Attorney's Association Ups Reward Related to Arson Attack

MADISON, June 20, 2006 - The State Bar of Wisconsin, through its president, D. Michael Guerin, announced today that it would pledge up to $5,000 toward the reward being offered in response to the arson attack on the law firm of Brenner, Wall and Gay in Waukesha. During the early morning hours of Memorial Day, May 29, 2006, an apparent arsonist broke into the law firm, located at 520 N. Grand Avenue, and ignited a fire which caused in excess of $100,000 damage and forced the relocation of this small family law practice.

"While the motive in this case remains unclear, we are concerned that the attack occurred against a building whose sole occupant is a family law office," said Guerin. "It is basic to individual access that they can rely on the safety and stability of the lawyers who provide advocacy in the legal system."

The State Bar of Wisconsin, first organized in 1878, is the mandatory professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out community service initiatives to educate the public about the legal system and the value of lawyers.

By making these additional funds available, the State Bar of Wisconsin hopes that the potential reward initially established by the Wisconsin Arson Insurance Council will increase the likelihood that the case will be resolved. Anyone with information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual or individuals that are responsible for this arson attack can call the Wisconsin Arson Insurance Council's hotline anonymously at (800) 362-3005.

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