Meet the 2011 State Bar election candidates

Candidate for Treasurer

Kelly C. Nickel [email]

Leece & Phillips S.C., Elkhorn

I ask for your support as a candidate for treasurer. I have served as a member of the Board of Governors since 2007. I also have served on the Executive Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, and other committees within the State Bar. Likewise, I have been active in other bar activities, including serving as the president of the Walworth County Bar Association, serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court Selection Committee, and acting as a regional coordinator for the State Bar’s annual high school mock trial program.

The services the Bar provides to Wisconsin lawyers are varied and valuable, but expensive. The Bar continually is challenged to prevent dues increases and keep costs low, while providing meaningful benefits to members. The most important duty of the treasurer is to present the Bar’s annual budget and make strategic recommendations to the Board of Governors. I am not running to promote an agenda or a cause within the Bar.

Rather, my goal as treasurer is to develop and present a comprehensive budget to the Board of Governors with detail, candor, and clarity. I also will continue to advocate for financial transparency and accountability within the organization, so that you, as a member, can determine with little effort how the State Bar uses your money. The Bar does valuable work. You should have the opportunity to see it.

I have lived and practiced in Walworth County for more than a decade. I understand your needs as a Wisconsin lawyer. I would appreciate your support.

Practice

Leece & Phillips S.C. (2010 - present)

Thorpe & Christian S.C. (2003 - 10)

Brennan Steil S.C. (2001 - 03)

Godfrey, Leiblse, Blackbourn & Howarth S.C. (1999 - 2001)

Education

Marquette University Law School, J.D. (1999)

U.W. - Madison, B.A. (1991)

Professional Activities

State Bar of Wisconsin: Board of Governors (2007 - present); Executive Committee (2010 - present); Strategic Planning Committee (2010 - present); Children & the Law Section (2008 - present); Family Law Section (2004 - present); General Practice Section (1999 - present); Litigation Section (2000 - present); Law Practice Section (1999), High School Mock Trial Program scorer and coordinator (2003 and 2008 - present; Public Education Committee board liaison (2007 - 10)

Walworth County Bar Association: president (2006 - 07), vice president (2005-6), treasurer (2004 - 05)

Community service

Delavan-Darien Rotary(2003 - 07)

Cub Scout Pack 239 Den Leader (2010 - present), volunteer (2007 - present)