Vol. 75, No. 6, June
2002
"Gerry's Excellent Adventure"
Get Involved. It Matters.
Sections, divisions, and committees are the
lifeblood of the State Bar. Your involvement in them helps shape the
association's course.
by Gerry
Mowris
I HAVE LEARNED ONE THING FOR CERTAIN during my year in
office. Wisconsin lawyers give generously of their time. I want to
acknowledge a handful of efforts during my year in office that improved
the administration of justice, educated the public about the legal
profession, and moved the profession forward. In doing so, I hope more
of our members will serve the profession and the public by participating
in State Bar activities or in committees of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
I can tell you firsthand that the experience is rewarding (in fact, I
now refer to my year as "Gerry's Excellent Adventure").
Improving the administration of justice. Our Public
Trust & Confidence Committee, with the inspired leadership of Judge
Joseph Troy, worked hard to help the bench, bar, and public recognize
ways to make the system work better for society. The committee made
strides in this direction at the Annual Convention with its spotlight
program led by Prof. Alan Dershowitz on "Disparities in the Justice
System." Improving the justice system requires true collaboration.
Therefore, the Public Trust committee organized a Community Forum on
Juvenile Justice, which attracted nearly 180 lawyers and nonlawyers
statewide. Lawyers, judges, legislators, law enforcement officers,
corrections workers, and child advocates came together to discuss ways
to reduce the disproportionate number of youth of color in our juvenile
justice system. After the forum, Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson said
that it "exceeded her wildest expectations" and that she felt that new
collaborations and programs would blossom from it.
Educating the public. President-elect Pat Ballman
and other volunteer members produced a long-term communications effort
(Branding the Profession) to help lawyers educate the public about how
we apply our expertise and problem-solving skills to serve our clients
and communities. This initiative, which is based on solid research, is a
direct response to members' requests for help in improving the public's
perception of the legal profession. As this effort progresses, I hope
you will all share the excitement generated and expressed by local bar
leaders and Annual Convention attendees. More information is available
on the State Bar's Web site, www.wisbar.org/branding.
Improving the profession. Past President Gary Bakke
and President-elect Pat Ballman cochaired the Multidisciplinary Practice
Commission. The commission has done an outstanding job investigating,
debating, and guiding us as we look at the issues of unauthorized
practice, ancillary businesses, and multidisciplinary practice. My
personal belief, whatever the result of the commission, is that we have
benefited from this debate. Videotaped copies of the Assembly of Members
discussion of MDP at the Annual Convention are available through local
and specialty bars by calling the State Bar at (800) 728-7788.
I have long felt that the sections, divisions, and committees are the
lifeblood of the Bar. This year, the efforts of the Participation of
Women in the Bar Committee (to keep us aware of the needs and strengths
of women lawyers), the Government Lawyers Division (through its
tremendous Military Legal Assistance response to Sept. 11), and the
General Practice Section and Solo/Small Firm Committee (with their joint
program to bring quality CLE to the northern part of the state) have
made my job a joy. The lobbying work of the sections has been
phenomenal. Even though we do not have a PAC to help us gain influence,
the work of our members to share their expertise with the Legislature
continues to be effective and appreciated by our elected officials.
Again, I urge all members to become active in the Bar. It is your
association and you have the ability to shape its course. You are what
make the State Bar of Wisconsin great. Thank you for giving me the
opportunity to lead this outstanding organization and double thanks to
all of you (including staff) who helped make my year an "Excellent
Adventure."
Wisconsin
Lawyer