State Bar Exectutive Director Larry Martin presenting Myron LaRowe with the 2021 President’s award for his lifetime commitment to the profession. Kristen Hardy (left), has served as State Bar Secretary for the last two years, and continues to be engaged in State Bar activities.

To paraphrase an often-quoted African proverb, “it takes a village” to run the State Bar of Wisconsin. Hundreds of talented and dedicated individuals who care deeply about the practice of law, their communities, and contributing toward making a difference serve in various positions. None are more dedicated than those who serve on our Board of Governors.

Each year, several good people “term off” the board, and that is as it should be. New blood and ideas are good. But these individuals are always greatly missed.

I wonder who will take their place and what the future of volunteerism and service will be as one generation of members moves toward retirement and another comes of age. But as new board members join, I am quickly reminded of the depths of talent that exist in this great profession.

Two individuals who will be transitioning off our board this year are attorneys Myron LaRowe and Kristen Hardy. Given different professional paths, some might think they would not have much in common.

Myron is a senior lawyer in a small firm in Reedsburg. He has served in numerous capacities, including as State Bar president and as president of the Senior Lawyers Division. Kristen is a younger, corporate attorney within a large organization in Milwaukee. She is finishing her term as State Bar secretary and, among many other things, has been president of the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers. However, on closer look, they have much in common in one important and valued way.

They give back.

Both have a lifelong commitment to not only the profession but also the communities in which they live. They are both active in the State Bar and the broader legal profession. Neither has ever rested on their well-earned laurels of past service. They keep stepping up.

Myron will tell you, “You’ve got to give back. The profession has opened doors for me that would never, ever have been opened. You have to stay active. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Myron credits education (he is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School) as a big factor in his and his family’s life. And his roots run deep in helping make the world a better place. He is a proud descendant of Quakers who were part of the underground railroad.

Kristen, a graduate of Marquette University Law School, says, “You have to be the change you wish to see. Do something about it. Get engaged. Want a voice? Want greater diversity? Be that! I don’t sit on the sidelines; I get in to do the work.” Being engaged means meeting “good people out in the community that you would otherwise not know.”

Myron’s lifetime of service and Kristen’s long-term commitment of engagement give me great faith that the future is bright and the State Bar continues to be in good hands.

» Cite this article: 95 Wis. Law. 9 (June 2022).