Candidates tapped for 2002 State Bar elections

Dec. 18, 2001

Bermingham

Burnett

"The State Bar's Nominating Committee is very pleased to announce that John Bermingham of Oshkosh and George Burnett of Green Bay have accepted nominations to run for president-elect of the State Bar in its spring election," said Pat Ballman, State Bar president-elect.

Bermingham of Reff, Baivier, Bermingham & Lim S.C. and Burnett of Liebmann, Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry S.C. were selected by the State Bar Nominating Committee, which is chaired by Ballman.

"The Bar is delighted that we have two excellent and qualified candidates for the position," added Ballman. "Regardless of which candidate wins the election, the State Bar will be the winner. The Nominating Committee is also very pleased to announce the nominees for secretary: Percy Julian of Madison and Pam Pepper of Milwaukee; and the nominees for Judicial Council: Ruth Bachman of Barron and Peggy Podell of Milwaukee. Thank you to all the nominees for their willingness to serve the State Bar."

"I believe that as an organization of nearly 20,000 members, the State Bar of Wisconsin must be relevant, responsive, and available to all its members in order to meet the rapidly changing demands of the practice of law," said Bermingham. "The delivery of services to members must be accomplished in a way that meets the needs of all segments of membership. The organization needs to streamline its ability to respond to issues of legislative and judicial impact in a timely manner."

"The nomination to run for State Bar president-elect is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility," said Burnett. "The Bar faces serious issues, as the practice of law has become more complex over the years. It will be a challenge to connect with as many Bar members as possible during the next few months concerning how the Bar can best serve its members and the public."

The State Bar president-elect serves a one-year term before becoming president. The secretary serves two years, while the Judicial Council representative serves a three-year term. All terms begin on July 1, 2002.