For Immediate Release
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CONTACT: Jason Westphal
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6077
jwestphal@wisbar.org |
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State Bar of Wisconsin celebrates 125 years of service
Reenactment to mark anniversary of founding
MADISON, January 9, 2003 - The State Bar of
Wisconsin will commemorate its 125th anniversary on Thursday, January 9
with a historical reenactment of the founding of the State Bar. The
production will take place in the Supreme Court hearing room of the
State Capitol, and former State Bar President Steve Sorenson will lead
the ensemble of performers. The noon performance will be open to the
public, however seating will be limited.
The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association,
created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law
license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids
the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides
continuing legal education for its members and assists Wisconsin lawyers
in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the legal
system.
At noon on Jan. 9, 1878, several hundred leading lawyers from across
the state assembled in Madison to found the State Bar of Wisconsin. The
meeting was called to order by Chief Justice Edward G. Ryan. In his
remarks, the chief justice noted, "The bar, as a body, can only have the
influence which properly belongs to it, on professional subjects,
through an organization by which it can speak with one voice."
From its humble beginnings in 1878, when 265 distinguished lawyers
signed the original membership roll to the present, the State Bar of
Wisconsin has been at the forefront of professional legal organizations
nationally and is recognized as a leader in many areas, with a strong
public-service orientation. It has made Chief Justice Ryan's remarks a
reality, speaking on professional subjects with one voice for the legal
community and the public it serves. Today, Wisconsin lawyers are proud
to be seen as problem solvers who provide expert advice and serve their
communities.
The year 2003 marks several other important milestones in Wisconsin's
legal history. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the
Wisconsin Supreme Court and the 25th anniversary of the Court of
Appeals.
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