Gretchen Viney
Personal
- Born: July 23, 1953
- Residence: Baraboo, Wis.
- Married to Joseph L. Viney; two children
Education
- University of Wyoming, B.A. with highest honors (1974)
- U.W. Law School, J.D. with honors (1978)
Practice
- Partner, Viney & Viney, Baraboo, Wis., 1986-present
- Partner, Working Together Mediation Services, 1992-present
- Partner, Miller, Rogers & Owens, Portage, Wis., 1984-86
- Associate, Miller & Miller, Portage, Wis., 1979-84
- Law clerk, Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, 1978-79
Professional activities
- State Bar of Wisconsin: Director, Children &
the Law Section, 1994-present, secretary, 1994-96, Guardian ad Litem
Committee, 1993-present; director, Elder Law Section, 1996-present,
Guardianship Committee, 1995-present; Guardian ad Litem Committee,
1992-present, Family Law Section, 1992-present; Mentor Council,
1989-present; director, Young Lawyers Division, 1983-91; chair, Legal
Assistance Committee, 1983-89; director, Real Property, Probate &
Trust Law Section, 1986-89; member of various shorter-term committees;
State Bar-elected representative, Judicial Council, 1994-present;
recipient, State Bar of Wisconsin Special Recognition Award, Outstanding
Contribution for Legal Services to the Poor, 1989; frequent CLE
lecturer, generally on guardianships, protective placement and guardian
ad litem work for children and the elderly
- Lecturer, General Practice Skills course, U.W. Law School (real
estate transactions, guardian ad litem practice)
- Director, Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation Inc., 1986-92,
secretary, 1986-88, vice president, 1988-90, president, 1990-92
- Author, Guardianship and Protective Placement for the Elderly in
Wisconsin, State Bar CLE Books, 1996
- Candidate for Nonresident Lawyers Division president-elect
Community activities
- Rotary Club of Baraboo, secretary, 1989-93, president, 1993-94
- Baraboo Planning Commission
- Portage Curling Association
- Hockey mom; Sunday School teacher, deacon and choir member; Badger
football fan (season tickets, 1975-present); crossword puzzle
aficionado
Comment
I have learned much during the past three years about the Judicial
Council, its history, successes and traditions.
During the past year, I also learned about being on the losing end of
the political process as members of the council, and others, attempted
to preserve at least some vestige of the council against an unexpected
political onslaught. Despite our best efforts, the council is without a
budget or director and changed into an adjunct of the Judicial
Commission (presumably because the two entities share initials). Still,
we work on. Our meetings are enthusiastic; our committees are
functioning although at a rather cut-back level. (The Evidence and Civil
Procedure Committee will most likely be taking up discovery issues this
year. My particular interest will be how civil discovery rules might be
modified in their application to chapter 48 cases.)
I want Bar members to know that I have worked as hard as I can to
keep the Judicial Council separate and viable, consistent with its fine
tradition. During my term, I have been faithful in my preparation and
attendance. I bring to the council the personal perspective of a
small-town, general practice lawyer but I have tried to represent the
general interests of the Wisconsin Bar to the best of my ability. I have
also added some lively moments along the way. If the Judicial Council is
a sinking ship, I plan to go down bailing and making some noise.
I would be honored if you would return me to the frigate. I will go,
bucket in hand. (The noise part seems to take care of itself.)
Wisconsin Lawyer