Leadership is a skill that must be studied and practiced, says Madison attorney Lesley McKinney, a participant with the State Bar's G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy.

Aug. 7, 2024 – Leadership is a skill that must be studied and practiced, says Madison attorney Lesley McKinney.

McKinney is a prosecuting attorney for the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Division of Legal Services and Compliance, where she practices administrative and government law and in professional licensing.

Last year, McKinney joined the State Bar of Wisconsin G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy.

The Leadership Academy is a comprehensive training program created by the State Bar’s Leadership Development Committee that teaches practical leadership skills for Wisconsin lawyers.

The Academy takes place over three 1.5 day sessions in November, February, and April. It teaches skills for time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, active listening, effective written and oral communication, networking, and more.

As a graduate of the 2023-24 Academy, she says the most important lessons she learned were ​the tools that help prioritize tasks, and how to make meetings and presentations more effective.

What was also “fantastic” about the Academy was getting to know the other lawyers in her class. “We represented a diverse group of practice areas, and offered differing perspectives,” McKinney said.

Participating in the Academy, she says is “invaluable for lawyers to set good habits for their careers and practices,” McKinney said.