Questions & Answers About the Bar's Future Home

Q:Why is the Association building a new headquarters rather than renovating the current State Bar Center?

A: The decision to build a new Bar Center comes after a decade of study, according to Attorney Gerald O'Brien, chair of the Facilities Committee. The current center was built in 1958 and has been expanded twice. Further development is not possible because of neighborhood zoning restrictions and the inability to add parking.

Q:Were other alternatives examined?

A: Yes. Relocating to an existing building, splitting Bar operations among the existing center and other facilities, and permitting more Bar employees to work at home were all considered.

No existing facility met the Bar's specific need for an easily accessible location for members with sufficient parking and adequate meeting space. Splitting operations would have resulted in unnecessary travel time for staff to locate records, fulfill orders and produce publications. Although several Bar employees work from home, most employees work together in teams. One facility is necessary to provide quality services to the membership.

Q:What provisions have been made for future growth in the new facility?

A: The new facility has 85 workstations and the capacity for adding 35 more. If or when necessary, the new facility could be expanded both north and south to add about 12,000 square feet.

Q:What cost savings are incorporated in the new building?

A:Committee and section meetings, as well as CLE seminars that are currently held at hotels and conference facilities, will convene in the new assembly halls and conference rooms. Because of space limitations in the present quarters, the State Bar leases 6,000 square feet of off-site storage. The new building has ample storage for current and future use.

Q:When will the new Bar Center be completed?

A: The grand opening is set for summer 1999.

Q:Has the State Bar always had a central headquarters?

A: No. During the late 1800s, the State Bar headquarters were transient, residing in the office of the Bar secretary. That arrangement continued until 1920 when Bar operations moved to the Wisconsin State Law Library. Finally in 1957, the State Bar embarked on a mission to build its own headquarters, becoming the fourth Bar in the country to do so.

Q:Why a fund drive?

A: The sale of the current Bar Center and the liquidation of and short-term and intermediate investments will fund about half of the new building. In order to reduce or retire the remaining debt, the State Bar needs to raise funds from members and friends.

Q:Why isn't an increase in dues paying for the new building instead of a fund raising campaign?

A:The State Bar Board of Governors and others discussed a dues increase to pay for the $2.25 million debt on the building, but decided to launch a fund raising campaign for several reasons.

The new Bar Center is a monumental event in State Bar history. A campaign enables members to voluntarily invest in the future of the Bar and be recognized for their contributions.

A $25 dues increase per member would raise an additional $400,000 annually. Considering the interest on the $2.25 million loan, a dues increase would take approximately six years to pay off the debt. The Bar saves money by paying off the debt sooner with a capital campaign.

Building a new facility is a one-time, extraordinary event that does not require permanent absorption into the dues base.

Q:Who is leading the effort?

A: The campaign cabinet consists of approximately 30 lawyers, from small and large communities statewide, who have volunteered to lead the fund raising drive. Cabinet members recruited attorneys in their region to support the effort.

Q:How can I contribute?

A: By contacting Trina E. Haag, campaign coordinator, at the State Bar of Wisconsin at 1-800-444-9404, ext. 6025. You can also contact the cabinet member in your area, or make your pledge online using our fundraising form.

Wisconsin Lawyer