Vol. 75, No. 6, June 2002

"Gerry's Excellent Adventure"
Get Involved. It Matters.

by Gerry Mowris

I HAVE LEARNED ONE THING FOR CERTAIN during my year in office. Wisconsin lawyers give generously of their time. I want to acknowledge a handful of efforts during my year in office that improved the administration of justice, educated the public about the legal profession, and moved the profession forward. In doing so, I hope more of our members will serve the profession and the public by participating in State Bar activities or in committees of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. I can tell you firsthand that the experience is rewarding (in fact, I now refer to my year as "Gerry's Excellent Adventure").

Improving the administration of justice. Our Public Trust & Confidence Committee, with the inspired leadership of Judge Joseph Troy, worked hard to help the bench, bar, and public recognize ways to make the system work better for society. The committee made strides in this direction at the Annual Convention with its spotlight program led by Prof. Alan Dershowitz on "Disparities in the Justice System." Improving the justice system requires true collaboration. Therefore, the Public Trust committee organized a Community Forum on Juvenile Justice, which attracted nearly 180 lawyers and nonlawyers statewide. Lawyers, judges, legislators, law enforcement officers, corrections workers, and child advocates came together to discuss ways to reduce the disproportionate number of youth of color in our juvenile justice system. After the forum, Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson said that it "exceeded her wildest expectations" and that she felt that new collaborations and programs would blossom from it.

Educating the public. President-elect Pat Ballman and other volunteer members produced a long-term communications effort (Branding the Profession) to help lawyers educate the public about how we apply our expertise and problem-solving skills to serve our clients and communities. This initiative, which is based on solid research, is a direct response to members' requests for help in improving the public's perception of the legal profession. As this effort progresses, I hope you will all share the excitement generated and expressed by local bar leaders and Annual Convention attendees. More information is available on the State Bar's Web site, www.wisbar.org/branding.

Improving the profession. Past President Gary Bakke and President-elect Pat Ballman cochaired the Multidisciplinary Practice Commission. The commission has done an outstanding job investigating, debating, and guiding us as we look at the issues of unauthorized practice, ancillary businesses, and multidisciplinary practice. My personal belief, whatever the result of the commission, is that we have benefited from this debate. Videotaped copies of the Assembly of Members discussion of MDP at the Annual Convention are available through local and specialty bars by calling the State Bar at (800) 728-7788.

I have long felt that the sections, divisions, and committees are the lifeblood of the Bar. This year, the efforts of the Participation of Women in the Bar Committee (to keep us aware of the needs and strengths of women lawyers), the Government Lawyers Division (through its tremendous Military Legal Assistance response to Sept. 11), and the General Practice Section and Solo/Small Firm Committee (with their joint program to bring quality CLE to the northern part of the state) have made my job a joy. The lobbying work of the sections has been phenomenal. Even though we do not have a PAC to help us gain influence, the work of our members to share their expertise with the Legislature continues to be effective and appreciated by our elected officials.

Again, I urge all members to become active in the Bar. It is your association and you have the ability to shape its course. You are what make the State Bar of Wisconsin great. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead this outstanding organization and double thanks to all of you (including staff) who helped make my year an "Excellent Adventure."

Wisconsin Lawyer