State Bar welcomes new members, Fifty four lawyers attend swearing in ceremonies

Fifty four lawyers were admitted to practice in Wisconsin on Tuesday. Surrounded by family and friends, the lawyers were welcomed by members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) board chair, the Hon. Charles Constantine, and State Bar President Michael Guerin,

Diana Smiroldo Goodman signs the supreme court roll that has been signed by every lawyer admitted to practice in Wisconsin since the state was a territory.

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

Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson, reminded each group that as lawyers they have a responsibility. "Lawyers must be courageous. What does it mean that a lawyer be a person of courage? Courage means standing tall and having your voice heard. Courage means having to say things that others do not want to hear. Courage means not shaving the truth. Courage means telling a client or worse yet a senior partner what she doesn't want to hear. Courage means defending positions or clients or that are unpopular . A courageous lawyer heeds the underprivileged. A lawyer of courage helps the poor and powerless. A lawyer of courage joins in public debate and speaks thoughtfully. Courage means making an argument for a hostile ward. Courage means not striking a deal when a wink and a nod is required to avoid come to grips with troublesome issues. Courage means taking a stand. Taking a stand is a formula for being unpopular and misunderstood. It is often easier to go along than get along. Speak up.

"Celebrating and protecting our freedom and democracy is a task for all of us. Courage is a mindset and an approach to life. Courage is the price life demands for being at peace with yourself. I ask each of you as a member of the Wisconsin legal community to use your courage and legal training to make a difference in society. Look beyond the everyday work you do and find other ways to serve your community," she said.

Following the swearing in ceremonies, the lawyers attended a reception at the Madison Concourse Hotel 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 representing 24 jurisdictions nationwide who took the bar exam, 87 passed. The State Bar also welcomes the 33 lawyers who did not attend the April swearing in ceremonies.