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    Wisconsin Lawyer
    November 01, 1998

    Wisconsin Lawyer November 1998: President's Report: Spirit of Service Redefines Bar


    Vol. 71, No. 11, November 1998

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    President's Report: Spirit of Service Redefines Bar

    By Steven R. Sorenson

    A spirit of service spread throughout our Bar as more than 2,000 members participated in various projects, the cumulative effects of which have resulted in redesigning the State Bar of Wisconsin. The most important of these, Project Vision, has successfully crafted the mission, vision, and strategies of the Bar as we prepare to enter the next millennium. Hundreds of committee, section, and division meetings were held to develop strategic plans that have become the foundation of the Bar's commitment to the future.

    Innovative long-term planning and budgeting can be seen as the Finance Committee rolls out its first ever three-year budget. Long-term planning is the foundation upon which new programs will emerge to serve the profession and the public.

    The vote to proceed with the new Bar Center was the year's most difficult effort. The vision of a new Bar Center now is a reality. The Facilities Committee can be extremely pleased with its efforts to educate the membership and to design a structure that will improve the delivery of member and public services. This new Bar Center is indeed for all members, not just a select few.

    The spirit of service also was evident in the Bar's outreach efforts during 1997-98. Regional conferences in Hudson and Wisconsin Rapids moved the State Bar from Madison to nontraditional locations. Attendees came away with the feeling that the State Bar of Wisconsin is relevant to them.

    The Solo and Small Firm Committee extended its tradition of holding regional meetings and receptions statewide. And, staff took the Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance and Lawyer Hotline programs to numerous communities throughout Wisconsin.

    The Bar extended its hand across state borders, too. Nine different state bar associations participated in the Midwest Regional Solo and Small Firm Conference that brought more than 300 lawyers together in La Crosse to discuss the issues that face Midwest solo and small-firm lawyers.

    The Bar's outstanding public education and outreach programming is recognized nationally, earning several ABA and other awards. And, again this year the ABA highlighted the State Bar's activities at the National Conference of Bar Presidents and the National Association of Bar Executives meetings. Significant programming at these meetings was provided by the State Bar of Wisconsin a compliment to the strength of our leadership and our staff.

    The spirit of service also was reflected in this year's advances in partnering. The State Bar of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Realtors® Association have developed a strong working interdisciplinary group. The State Bar also has strengthened its relationship with the Wisconsin State Law Library, Marquette University and U.W. law school libraries, and LOIS and other legal information providers to give Wisconsin lawyers and the public cost-effective access to the law.

    Many other significant accomplishments were achieved during this past year. Efforts are underway to rejuvenate the structure of our internal programs; we continued expanding WisBar, which resulted in recognition from the legal and Internet communities. The Elections Policy Committee changed the elections timeline giving newly elected officers and board members an opportunity to participate in leadership training and to attend Board meetings to learn the governance system prior to taking offices.

    Overall, this past year was highlighted by participation; the spirit of service has infused the organization. There is a new attitude of caring and concern. Lawyers truly do care about the profession and the public. We all are willing to give a little when we recognize that our service makes a difference. We have made a difference, and it is a difference we can be proud of.

    Thank you for giving me a chance to serve. I will always cherish this opportunity.


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