June 1, 2016 – The State Bar’s Leadership Development Committee is creating the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy, a comprehensive leadership development training program for lawyers.
The Academy is open to any member who wishes to enhance their skills to become a leader in their career and community. Applications for the Academy are accepted through Aug. 15.
About the Academy
The G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy is a multisession training program designed to enhance the leadership skills, inspire leadership involvement, build professional networks, and foster the professional development of a diverse group of lawyers.
State Bar President Ralph Cagle identified the need for a leadership development program, and wholeheartedly supports the Leadership Development Committee’s work in developing the program. “Wisconsin lawyers have a strong history of leadership of our profession, our communities and our public life,” Cagle said. “This is a bold step to assure that we will identify, train, and embed a new generation of lawyer-leaders.”
The mission of the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy is to provide a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers essential leadership skills, strategies, and resources to empower them to become effective leaders in their careers; their local and state bar associations; their local communities and organizations; and the legal profession.
In support of its mission, the Leadership Academy will strive to:
-
Identify and train lawyers who can be called upon by the State Bar of Wisconsin, state and local government entities, local bar associations, and community organizations to serve in leadership and service.
-
Nurture effective leadership with respect to ethics and professionalism, resulting in raised ethical professional standards and improved reputation of lawyers in the community.
-
Create opportunities for lawyers to build mutually beneficial, meaningful relationships with other lawyer leaders, thereby improving their professional development, confidence, and satisfaction.
“The Academy will equip our lawyers with essential skills, tools, and resources to effectively lead and inspire others,” said Leadership Development Committee Chair Renee Nawrocki. “This program also creates a unique opportunity for lawyers to develop diverse, professional networks and personal relationships with colleagues and to improve their professional confidence and career satisfaction.”
The Leadership Academy: Honoring G. Lane Ware
The program honors G. Lane Ware, one of the greatest leaders of the State Bar, and someone who was passionate about the future of this organization. Throughout his career, Lane was a leader and mentor in his community, the state and the legal profession.
As a former State Bar president (1989-90), Wisconsin Law Foundation president (1998-2000), and Leadership Development Committee chair (2003-07), Lane’s commitment to leadership development is the foundation for the creation of the G. Lane Ware Leadership Fund within the Wisconsin Law Foundation. Through a contribution bequeathed in his will, and through the generosity of so many of his friends, a designated fund continues Lane’s focus on leadership development programs.
How It Works
Lawyers participating in the Academy must attend three sessions during the 2016-17 year. All program sessions will be held at the State Bar Center in Madison and will occur on the following dates and times:
-
Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m..
-
Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-
Friday, April 28, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Attendance at all three sessions is required.
The program will be submitted for CLE credit; selected candidates will be notified of the number of credits available when approved.
Topics covered in the Leadership Academy include the following:
- Effective Communication (Written and Verbal)
- Time Management
- Public Speaking
- Conflict Resolution
- Interpreting Financial Documentation
- Active Listening
- Key Traits of Effective Leaders
- Community Leadership
- Networking
Who May Apply
The Leadership Academy is open to all State Bar members in good standing. Applicants with some history of leadership or involvement within a state or local bar, their community, their offices, and/or the legal profession are encouraged to apply. State Bar members should feel free to encourage qualified lawyers to apply. A selection committee will review applications submitted.
The following timeline should be considered when applying for this opportunity:
-
Aug. 15, 2016: Applications due
-
Sept. 15, 2016: Applicants notified of selection outcome
-
Oct. 1, 2016: $250 tuition fee is due
Tuition for the 2016-17 Leadership Academy is $250 – there are a limited number of scholarships available. Tuition includes meals. Participants will be responsible for their travel expenses and accommodations.
To Apply:
Direct questions about the program to Leadership Development Committee Chair Renee Nawrocki at rruffin@diellaw.com or staff liaison Annette Ashley at aashley@wisbar.org.
