July 16, 2014 – John Lederer saw it as his mission to help solo and small-firm lawyers master skills and technology to build their practices. The John Lederer Award is presented annually to an individual, group, or organization exemplifying the leadership, spirit and dedication of Lederer, who saw it as his mission to help solo and small firm lawyers master the skills and technology needed to build their practices.

Lederer was a visionary when it came to implementing technology into the practice of law. He served on and chaired the State Bar’s Technology Resource Committee (TRC). While serving on the TRC, he took on the copyright controversy with Westlaw and facilitated Wisconsin’s universal citation program. The universal citation, issued by courts, prevents any company from claiming a copyright on the publication of cases, making them available to attorneys at no cost. Lederer was key in creating the Solo and Small Firm Conference and saw it as an opportunity to better the practices and lives of Wisconsin’s attorneys. The award is presented at the conference.

Visit the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference web page for program, networking events, and registration information.

Award Criteria

Nominees must show leadership in furthering the mission of the Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference. That mission is to educate and support solo and small-firm attorneys as they practice the law, manage their businesses and enjoy their lives. Nominees may be Individuals, groups or organizations. Nominations will be evaluated on showing continued, selfless service to projects, efforts or organizations of benefit to solo and small-firm practitioners across Wisconsin. Nominees should be those who have advanced solo and small-firm practitioners in the areas of technology, legal education, practice management, ethics or quality of life. Past recipients of the award are Ross Kodner, Lowell Sweet, Roberta A. Heckes, Paul Angel, and Nancy L. Trueblood.

Nominating Procedure

Each nomination should include the following: (1) name and contact information for the person making the nomination; (2) name and contact information of the individual, group or organization being nominated; and (3) a one-paragraph statement on how the nominee meets the criteria for the award. Additionally, up to three letters of recommendation may be submitted from individuals who know of the nominee’s qualifications to receive the award. Please send nominations by Aug. 15, to Kathleen A. Brost at Brost Law Offices LLC, 1161 Shady Springs Ct., Neenah, WI 54956-1144, by email to Kbrost@brostlawoffices.com, or by fax to (920) 886-9806.