State Bar mobilizes lawyers to provide pro bono services to
reservists called to active duty
Sept. 19, 2001
"Sept. 11, 2001, like Dec. 7, 1941,
will be etched in our memory as a day of horror," said Gerry Mowris,
State Bar president.
"At this time of national turmoil, we are absorbing thousands of
messages about what the violent assault means to our nation. In the
midst of the chaos, the emotion, and the grieving for the thousands of
victims and their families, lawyers must seek an appropriate response to
assist the public."
The State Bar is taking several steps to respond to this national
crisis. In partnership with the Government Lawyers and Young Lawyers
divisions and local bar associations, the State Bar is organizing a
series of free CLE seminars to aid lawyers in providing pro bono
services to military personnel called to active duty. More than 100
attorneys attended the Oct. 4 program at the Bar Center in Madison. The
videotape is scheduled for Oct. 24 at statewide locations.
"Military personnel and their families will need legal support in the
way of wills, powers of attorney for health care, estate plan, custody
arrangements, business operation plans, and the like," said Mowris.
"Legal counsel and advice is needed so that soldiers, airmen, sailors,
and marines can perform their military duties without being distracted
by legal and financial difficulties created by their absence from their
loved ones."
The Wisconsin National Guard and the Reserve Judge Advocate are
largely responsible for providing legal assistance for any mobilized
reservist, regardless of branch. However, the military judge advocates
will be inundated with requests for assistance and may not be properly
equipped to offer counsel on the wide array of legal issues. "I urge
State Bar members to assist the military in this important effort," said
Mowris.
The State Bar will videotape the Oct. 4 seminar for statewide replay.
Mowris urges local bar leaders to join forces with neighboring counties
to provide programming for lawyers in their communities. "Together we
can provide valuable assistance to our military as they are called to
serve the country," continued Mowris. "I extend my personal thanks to
the many attorneys who have already volunteered assistance.
