Vol. 73, No. 11, November 2000
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2000 Annual Report
1. Increase and diversify participation in Bar activities.
2. Increase public understanding of citizens' legal rights and responsibilities.
3. Enhance public understanding of the administration of justice.
4. Improve access to justice.
5. Improve member education that is responsive to changing member needs.
6. Improve member service that is responsive to changing member needs.
7. Use technology to improve education, communication, member services, cost-effective access to legal resources, and effective management.
8. Evaluate and improve our own governance and administration to best effectuate our mission.
9. Advocate for the integrity and effectiveness of the legal profession.
10. Support and promote attorneys as problem solvers.
President-elect Gary Bakke is a strong proponent of promoting the problem-solving skills that lawyers possess. One of the most notable initiatives in this area during FY00 is the Public Trust and Confidence Project that brings lawyers, judges, and laypeople together to work out problems in the justice system.
The State Bar of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson, the Wisconsin Director of State Courts, and the Wisconsin League of Women Voters implemented a state project to improve public trust and confidence in the Wisconsin justice system. Committee members - three attorneys, three judges, one clerk of court, and three members of the League of Women Voters - support the concept of justice system "insiders" working in conjunction with the public as problem-solvers to improve the system for everyone.
The committee held statewide focus groups to gather public input on the justice system. Former jurors, offenders and their families, and civil litigants participated. The committee will synthesize its research and develop an action plan to more effectively direct community, government, and justice system resources toward improving the justice system and promoting public trust and confidence in it. The action plan will be presented to the bench, the bar, and community groups throughout FY01.
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