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  • InsideTrack
  • September 01, 2021

    Forward Named Communications Director for the State Bar of Wisconsin

    You may know Joe Forward as the State Bar's legal writer. Join us in welcoming him as the State Bar of Wisconsin's new communications director.
    Joe Forward

    Sept. 1, 2021 – Joe Forward is the new communications director at the State Bar of Wisconsin.

    Effective Sept. 6, Forward will be responsible for the leadership and management of the State Bar Communications Department and will serve as editor of the Wisconsin Lawyer magazine.

    “After conducting an extensive search, we found the perfect talent, expertise and leadership right within our own team,” said Larry Martin, State Bar executive director. “Joe brings significant skills, knowledge and experience with a keen understanding of Wisconsin’s legal community.”

    For more than a decade, Forward has served as the State Bar’s legal writer, where he was instrumental in developing, writing, and managing content for State Bar publications. He succeeds Joyce Hastings, who retires Sept. 3 after 44 years with the State Bar.

    “As our legal writer on the Communications team for the past 11 years, Joe will bring desired institutional knowledge and great experience developing content for our print and electronic publications. He came to us with a journalism background, and is a talented writer and journalist,” Hastings said.

    Forward was a full-time sports editor and reporter for three years prior to attending law school, and was the lead articles editor for St. Louis University’s Public Law Review. A Wisconsin native, he holds a law degree from St. Louis University School of Law. He earned an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Dayton, and is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and Missouri.

    Forward said he is looking forward to what’s ahead, and to working with the Communications Committee members and Communications team to continue its work of developing and producing quality content that keeps State Bar members informed and engaged in the legal community.

    “I step into the role with a solid Communications team in place,” Forward said. “I plan to build upon the great work that Joyce Hastings did over four decades to make the Wisconsin Lawyer such an outstanding publication. I’m excited for the opportunity to engage the next generations of lawyers in Wisconsin.”

    About the Communications Department

    The Communications team delivers information through the Wisconsin Lawyer, InsideTrack e-newsletter, weekly CaseLaw Express case law alerts, and court summaries and news through WisBar.org.

    The team recently launched WisLawNOW, an online portal that brings together Wisconsin legal bloggers in one space. The Communications team also manages the State Bar’s social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more), increasing awareness and engagement with members and the public. The team supports State Bar sections and divisions in producing nearly 130 blog posts and newsletters annually.

    “I couldn’t be happier about Joe’s selection, knowing that the State Bar, the Communications Committee, and the Communications team are in good hands,” Hastings said.


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