The Crawford County Teen Court program has diverted nearly 100 teens from the juvenile justice system. Pictured in this photo from October 2019 are, from left: Program advisor Kari Sanding, with teen court peer jurors Emma Kapinus, Katelyn Lutz, and Mackenzie Pettit.

June 3, 2020 – Lessening the chances of Wisconsin’s youth becoming victims of sexual exploitation and violence. Assisting Wisconsin teens in discovering the details of our justice system. Enhancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Assisting lawyers in overcoming debt, establishing their practice, and becoming the next generation of leaders.

These are the results of statewide programs supported by the Wisconsin Law Foundation, the charitable arm of the State Bar of Wisconsin, supported by generous donations from State Bar of Wisconsin members.

“The Wisconsin Law Foundation needs the financial support of State Bar members to make a difference in our communities and our profession,” says Kevin Lonergan, president of the Wisconsin Law Foundation.

Lonergan asks that you consider a gift to support the Foundation's programs via your dues statement.

Any level of contribution is gratefully appreciated. "Your support goes directly toward vital statewide programs," says Lonergan.

These programs include:

• High School Mock Trial, which brings our court system to life for over 1,300 high school students across the state;

• Diversity initiatives that seeds new initiatives supporting diversity in our profession;

• Truman Q. McNulty Grants that fund innovative programs that improve our justice system, including supporting teen courts in our state, and that lessen the chances of Wisconsin’s youth becoming victims of sexual exploitation and violence

• Donald O’Melia Scholarships for State Bar of Wisconsin Leadership Summit participants to attend the Annual Meeting & Conference that encourage leadership and networking with their peers;

• Scholarships for the State Bar’s G. Lane Ware Leadership Academyinvests in the development of our profession’s next generation of leaders; and

• Bell Case La Follette Scholarships for lawyers in their first five years of practice to reduce debt and establish practices in underserved areas in the state.

It's easy to give: just add your contribution to line 9 on your State Bar dues statement. If a colleague fills out your form for you, just let them know you wish to make a contribution to the Wisconsin Law Foundation.

If you have already sent in your dues statement, you can make a donation online at www.wisbar.org/wlf.

"We sincerely appreciate any contribution amount. Thank you for your consideration and support," says Lonergan.