Michael Johnson, president and chief executive officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, is the keynote speaker at the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy.

Aug. 3, 2016 – Leadership skills can be taught, but can success? Learn from Michael Johnson, president and chief executive officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, who says it indeed can be.

Johnson is the keynote speaker at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s first ever G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy, a multi-session training program to enhance leadership skills, inspire leadership involvement, build professional networks, and foster the professional development of Wisconsin’s lawyers.

Apply for the Leadership Academy to learn from Johnson, who developed a bold, five-year, $15 million strategic plan that doubled the number of children and families being served at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, tripled the number of employees, and grew the organization’s operating budget by more than 185 percent in less than five years.

Hear Johnson’s secret to making success happen – not just talking about it. Learn how to put your heart and soul into your passion and make a difference in your work, your home, and your community. Be inspired by someone driven to succeed by taking action under truly difficult circumstances.

The Leadership Academy ​

The goal of the Leadership Academy is to improve the leadership skills of lawyers who are interested in becoming leaders in their local community and bar associations, state or local government organizations, or with the State Bar.

"The Academy will equip our lawyers with essential skills, tools, and resources to effectively lead and inspire others," said Renee Nawrocki, chair of the State Bar's Leadership Development Committee. "This program creates a unique opportunity for lawyers to develop diverse, professional networks and personal relationships with their colleagues, and to improve their professional confidence and career satisfaction."

The Leadership Academy will create opportunities for lawyers to build relationships with other lawyers as well as with their communities – and improve their professional development, confidence, and satisfaction.

Learn from Leaders in their Fields

The 2016-17 Leadership Academy takes place in three sessions, held at the State Bar Center in Madison, in November, February, and April. Topics include public speaking, interpreting financial documentation, community leadership, and networking.

Speakers include:

• Dr. George Mavroulis, adjunct professor of educational leadership at Viterbo University, discussing the key traits of leaders;

• Natalie Fleury of Marquette Law School, discussing conflict resolution tips and techniques;

• Christina Plum, speaking on effective communicating in a professional setting;

• Hon. James Peterson, discussing the seven objectives of effective public speaking;

• Gary Bakke, providing insight into interpreting financial documentation;

• Sarah Rohne of the University of Minnesota Law School, giving tips about having a solid networking plan;

• Michael F. Moore, covering time management skills for successful leaders; and

• Dr. Julia Persike, a licensed clinical substance abuse counselor and doctor of psychology, discussing active listening and managing difficult conversations.

Lawyers participating in the academy must attend these sessions:

• Friday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Friday, April 28, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, April 29, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

How to Apply – Deadline Extended to Aug. 15

Applicants who wish to become more involved in leadership with a state or local bar, their community and/or the legal profession are encouraged to apply. State Bar members should encourage qualified lawyers to apply. A selection committee will review applications submitted.

Tuition for the 2016-17 Leadership Academy is $250. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Tuition includes meals. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses and accommodations.

Consider the following timeline when applying:

• Aug. 15, 2016: Applications due

• Sept. 15, 2016: Applicants notified of selection outcome

• Oct. 1, 2016: $250 tuition fee is due

To Apply

Visit the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy website for more information -- including a schedule and speaker biographies - and for instructions and an application form.

Direct questions about the program to Leadership Development Committee Chair Renee Nawrocki or staff liaison Annette Ashley.