On June 18-20, lawyers and judges from all over Wisconsin (and many from beyond) will gather at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference (often referred to as the “AMC”). The AMC is one of the largest gatherings of lawyers in Wisconsin and brings together members from practice areas and places of all kinds. It is the crucible where Wisconsin-licensed lawyers and judges of all stripes can come together as a community and learn together, share a meal, and get to know other members of our shared legal community. I encourage everyone to consider attending the AMC, particularly given the exceptional speakers lined up and the new judicial track that is expected to draw an unprecedented judicial presence at the conference (which already has been very high in recent years).
When I attended my first AMC, I was blown away. Between listening intently to a thoughtful debate about the Roberts Court, hearing the moving story of a survivor of an extremist group, and receiving expert guidance on how to attract and retain talented lawyers, I felt inspired in a way I had not felt since law school. It reminded me of the enormous good that lawyers do and the profound impact we can have on society. Moreover, I found the opportunity to meet all kinds of lawyers from all sorts of places to be refreshing and energizing in a way that was far more meaningful than seeing the same people at the same siloed practice or local-area events.
Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of my experience was the opportunity to have broad philosophical discussions with judges and other lawyers about the practice of law with nothing on the line, sandwiched between chats about family, hobbies, and my favorite subject – pets. I returned from my first AMC recharged and with a host of new colleagues whom I look forward to seeing every year.
This year’s AMC looks to break new ground and make a great event even better. Between bookend plenary sessions including Attorney General Josh Kaul and former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and a host of other great content, the AMC will educate and inspire. Its first-ever judicial track (created and led by judges) addressing best practices in complex and commercial litigation certainly will provoke passionate discussion.
A special first-time-attendee discount is expected to attract even more new lawyers to attend and mingle in the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace and Convention Center. I have never been more excited about an AMC, and I encourage all Wisconsin-licensed lawyers to attend. Hope to see you there!
» Cite this article: 98 Wis. Law. 4 (April 2025).
