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