Vol. 71, No. 11, November 1998
President's Report: Spirit of Service Redefines
Bar
By Steven R. Sorenson
A spirit of service spread throughout our Bar as more than 2,000 members
participated in various projects, the cumulative effects of which have resulted
in redesigning the State Bar of Wisconsin. The most important of these,
Project Vision, has successfully crafted the
mission, vision, and strategies of the Bar as we prepare to enter the next
millennium. Hundreds of committee, section, and division meetings were held
to develop strategic plans that have become the foundation of the Bar's
commitment to the future.
Innovative long-term planning and budgeting can be seen as the
Finance Committee rolls out its first ever three-year budget. Long-term
planning is the foundation upon which new programs will emerge to serve
the profession and the public.
The vote to proceed with the new Bar Center
was the year's most difficult effort. The vision of a new Bar Center
now is a reality. The Facilities Committee can be extremely pleased with
its efforts to educate the membership and to design a structure that will
improve the delivery of member and public services. This new Bar Center
is indeed for all members, not just a select few.
The spirit of service also was evident in the Bar's outreach efforts
during 1997-98. Regional conferences in Hudson and Wisconsin Rapids
moved the State Bar from Madison to nontraditional locations. Attendees
came away with the feeling that the State Bar of Wisconsin is relevant to
them.
The Solo and Small Firm Committee extended its tradition of holding regional
meetings and receptions statewide. And, staff took the Wisconsin Lawyer
Assistance and Lawyer Hotline programs to numerous communities throughout
Wisconsin.
The Bar extended its hand across state borders, too. Nine different state
bar associations participated in the Midwest Regional Solo and Small
Firm Conference that brought more than 300 lawyers together in La Crosse
to discuss the issues that face Midwest solo and small-firm lawyers.
The Bar's outstanding public education and outreach programming
is recognized nationally, earning several ABA and other awards. And, again
this year the ABA highlighted the State Bar's activities at the National
Conference of Bar Presidents and the National Association of Bar Executives
meetings. Significant programming at these meetings was provided by the
State Bar of Wisconsin a compliment to the strength of our leadership and
our staff.
The spirit of service also was reflected in this year's advances in
partnering. The State Bar of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Realtors®
Association have developed a strong working interdisciplinary group. The
State Bar also has strengthened its relationship with the Wisconsin State
Law Library, Marquette University and U.W. law school libraries, and LOIS
and other legal information providers to give Wisconsin lawyers and the
public cost-effective access to the law.
Many other significant accomplishments were achieved during this past
year. Efforts are underway to rejuvenate the structure of our internal programs;
we continued expanding WisBar, which resulted in recognition from the legal
and Internet communities. The Elections Policy Committee changed the elections
timeline giving newly elected officers and board members an opportunity
to participate in leadership training and to attend Board meetings to learn
the governance system prior to taking offices.
Overall, this past year was highlighted by participation; the spirit
of service has infused the organization. There is a new attitude of caring
and concern. Lawyers truly do care about the profession and the public.
We all are willing to give a little when we recognize that our service makes
a difference. We have made a difference, and it is a difference we can be
proud of.
Thank you for giving me a chance to serve. I will always cherish this
opportunity.
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