CONTACT: Teresa Weidemann-Smith
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6025
twsmith@wisbar.org
Wisconsin Attorneys Receive Awards for Service
MADISON, May 1, 2006 – Four southeastern
Wisconsin attorneys, one organization and one law student will be
recognized at the Public Service & Pro Bono Volunteer Lawyers
Recognition Celebration awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 3 at the State
Bar of Wisconsin's annual convention beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the
Monona Terrace & Convention Center in Madison.
The awards, sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin
Law Foundation and the Wisconsin Supreme Court, recognize volunteers who
have helped make the legal system more accessible to the people of
Wisconsin by providing pro bono legal services, public service, and law
related education.
The awards and their perspective recipients include:
The 2005 Pro Bono Award for a Private, Government, or Corporate
Practitioner Award: Brookfield attorney Jessica Abbott
with Schott, Bublitz & Engel, S.C. and attorney
Katherine Perhach of Quarles & Brady LLP in
Milwaukee. The award recognizes the efforts of those providing legal
services to low income populations; increasing the accessibility of
legal services and improving legal services delivery.
The 2005 Pro Bono Award for a Legal Organization: The
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee. The Society, Milwaukee's first
all-female law firm from 1916 to 1971 was led exclusively by female
chief executives. In this, their 90th year, the State Bar of Wisconsin
honors the Society for their long-term and pioneering commitment to
equal justice under law.
The 2005 Outstanding Public Interest Law Student Award:
Marquette law student Ericka Jacobs. The award
recognizes her efforts in Cape Town, South Africa working with the
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, and for the Refugee
Legal Aid Clinic at the University of Cape Town.
The 2005 Donald O'Melia Local Service Award: Attorney
Peter Flessas of Foley & Lardner in Milwaukee. The
award recognizes a lawyer who has made a significant public service
contribution in his or her local community.
For more information, visit www.wisbar.org.
Press Releases
