March 15, 2010 – La Crosse Attorney Robert C. Skemp of Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik is the recipient of the Senior Lawyers Division 2010 Leonard L. Loeb Award. The award recognizes Skemp’s lifetime of exceptional contributions to the community and to the goal of justice for all Wisconsin citizens.

“Although now only working part-time, Bob continues to actively practice at age 81,” says firm partner Margaret Ahne Herlitzka. “Time and time again, it is Bob’s valued opinion that our partnership seeks on difficult issues. In large part because of Bob’s excellent judgment and wise decision making, our firm celebrated its 90th year of existence in 2009. And it doesn’t stop with our firm.

“Bob has made countless contributions to the community through the use of his legal expertise and service that is ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty,” says Herlitzka. “His long-term commitments to the Aquinas Foundation, Memorial Day Association, and the Boy Scouts of America Gateway Area Council span more than 110 years collectively. He is not done either. He is in his 30th year serving as the Director of Endowment Trusts for Blessed Sacraments parish, 23rd year of service to the Paul E. Stry Foundation, 30th year of service to the Walnut Council of America, and 40th year of service to the La Crosse County Historical Association.

“As a 1952 Marquette University Law School graduate, Bob’s personal and professional achievements embody Marquette University’s mission statement to: Search for the truth, the discovery, and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others,” says Herlitzka.

Skemp’s other contributions to the La Crosse community include service on: United Way, La Crosse Chamber of Commerce, Viterbo University, U.W.-La Crosse, Coulee Catholic School System, and the Family and Children’s Center.

The award will be presented at the Volunteer Recognition and Member Networking Celebration on May 6, 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. The event will be held during the 2010 State Bar Annual Convention, which runs from May 5 to 7, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.