History tells a story and often points to the future. The State Bar has a story with 125 years of accomplishments.
Adapting to Change
History tells a story and often points to the future. The
State Bar has a story with 125 years of accomplishments. When I took
office, I outlined three goals for my term: spearheading an effort to
educate the public about the value lawyers bring to society; continuing
the fight for government funding of civil legal services for the
indigent; and improving diversity within the legal profession.
As we delved into our history this year, in celebration of the State
Bar's 125th anniversary, it was easy to see how today's efforts are tied
to our organization's founding principles to serve our members, the
judicial system, and the public. For instance:
- Serving our communities and providing legal services to the indigent
is a big part of who we are as lawyers. A May 2003 member survey showed
that, on average, Wisconsin lawyers donate more than 60 hours per year
of public service to their communities, representing an estimated annual
value of more than $86 million. To increase and coordinate pro bono
services, the Bar is working on a statewide pro bono coordination
initiative.
- Through our "Branding the Profession" communications effort, we are
educating the public about the value lawyers bring to society. Our
message that lawyers serve their communities, solve problems, and
provide expert advice is reaching the public through various
Bar-sponsored paid and earned media coverage, and is used by local bars
in their public outreach efforts and in members' own marketing
materials.
- The State Bar encourages diversity in the profession by assisting
minority bar and other specialty bar associations, from a variety of
programs that place minority law students in summer clerkships to
sponsoring events that educate the bar and the public about the value of
diversity in our changing society and profession. The State Bar has seen
four women elected president in the last decade. And this year marked
another milestone with the first person of color elected to the
presidential post. It is important that our profession reflect the
public we serve.
I am confident that when our successors celebrate the State Bar's
200th anniversary, members still will be providing dedicated service to
their clients and their communities, just as they have during the past
125 years.
Pat Ballman, president, State Bar of Wisconsin July 1, 2002 - June
30, 2003
Wisconsin Lawyer
