Oct. 2, 2013 – Wauwatosa attorney Nancy Trueblood has endless energy for serving State Bar members – from chairing big events like the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference (WSSFC) to welcoming section members at the conference. She makes time to talk to members about their lives – not just their practices, but their kids, spouses, parents, hobbies.
Trueblood is the recipient of the 2013 John Lederer Service Award, named in memory of Oregon, Wis., attorney John Lederer. This award is presented annually to an individual, group, or organization exemplifying the leadership, spirit, and dedication of John Lederer. He saw it as his mission to help solo and small-firm lawyers master the skills and technology needed to build their practices.
The award will be presented during the luncheon program on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Annual Wisconsin Solo Small Firm Conference, which runs from Oct. 24 to 26 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
A Pioneer
Trueblood’s contributions to the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference started with the first conference in 2006 when, only five years out of law school, she was vice chair of the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee, which created the event. She chaired the Conference Planning Committee for several years and currently chairs the Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section board.
“Nancy was critical in managing the 2010 merger between the Solo Small Firm Committee and General Practice Section, ensuring that both sides were kept informed as the process happened,” said section secretary Johanna Kirk. “She continues to make sure that the former committee still is represented and has a voice in the section.
“As chair of the section, Nancy has a list of committees and stays on top of them to make certain projects are moving forward,” said Kirk. “Under her leadership the section has developed a presence and involvement in planning and executing the annual conference.”
A Natural Leader
Trueblood, a sole practitioner in Wauwatosa, has a unique ability to manage her own busy practice and life and yet makes time to contribute to her colleagues and profession through State Bar work.
She is keenly aware of the value that technology can provide to attorneys – reduced cost legal research such as Fastcase and use of electronic mail lists for quick answers from peers. She has been instrumental in providing current and useful information to solo and small-firm attorneys on substantive and practice management topics via WisBar.
In 2006, Trueblood attended the Missouri Solo & Small Firm Conference on her own time and as the vice chair of the then Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee. “Nancy became a champion for our own Solo & Small Firm Conference,” said Nerino Petro State Bar practice management advisor. “She wanted to attend the Missouri conference as it is considered to be the oldest and best solo conference in the nation with more than 900 attendees. Nancy has been a strong proponent of bringing lawyers and their technology into the 21st century. She has worked to improve the electronic resources available to section members as well as other lawyers in Wisconsin.”
Kirk said, “Since Nancy has joined the Section Board our section membership has increased, and I believe the services we give back to members has exponentially multiplied. I cannot overstate the value Nancy brings to the State Bar and the profession. Wisconsin attorneys are better served thanks to her efforts.”
Trueblood earned her J.D. in 2001 from Marquette Law School, which is when she first joined the State Bar General Practice and Law Practice sections.
