The "status quo is not an option" has been the mantra during my term as president. My objective has been to alert the profession to some sweeping changes in the landscape for lawyers that parallel changes other professions and businesses are undergoing. We cannot minimize the wrenching transformations that will need to occur to our ethics and other regulatory rules to allow us to provide the services that clients demand. Change will be difficult and consensus is unlikely. Leadership is essential to find an acceptable way to protect the public and preserve the essence of our profession. If the discussion and debate that began during my term continues, and we are able to construct an appropriate response, I will consider my efforts as president a success.
Gary L. Bakke President, State Bar of Wisconsin July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2001
Wisconsin Lawyer