State Bar welcomes new members, 132 lawyers attend swearing in
ceremonies
Susan M. Fisher, Onalaska, signs the supreme court roll that has been
signed by every lawyer admitted to practice in Wisconsin since the state
was a territory.
Oct. 5, 2006 – One hundred thirty-two lawyers were admitted to
practice in Wisconsin on Tuesday. Surrounded by family and friends, the
lawyers were welcomed by members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Board
of Bar Examiners (BBE) Board Chair the Hon. Charles Constantine, State
Bar President Steve Levine, and Wisconsin BBE Director John Kosobucki.
The new members represent 84 schools in 34 jurisdictions.
Following each swearing-in ceremony, Justice Louis B. Butler Jr.
spoke to the new lawyers. "We have every reason to take great
pride in our profession and have a most solemn obligation to all others
who have gone before us to carry on our functions as lawyers and judges
in a manner so as to pass on this heritage undiminished and untarnished.
On the matter of professional pride and integrity, I suggest that these
are the two hallmarks that distinguish the true lawyer. I have not known
a really good lawyer who did not have a compelling sense of pride in his
or her profession and that demanded an uncompromising sense of
integrity.
"Although this is your day of recognition, those who
accompanied you here today – or those who are here with you in
spirit – spouses, family, and friends have helped pave the road to
these ceremonies, probably financially as well as through encouragement,
are also entitled to recognition. Some portion of your license to
practice law belongs to them," said Butler. "It has been
their contribution of support and encouragement that helped make this
day possible." Butler asked the new lawyers to give their loved
ones a standing ovation reminding them, "Never forget that you did
not get here alone. Indeed this day may mean more to them than it does
to you.
Attorney Krysta Rae Kennedy, Valparaiso University, will practice
with Madison firm Stafford and Neal S.C. Kennedy's family and firm
senior partners join her following the swearing-in ceremony. (Standing,
from left) Keith Kennedy, Chester Ligons, and Attorney John D. Neal.
(Seated) Nyah Kennedy, Dawne Kennedy, Faye Ligons, Attorney Krysta Rae
Kennedy, and Attorney Helen L. Schott.
"We congratulate you and we congratulate them," Butler
concluded. "Good luck to you in your chosen profession. It is a
noble profession one where pride still matters. Be proud to be a part of
it. We ask you to make yourselves proud as you go forward in the
profession. That is our wish for you."
Following the swearing-in ceremonies, the lawyers attended a
reception at the Monona Terrace Convention Center hosted by the State
Bar of Wisconsin. During the reception, each
attorney signed the Supreme Court Roll Book that has been signed by
every lawyer admitted to practice in Wisconsin since Wisconsin was a
territory.
The State Bar welcomes the following attorneys.
This brings State Bar membership to 22,412.
