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.
The 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.
Wisconsin
Lawyer
