April Issue Captures Human Side of Lawyers

I read through the April Wisconsin Lawyer and found it useful and entertaining, even on some topics in which I usually have little interest. The tone often conveyed that very human side of lawyers that usually is underplayed: contributing to their communities, having a life outside of law (but where they often use their skills), altruism, appreciating fun.

The interview with Jessa Nicholson was a fascinating glimpse into a side of law practice we haven’t all experienced: special challenges of representing high-profile criminal defendants. President Pat Fiedler’s tropical-looking snapshot was a treat. And that drink with the umbrella? Well, I’ll have what he’s having.

John (Duke) Welter
Viroqua

Here’s What You May Have Missed

Not connecting with us online? This month we highlight readers’ comments posted to photos featuring lawyers celebrating 50 years since admission to practice and the 2014 National High School Mock Trial Championship. Let’s hear what you have to say. Post comments to WisBar articles or respond to Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter posts. Or simply email the editors at wislawmag@wisbar.org.

Celebrating 50 Years: Honoring the Class of 1964

Class photo at 50-year Member Recognition Luncheon. Photo: Andy Manis.

The State Bar of Wisconsin and its Senior Lawyers Division honored members who reached an important milestone in their careers. Thirty-five lawyers who were admitted to the bar in 1964, along with family and colleagues, celebrated at the 50-year Member Recognition Luncheon in Delafield. Check out the class photo – the first such class photo taken during a 50-year member recognition event. More photos on the State Bar's Facebook page. Photo: Andy Manis.

Congratulations to all on this wonderful milestone! And on a slightly different tack, I look forward to seeing far more women in these pictures as the years go on.

Kathryn Bullon
Deerhaven Consulting Services
Sombra, Ontario

National Mock Trial Championship: That’s a Lot of Photo Sharing

The Oregon team prepares for competition in a Dane County courtroom. Oregon finished the National Mock Trial Championship in seventh place. Photo: Deb Heneghan.

Take a peek at the photos of the National High School Mock Trial Championship on the State Bar's Facebook page, and you will get a sense of the magnitude of this event. Nearly 500 students competed in the three-day event sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin in Madison in early May. And, it took more than 350 volunteers, many of them State Bar members, to pull it off. (See “Yes, Tomorrow’s Leaders Were Everywhere” at page 5.)

These social-media-savvy students – along with friends, families, and their communities – shared, liked, or commented on these photos more than 22,700 times. Now, that’s viral. Here are a few samples of messages of thanks and congratulations shared during or after the event.

Absolutely outstanding job of putting together this massive project. I got lots of feedback from participants and parents and they felt well cared for. The Bar should feel proud.

Judge Timothy L. Vocke
Rhinelander

Thank you for all you did to make the 2014 National High School Mock Trial Championship such a wonderful, memorable event for participants and observers. Our students and coaches enjoyed themselves tremendously, and our 2015 host staff learned a great deal from observing and assisting behind the scenes. We truly appreciate the tremendous amount of work you put into making it all flow so smoothly. Even more, we appreciate your friendly, helpful, “can-do” attitude as you dealt with all the logistical challenges that inevitably arise during an event of this size.

We enjoyed getting to know so many of your amazing volunteers and hope to be able to welcome some of you to North Carolina next year. Thank you again for your dedication and commitment to this event – your efforts were a blessing and encouragement to more people than you’ll ever know!

Susan H. Johnson, Program Coordinator
Carolina Center for Civic Education, host of the 2015 National Mock Trial Championship

Thanks from Utah to Wisconsin for hosting. Everything was planned and executed so well. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Thanks for your gracious hospitality.

And...a huge THANK YOU to Wisconsin for hosting such a wonderful competition. Oklahoma is grateful for everything you did to make this such a success. Safe travel to all. (Oklahoma. Posted to National Mock Trial website, May 12)