For Immediate Release
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CONTACT: Christi Powers
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6025
cpowers@wisbar.org |
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Richland County Bar receives award for exceptional public
service
MADISON, April 7, 2003 - The Richland County Bar
Association garnered an exceptional achievement award on Friday in
Madison from the State Bar of Wisconsin. The award was presented at the
2003 Wisconsin Bar Leaders Conference (WBLC) that provides
lawyer-leaders from local bar associations a forum to network and share
ideas.
The award recognizes a year-long project spearheaded by the Richland
County Bar in establishing pro se sessions to help educate the
public on how to represent themselves in simple court cases such as
uncontested divorce. The sessions are conducted by a trained volunteer
who explains the law and provides forms but does not give legal
advice.
"This is a good example of how a local bar works with the State Bar
to benefit the community," said Atty. Amy Forehand, Richland County
district attorney's office. "Also, assistance is now offered on
post-divorce cases when the former spouse does not follow through with
terms of the divorce agreement."
With the State Bar grant, initial training sessions were formed to
train potential mediators in how to handle small claims and juvenile
offense cases. After researching other county mediation programs,
Richland County ultimately created its own mediation services and has
hired a part-time staff member.
"The State Bar grant has allowed us to establish a small claims
mediation process that has reduced the court's caseload and speeded the
resolution of cases," said Atty. George Wilbur, who helped with the
project. "More importantly, I believe the participants are more
satisfied with a solution they've created rather than a court
decision."
Hosted by the State Bar of Wisconsin, the WBLC is well into its 20th
year and recognizes county bar associations for volunteer and community
service projects. Nearly 100 participants representing more than 50
county or specialty bar associations attended the day-long event.
The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association,
created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law
license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids
the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides
continuing legal education for its members, and assists Wisconsin
lawyers in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the
legal system.
For more information, call Kris Wenzel at (608) 250-6185
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