State Bar welcomes new members, fifty lawyers attend swearing in ceremonies

Two new lawyers in the family. Anne C. Mentkowski signs the Supreme Court Roll as her husband, Matthew T. Becker (left), waits his turn to sign. They are joined by her father, Attorney James Mentkowski of Milwaukee.

Fifty lawyers were admitted to practice in Wisconsin on Wednesday. Surrounded by family and friends, the lawyers were welcomed by members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) Director John E. Kosobucki, BBE member Thomas M. Boykoff, and State Bar President Steve Levine.

Justices David T. Prosser and Patience D. Roggensack administered the oath in the supreme court hearing room during three ceremonies throughout the day.

Kosobucki reminded the new lawyers, “There are few professions that require an oath of its members, the military, police and fire departments come to mind, and they share with attorneys a commonality of commitment of service. The oath distinguishes you as a professional and signifies that you hold a public trust. Much is expected of you as a member of this honored profession. I ask that you listen to the words and not just say them. Make the oath a part of your value system, and remember those words as you advance in your practices.”

Following the swearing in ceremonies, the lawyers attended a reception at the Monona Terrace Convention Center hosted by the State Bar. During the reception, each newly sworn in attorney signs the supreme court roll that has been signed by every lawyer admitted to practice in Wisconsin since the state was a territory.

The State Bar welcomes the following attorneys:

Of the 124 individuals who took the bar exam, 89 percent passed. The State Bar also welcomes the 60 lawyers who did not attend the swearing in ceremonies.