Wisconsin Lawyer: Wisconsin Lawyer November 2000: Charting the Bar's Direction 3:

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November 01, 2000

Wisconsin Lawyer November 2000: Charting the Bar's Direction 3

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Enhance public understanding of the administration of justice

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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.

Studies show that people's understanding of the justice system directly affects their confidence in it. The Bar offers a range of activities to promote the public's understanding of the administration of justice. One of the Bar's most successful programs each year is the Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament, which gives high school students hands-on experience in the justice system.

New videotape helps clients understand ADR. The State Bar Videotape Committee produced "Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution," an easy-to-understand explanation of ADR for clients. The video covers nine methods of resolution and tips for preparing for mediation and arbitration proceedings. The Communications Committee added a similar title to its popular consumer pamphlet series.

Local bar grants awarded to public service projects. The State Bar Local Bar Grant Competition Committee awarded grants to seven local and specialty bar associations for developing these public service projects:

a video geared towards schoolchildren on juvenile justice laws;
a high school curriculum on topics of contractual obligations;
a booklet on immigration rights;
fact sheets translated into Hmong on juvenile criminal proceedings and family law issues;
mediation services for civil claims and pro se divorce litigants, and victims and offenders;
free legal clinics; and
a brochure on the basics of obtaining a valid driver's license.

Seminar promotes understanding between courts and media. In FY00, the Media-Law Relations Committee and the Wisconsin Supreme Court sponsored the second "Courts and Media" free seminar. Reporters, attorneys, and judges gained a better understanding of each other's perspectives in the contexts of their work. Enhanced court-media communication and more informed reporting ultimately benefits the public and the legal profession.

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