Jan. 7, 2015 – The State Bar annually recognizes attorneys, judges, law firms, organizations, and law students who have made outstanding pro bono, public service, or public education contributions. If you know of an individual or organization that should be recognized, contact the State Bar by Jan. 31 (unless otherwise noted).
Pro Bono Service
The Legal Assistance Committee recognizes attorneys or organizations for their outstanding pro bono service. These awards may be given to honor attorneys in private, government, or corporate practice. Pro bono projects by private law firms, bar associations, or other organizations may also be recognized. Awards are given to recognize efforts that provide legal services to low- and moderate-income people, explore new ways to increase the accessibility of legal services, provide encouragement and assistance to others in improving legal services delivery, or promote pro bono service for Wisconsin lawyers. Contact Jeffery Brown at (800) 728-7788, ext. 6177, (608) 250-6177, or download the nomination form on the Legal Assistance Committee web page.
Public Interest
The Public Interest Law Section seeks nominations for the Dan Tuchscherer Outstanding Public Interest Law Attorney Award, which recognizes a lawyer who has demonstrated a selfless, lifetime commitment to working in the public interest, both inside and outside the field of law. The section also seeks nominations for the Outstanding Public Interest Law Student Award for the U.W. and Marquette law schools. Nominations for the student wards are due by Dec. 31. Contact Chris Neal at (800) 728-7788, ext. 6190, or (608) 250-6190.
Public Education
The Public Education Committee (formerly Law-related Education Committee) seeks nominations for the Public Education Attorney of the Year Award. This award honors an attorney who has demonstrated excellence in promoting and supporting statewide efforts to educate the public, encourage understanding and respect for the legal system, and foster appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of all persons under the law. Contact Katie Wilcox at (800) 728-7788, ext. 6191, or (608) 250-6191.
WisLAP Volunteer
The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) seeks nominations for the WisLAP Volunteer of the Year Award. This award honors a lawyer or judge who has provided confidential, meaningful assistance, educational outreach, or other volunteer service through the WisLAP program. Contact Linda Albert at (800) 728-7788, ext. 6172, or (608) 250-6172.
Wisconsin Law Foundation
The Wisconsin Law Foundation seeks nominations for the Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence, which recognizes a lawyer or organization for work on an individual law-related education or public service project in the preceding year. Contact Beth Drake at (800) 728-7788, ext. 6171, or (608) 250-6171.
Senior Lawyers Division
The Senior Lawyers Division seeks candidates for the annual Leonard L. Loeb Award. Nominees must be 60 years or older, have improved the legal system, and shown leadership in advancing the quality of justice for all. The award recognizes a lawyer who has made significant contributions to the legal community, has shown respect for the legal system, and has demonstrated a love for the law and what it seeks to accomplish. For more information, visit the SLD webpage on WisBar or contact Jerry Vang at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6181, or (608) 250-6181. The deadline for nominations for this award is Feb. 5.
Bench Bar Jurist Awards
The State Bar Bench and Bar Committee is searching for two outstanding jurists to honor with its annual judicial awards. Nominations are sought for the 2015 Judge of the Year and Lifetime Jurist Achievement awards.
The Judge of the Year Award honors an outstanding circuit court judge who exhibits judicial independence and excellence. The candidate will have exceeded the call of judicial office, has made significant recent contributions to improve the judicial system, and has been a leader in advancing the quality of justice, judicial education, or innovative programs.
The Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award honors a judge who currently serves or has served as a circuit court judge and has exhibited long-term excellence as a judge. The judge must have demonstrated high ideals, exemplary personal character, judicial competence, and must have affected the judicial system in a distinctive manner.
Nominations supported by letters of recommendation and any accompanying materials can be submitted electronically or by regular mail. The nominations should be submitted to kwenzel@wisbar.org or Bench and Bar Committee/Judicial Awards Subcommittee, c/o Kris Wenzel, State Bar of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 27, 2015. The committee will review and select the award recipients on Friday, March 6, 2015.
Awards Presentation Celebration
The awards will be presented at the Member Recognition Celebration on June 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m., during the 2015 State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference in Lake Geneva. The conference is held on June 25 and 26.
