Twenty-four young lawyers, nominated by legal professionals statewide, attended the third State Bar Leadership Development Summit in Milwaukee today. (Click photo to enlarge.)

Visit the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Facebook page for more photos of this event, or click here.

March 20, 2015 – It is all about gaining new ideas and fresh perspectives through young leaders.

The Leadership Summit brings together State Bar leaders and new lawyers to help give them the tools they need to become tomorrow’s leaders, says Jill M. Kastner, Leadership Development Summit Committee chair.

“We teach them about all the great things that the State Bar does and hopefully encourage them to be our future State Bar leaders,” Kastner said.

Past summits have been very successful in inspiring young lawyers to get involved, Kastner said.

Getting young lawyers involved in leading the State Bar and the profession is important, Kastner says. “When you bring in new people, you bring in fresh ideas and fresh perspectives, and you really reinvigorate the State Bar.”

Rochelle Johnson-Bent, Milwaukee, introduces herself at the summit. The event includes discussions that allow attendees to get to know each other.

It is also important to encourage involvement from as diverse a group as possible. “That is the way to get the best ideas and the best leaders,” Kastner said.

The event includes roundtable discussions that allow speakers to meet each of the young lawyers.

State Bar President Roboert Gagan, who opened the summit, spoke about State Bar involvement and practical next steps to get involved. Other presenters will meet with attendees during informal sessions:

• Balancing Work, Life, and Bar Leadership with Sherry Coley, Robert R. Gagan, Danica Zawieja

• Sections – Identifying Leadership Opportunities with Ryan Blay, Prof. Natalie Fleury, and Chuck Stertz

• Why Bar Leadership is a Good Investment to You, Your Firm, and Your Practice with Ralph Cagle, Fran Deisinger, and T.R. Williams.

• Committees, Divisions – Leading the Way with Patrick Fiedler, Jill M. Kastner, and Viet-Hanh Winchell.

William Hubbard, president of the American Bar Association, addresses the Sixth Annual State Bar of Wisconsin Young Lawyers Division Leadership Conference.

Following the morning summit program and kicking off the sixth Annual Young Lawyers Leadership Conference (YLLC) is a keynote address on the importance of access to justice by William C. Hubbard, president of the American Bar Association.

The half-day YLLC event is free for all new lawyers regardless of age and offers free CLE credit, as well as great prizes from State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE^®, and opportunities to socialize with other members of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar.

The afternoon program focuses on fostering the knowledge, skills, and motivation new lawyers need to become active members in the State Bar, local bar associations, and other public service organizations.

2015 Leadership Development Summit Young Lawyer Attendees

Visit the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Facebook page for more photos of this event.