Nominations sought for Judge of the Year, Lifetime Jurist achievment awards

July 2, 1998

The State Bar of Wisconsin is searching for outstanding judicial candidates for two awards: the 1998 Judge of the Year and the 1998 Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award.

The State Bar of Wisconsin's Bench Bar Committee will review all nominations. The deadline for nominations is October 30, 1998.

The 1998 Judge of the Year Award will be given at the State Bar Midwinter Convention in January, 1999 to a judge who has exceeded the call of judicial office and who has improved the judicial system in some fashion during the past year. This individual is a judge who shows leadership in advancing the quality of justice, judicial education, or innovative programs; who is an example of high ideals, personal character and judicial competence; and who is actively involved in community efforts which enhance the judicial system. Judge Dennis Barry was recognized as the 1997 Judge of the Year.

The 1998 Jurist Lifetime Achievement Award will be given at the State Bar Annual Meeting in June, 1999. The committee is looking for a jurist with at least 12 years experience as a trial judge. The award is designed to recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding, long-term judicial service during his or her years as a sitting trial judge. Judge John A. Decker was awarded the 1997 Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award at the 1998 State Bar June annual meeting.

To obtain a nomination packet or further information, please contact Patricia Morgan at the State Bar: 608-250-6107.