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    Wisconsin Lawyer
    May 01, 2000

    Wisconsin Lawyer May 2000: President's Message

    President's Perspective

    Building a Team

    by Leonard L. Loeb

    The State Bar has taken tremendous strides to build a solid team of professionals to lead the association and to serve the lawyers of Wisconsin. At its April meeting, the Board of Governors selected Interim Executive Director George Brown to become the Bar's new executive director. Brown has a long and impressive record at the Bar. Since he originally joined the Bar in 1986, he has directed the public affairs department, the marketing department, and served as the assistant executive director. He left the Bar briefly in 1997 to work in government relations for the Madison law firm of Quarles & Brady. His knowledge of the State Bar, bolstered by his strong grasp of the ever-changing legal profession, is a winning combination. I invite you to call on Brown. Take advantage of his expertise and his interest in working hand-in-hand with our membership to enhance the practice of law.

    Leonard LoebThe Board of Governors also approved the nomination of James M. Brennan, the chief staff attorney of the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee's Civil Division, to serve as chair of the Board of Governors during President-elect Gary Bakke's year as president. Brennan has served on the Bar's Executive Committee, as well as the Diversity Outreach Committee, Participation of Women in the Bar - Domestic Violence Subcommittee, and as a board liaison to many Bar sections. As a governor, he has proven to be an effective and respected leader and is a fine choice for the position.

    Just as we are building a solid team within the association, the Bar's Life Planning 2000 is successfully reaching out to build coalitions of attorneys, physicians, and health care professionals in communities statewide to carry out a valuable public service. Gov. Tommy Thompson agreed to sign a Proclamation announcing May 1 - 5 as statewide Life Planning Week. Prof. Janine Geske has lent her support to the campaign by way of serving as spokesperson. The State Bar and the presidents of our partnering associations - the State Medical Society and the Wisconsin Health and Hospital Association - also have been promoting the efforts of their membership.

    Hundreds of volunteers have been "hitting the pavement" since the first part of May to educate the public about the need to complete advance medical directives before personal health crises arise. Member response has been incredible. Billboards, newspaper advertisements, and radio public service announcements will help highlight their local efforts. We should be proud of our progress. It is the first time in Bar history that we have teamed with our medical colleagues to implement a public service. We are educating professionals and educating the public and the message is getting out. Life Planning has provided a tremendous opportunity for lawyers to work jointly and successfully with other professions all in the name of service.

    I hope we have your support as we continue to build a solid team within the Bar and outside the Bar. As always, you can reach me with comments or questions via email.


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