numerous bar sections. That experience, I believe, eminently qualifies me to serve as its president. With the help of my fellow lawyers of the bar, I look forward to continuing the bar’s great tradition of service to its members, the judiciary, and the public.”

“I am proud of the service and commitment of Wisconsin lawyers and our State Bar association in filling the needs of our communities,” says Knudson. “I am humbled and honored to be nominated to serve as president of the State Bar of Wisconsin and look forward to representing its members and the opportunity to lead our association.”

The president-elect serves a one-year term before becoming president. The secretary serves two years, and the Judicial Council representative serves three years. Members interested in running for one of these offices can file a petition, which must be signed by 100 active Bar members, with the State Bar by Feb. 1. To receive a petition, contact Jan Marks at jmarks@wisbar.org or call (608) 250-6106, or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6106.

Election ballots will be mailed in April. Those elected will take office July 1, 2008.

Inside the Bar