Dec. 4, 2024 – In this season of giving, it is critically important that we work to bring our state and nation together. Support for civic understanding, the role of our courts, and the rule of law will be critical to our ability to find common ground. In addition, there is much work to be done, as numerous leaders in the legal profession and in our communities are retiring; and residents in much of Wisconsin increasingly struggle to access justice.

Thanks to your support, the Wisconsin Law Foundation is responding to these challenges.

We are working to expand grants to new lawyers who choose to work with underserved populations, to engage high school students on the rule of law and civics through the mock trial program, and to develop a new generation of lawyers’ leadership skills in service to both the profession and our communities, all while promoting innovative programs that strengthen the justice system.

These efforts are ambitious, and we cannot reach our goals without the support of every member of Wisconsin’s legal profession. Your support today is vital to the Wisconsin Law Foundation’s ability to address and expand its reach in support of worthy projects and programs in every part of the state.

As part of our “Every Member, Every Year” campaign, we are asking every State Bar of Wisconsin member to give a donation of any amount to the Law Foundation at least once per year.

We need your support now more than ever.

With your support of every member, the Law Foundation will be in a strong position to respond to the need to promote civic understanding, leadership development, access to justice, and programming that enhances diversity and inclusion within the profession.

In the last few years, the Law Foundation has seen a dramatic increase in applications for Truman Q. McNulty Grants. These grants support charitable or educational programs and projects in Wisconsin that promote greater understanding of the law and improve the administration of justice.

Here are three examples:

Sauk County Family Law Court’s Pro Se Family Law Clinic, providing self-represented litigants access to user friendly forms and written instructions, in English and Spanish, for those who choose to represent themselves in family court-related matters.

Wisconsin Teen Court Association’s Restorative Justice Youth Summit, a statewide educational forum that brings together young people and youth-serving professionals to collaborate in advancing equitable, evidence-based restorative justice and peacemaking practices that aim to transform youth services, programs and communities in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Justice Center’s Eviction Diversion Initiative, which uses a holistic approach designed to promote housing stability by providing support to tenants and landlords facing challenges. The program increases landlords' and tenants' understanding of the eviction process and awareness of alternatives to eviction, including mediation, legal assistance, and financial assistance programs.

We were able to respond to these needs because of the past generosity of our donors, like YOU. Your continued support now will empower us to continue to support critically needed programs and services at a time when demand and need have never been higher.

Please join me in making an impact by remembering the Wisconsin Law Foundation in your end-of-the-year giving.

Thank you for your consideration and best wishes for a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season.

Please join me in supporting the Wisconsin Law Foundation, and together we will make a real difference!

Thank you for your consideration and best wishes for a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season. To donate, visit wisbar.org/wlfdonate.