The State Bar of Wisconsin G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy class of 2018-19.
Aug. 7, 2019 – Taking part in the State Bar of Wisconsin G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy can be an “eye-opening and beneficial” experience, according to past participants.
The academy is a multisession training program – with three two-day sessions in November, February, and April – that fosters leadership skills in Wisconsin lawyers.
“The Leadership Academy enabled me to recognize the leadership attributes I already possess, and identified those I needed to work on,” said Dawn Klockow, Green Lake County corporation counsel and an alum of the 2018-19 Academy. “It enhanced my personal journey to become a better leader and a better lawyer.”
Gaining Skills for Leadership, Skills for Practice
The program focuses on skills for leadership, including effective written and verbal communication, time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, active listening, community leadership, and networking.
“This is not your typical CLE session, where it’s a race to get through the slides. It is interactive, enlightening, and entertaining,” said Jonathan Klock of Gundersen Health Systems, Inc.
“I walked away from each session with very practical information that I have used in my workplace and practice,” said Lisa Bergersen of EngageHR Law. “I encourage all attorneys to take advantage of the learning and the experience.”
Expanding Their Network of Colleagues
“We had such a diverse group of attorneys – and discovered that, despite different backgrounds and practice areas, we share many of the same struggles in our developments as attorneys,” Klock said.
“The faculty and my fellow attendees created an environment where we were comfortable to take risks and grow both as individuals and leaders,” said Melissa Spindler of Smith Keane LLP.
“My colleagues were some of the most engaging and thought-provoking people I have been around, and I’m a better listener, leader, and attorney because of our various interactions,” said Saveon Grenell of Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson Vliet LLC.
“I look forward to long-lasting relationships with all of the people I engaged within the program,” Bergersen said.
“You develop relationships with the presenters and the attendees, which is incredibly unique and so valuable. We were already talking about when we can get together before the Academy had even finished,” said Klock.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell gave the keynote address at the State Bar of Wisconsin G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy in April.
Enhancing Their Careers
“The skills I learned enhanced my practice as Deputy District Attorney by strengthening my communication skills, boosting confidence in public speaking and networking, and giving strategies to enhance my productivity,” said Jessica Skemp of the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office. “I learned at least one thing in every session that I could implement to develop my leadership skills, both within my office and in my community. This was one of the most practical CLE programs I have attended.”
“I was able to meet industry experts, judges, and other lawyers that have helped expand my network outside of my area of practice and into other parts of Wisconsin, said Asma Kadri of ACLE of Wisconsin Foundation, Inc. “I can now tap a greater and stronger network that bolsters my practice.”
“The G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy provided an invaluable opportunity for me to not only learn new leadership skills, but also to be introspective and honestly identify and asses the leadership skills I already possess,” said Spindler.
“I highly recommend the Leadership Academy,” Grenell said.
About the Leadership Academy
The next session of the Leadership Academy begins in November, and Wisconsin lawyers are encouraged to join the program – the deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2019.
The mission of the Leadership Academy is to provide a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers essential leadership skills, strategies, and resources to empower them to become effective leaders in their careers; their local and state bar associations; their local communities and organizations; and the legal profession.
Apply by Sept. 30 for 2019-20 G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy
Join the program that gives lawyers skills, strategies, and resources to become effective leaders in the profession and community. Learn more about the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy.
Topics include: effective written and verbal communication, time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, active listening, community leadership, and networking. The program will be submitted for CLE credit.
- When: Three two-day sessions on Nov. 15-16, 2019; Jan. 10-11, 2020; and April 3-4, 2020; attendance at all sessions is required.
- Where: State Bar Center, Madison
- Apply by Sept. 30, 2019 (Space is limited)
- Cost: $325. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available on the basis of financial need. For more information, review the application instructions.
To apply: Review the application instructions and submit your application by Sept. 30. Applicants will be notified of selection by Oct. 15.