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    Wisconsin Lawyer
    April 01, 2005

    President's Message

    With the many important issues facing the State Bar, it is imperative that diverse perspectives be represented in committees, sections, and divisions and in governance, now and in the future. In addition to providing a role in decision making, participation in Bar work enhances professional and personal growth.

    Michelle Behnke

    Wisconsin Lawyer
    Vol. 78, No. 4, April 2005

    Leadership Development

    With the many important issues facing the State Bar, it is imperative that diverse perspectives be represented in committees, sections, and divisions and in governance, now and in the future. In addition to providing a role in decision making, participation in Bar work enhances professional and personal growth.

    by Michelle A. Behnke

    Michelle Behnke Each year, we are very fortunate to have lawyers step forward to participate in the work of the State Bar. It is not just the presidential candidates to whom I am referring, but the hundreds of members who serve on section and division boards and on State Bar committees. How did these folks get involved in Bar service? How did they get committee appointments? How much time does this service take? What is involved?

    Often these are the questions members ask and, more often, it is the lack of an answer or knowledge of where to get an answer that keeps people from becoming involved. With the creation of the Leadership Development Committee, the State Bar is taking a proactive approach to encouraging member participation in the work of the Bar and is providing greater support to those taking leadership roles.

    I was very lucky as a new attorney. The firm I worked for encouraged participation in Bar activities. Many of the attorneys in our firm were regular authors and speakers for State Bar books and seminars. Others were involved in drafting legislation and testifying in support of such legislation. Some were active on section and division boards. These lawyers showed me what it was to be involved in the profession. One of these lawyers even took me along to a Young Lawyers Division meeting. That is how I became involved in Bar service.

    Not everyone has the same experiences that I did. Many lawyers see the Bar as a big organization with no clear, easy point of access. They need to know how they can become involved. Other lawyers find their obligations to their clients and firms almost overwhelming and can't imagine how they would fit Bar service into their schedule. They need information about how they can contribute to their profession in the time that they do have available.

    In these busy times, I know the sacrifices being made by the hundreds of dedicated volunteers - driving to meetings, working on projects, planning, writing, speaking, and sharing their legal expertise. It is easy to assume that someone else will volunteer, but let me remind you that the Bar needs a variety of voices and experiences. We need your experiences and expertise. The Leadership Development Committee also is looking for ways to tailor service opportunities so that anyone, with any amount of time, can find a place to participate in the work of the State Bar.

    Very soon, President-elect Michael Guerin will begin next year's committee appointments. An insert explaining the appointment process and opportunities appeared in the February Inside the Bar, the State Bar newsletter. Despite the annual request for volunteers, some lawyers are unsure of the process or of where they might best be of service. This is where current volunteers can help. We need you to talk about your volunteer experiences, your professional growth through participation, your leadership opportunities. We need partners and senior attorneys to encourage lawyers in their offices to volunteer. A suggestion or an encouraging word will go a long way to introducing someone to Bar service. I have found that few can resist a personal invitation to participate.

    Someone once told me that good leaders are good leaders not because they make all the decisions, but because they encourage others to participate in the process and share the authority. I hope all of you will be good leaders by personally participating and by encouraging someone you know to get involved in the Bar and share in the decision making that is so critical for our profession.


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