Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson addresses the honorees, sharing her observations about how the practice has changed since 1960. Remember the Thermofax and the innovation of the electric typewriter, she asks?
June 4, 2010 – More than 20 lawyers who achieved 50 years in the practice of law in 2010 attended the Members’ Recognition Luncheon in Delafield on June 2.
Acknowledging the honored members, Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson observed how the practice has changed since 1960, “Remember the Thermofax? It was an improvement over the carbon paper, but copies would disintegrate in file drawers within six to seven months. There were no computers, and it was a great advance to have electronic typewriters.”
Challenge to continue serving the profession, public
Kenneth Voss, Milwaukee; Gary Yakes, Oshkosh, and Robert Slattery of Dousman catch up after a luncheon celebrating 50 years in the practice of law.
The chief justice observed there is a great need for lawyers outside of metropolitan areas. Lawyers in these areas are declining, but the need for affordable legal services is growing. In family law, according to Abrahamson, 60 to 80 percent of the public in the court system do not have lawyers, which increases the court’s load. The growing number of non English-speaking clients who come to court and mortgage foreclosures are other dramatic changes in the court system.
“Whether you are retired or not, the Bar still needs your help, to help people help themselves,” she said, encouraging the honorees to join the State Bar’s Senior Lawyers Division to get involved in its access to justice efforts.
In closing, the chief justice thanked the honorees for leading the way and opening the doors for those who have come after them.
