Dear State Bar member,
This spring I have the opportunity to appoint members to the State Bar’s standing and special committees.
Committee service provides you the opportunity to influence important issues facing the profession and the legal system, and it’s a great way to meet other lawyers who want to make a difference. You’ll make friends for life, play a role in improving the Bar and the legal system, and make important contributions that you’ll look back on with satisfaction.
Committee volunteers play a vital role in improving the Bar and the legal system, while making important contributions that you’ll look back on with satisfaction. Volunteers have the opportunity to weigh in on important issues facing the profession and the legal system, develop meaningful connections with other lawyers and contribute to the success of the Bar and the legal profession.
Our organization needs new volunteers to get involved. New volunteers provide new direction and new ideas to an organization. Getting involved is the best way to create a State Bar organization that you can support and be proud of. Whether you are a new lawyer, unsure of how or whether to get involved, or a veteran who for whatever reasons has stayed on the sidelines, perhaps now is the time to begin.
Please take a moment to visit the Leadership Opportunities Directory and let me know which committees and issue facing Wisconsin lawyers you would like to contribute to. Together we can make a difference.
Best Wishes,
Jim Brennan, President-elect
Make a difference, serve on a State Bar committee Watch video
Feb. 2, 2011 – State Bar volunteers serve a vital role in providing services to fellow members and the public while gaining personal and professional satisfaction of making a difference in the legal system. At the same time, volunteers can develop one of the most valuable skills needed today … leadership.
Incoming President Jim Brennan will fill vacancies on standing and special committees this spring, with members taking their posts on July 1.
Visit the Leadership Opportunities Directory for specific information on volunteer positions. The online directory answers frequently asked questions covering matters such as specific levels of commitment to expectations of volunteers to the issues addressed.
To volunteer, select the “Let us know you’re interested” tab on the online directory page. Interest forms must by submitted by March 31 to be considered for a 2011 appointment.
Influence policy on critical issues
Committees conduct much of the work of the State Bar and often influence policy on critical issues. Appointments to standing committees are for three years; appointments to special committees are for one year.
The Board of Governors is the State Bar's policy-making body. Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 will elect governors in 2011. District 2 (Milwaukee) elects seven; District 9 (Dane) elects three; and all other districts elect one. The Board of Governors is the State Bar's policymaking body. Governors serve two-year terms.
To run for a seat on the Board of Governors, members must file with the State Bar by March 1 a petition signed by 10 active members in their district.
Election ballots will be mailed in April. Those elected will take office July 1. For more information, contact Jan Marks at (608) 250-6106, or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6106.
