Aug. 1, 2018 – Practicing in an area with limited access to legal services is a challenge, especially for new lawyers struggling under the burden of law school debt.
To help new lawyers who commit to working in underserved areas, the Wisconsin Law Foundation established the annual Belle Case La Follette Awards to support three recent law school graduates who represent underserved populations – people who have difficulty affording legal services and those in rural areas with limited access to legal services.
Recipients receive $2,100 to support his or her practice, and are invited to attend the Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellows Recognition Dinner on Sept. 13 in Milwaukee.
The awards are made possible by generous contributions from the Wisconsin Law Foundation and the State Bar of Wisconsin Senior Lawyers Division.
Past Recipient: The Award Increases Ability to Represent Clients
Nick Levine of Levine Lyon LLP, Madison, is a recipient of the award in 2017. Levine concentrates his practice on civil rights litigation, and works with many disadvantaged and under-represented clients. His firm uses contingency fees and pro bono work to provide access to these clients. Levine also finds time to do extensive volunteer work in Dane County.
“Many of our clients lack the resources to pay for legal services, and the Belle Case La Follette Award has increased our ability to represent these clients,” Levine said. “Because of this award, we are able to offer services to underrepresented populations in rural areas, recent immigrants, and the disabled.”
How to Apply – Deadline is Aug. 24
These awards recognize three recent law school graduates who are State Bar of Wisconsin members and practice in Wisconsin, and who represent underserved populations, such as those who have difficulty affording legal services or those who live in rural areas.
One award each is given to a graduate of the U.W. and Marquette University law schools, and to a graduate of an out-of-state law school who is practicing in Wisconsin. Applicants must be sworn in as Wisconsin lawyers between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2017.
The selection committee will consider a number of factors, including the applicant’s professional reputation and achievements, as well as how the applicant represents underserved populations.
Visit WisBar.org to find out more information and learn how to apply. Applications are due Aug. 24.
About The Wisconsin Law Foundation
The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization that serves to promote public understanding of the law, improvement of the administration of justice, and other law-related public services through funding of innovative and creative programs that improve the vision of the American justice system.
Thinking of Moving to a Rural Practice?
If you are considering moving to a rural area to practice law, join the Greater Wisconsin Initiative Rural Bus Tour on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6, 2018.
The tour visits the counties of Crawford, Grant, Buffalo, Jackson, Pepin, and Trempealeau.
The bus tour is a free opportunity for lawyers and 3L law students – and their spouses and significant others – to connect with local judges, attorneys, and community and business leaders, and to learn more about life and practice in northern Wisconsin.
The tour includes:
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Round trip bus transportation from Madison;
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Informational meet-and-greets with local judges, attorneys, and other business professionals;
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Lunch in Potosi on Friday, and pizza with locals in Pepin on Saturday;
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Dinner reception with community leaders, attorneys, and judges in Black River Falls
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Overnight stay in Black River Falls
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Tour of the courthouse in Lancaster; and
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Plenty of time to network.
Participants are encouraged to bring their spouses or partners along on the tour.
To find out more and to sign up, visit the tour’s website on WisBar.org and complete the application by Aug. 31, 2018.
