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President's Report: Spirit of Service Redefines Bar
By Steven R. Sorenson
A spirit of service spread
throughout our Bar as more than 2,000 members participated in various
projects, the cumulative effects of which have resulted in redesigning
the State Bar of Wisconsin. The most important of these, Project Vision, has successfully crafted the
mission, vision, and strategies of the Bar as we prepare to enter the
next millennium. Hundreds of committee, section, and division meetings
were held to develop strategic plans that have become the foundation of
the Bar's commitment to the future.
Innovative long-term planning and budgeting can be
seen as the Finance Committee rolls out its first ever three-year
budget. Long-term planning is the foundation upon which new programs
will emerge to serve the profession and the public.
The vote to proceed with the new
Bar Center was the year's most difficult effort. The vision of a new
Bar Center now is a reality. The Facilities Committee can be extremely
pleased with its efforts to educate the membership and to design a
structure that will improve the delivery of member and public services.
This new Bar Center is indeed for all members, not just a select
few.
The spirit of service also was evident in the Bar's outreach efforts
during 1997-98. Regional conferences in Hudson and
Wisconsin Rapids moved the State Bar from Madison to nontraditional
locations. Attendees came away with the feeling that the State Bar of
Wisconsin is relevant to them.
The Solo and Small Firm Committee extended its tradition of holding
regional meetings and receptions statewide. And, staff took the
Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance and Lawyer Hotline programs to numerous
communities throughout Wisconsin.
The Bar extended its hand across state borders, too. Nine different
state bar associations participated in the Midwest Regional Solo
and Small Firm Conference that brought more than 300 lawyers
together in La Crosse to discuss the issues that face Midwest solo and
small-firm lawyers.
The Bar's outstanding public education and outreach
programming is recognized nationally, earning several ABA and other
awards. And, again this year the ABA highlighted the State Bar's
activities at the National Conference of Bar Presidents and the National
Association of Bar Executives meetings. Significant programming at these
meetings was provided by the State Bar of Wisconsin a compliment to the
strength of our leadership and our staff.
The spirit of service also was reflected in this year's
advances in partnering. The State Bar of Wisconsin and
the Wisconsin Realtors® Association have developed a strong working
interdisciplinary group. The State Bar also has strengthened its
relationship with the Wisconsin State Law Library, Marquette University
and U.W. law school libraries, and LOIS and other legal information
providers to give Wisconsin lawyers and the public cost-effective access
to the law.
Many other significant accomplishments were achieved during this past
year. Efforts are underway to rejuvenate the structure of our internal
programs; we continued expanding WisBar, which resulted in recognition
from the legal and Internet communities. The Elections Policy Committee
changed the elections timeline giving newly elected officers and board
members an opportunity to participate in leadership training and to
attend Board meetings to learn the governance system prior to taking
offices.
Overall, this past year was highlighted by participation; the spirit
of service has infused the organization. There is a new attitude of
caring and concern. Lawyers truly do care about the profession and the
public. We all are willing to give a little when we recognize that our
service makes a difference. We have made a difference, and it is a
difference we can be proud of.
Thank you for giving me a chance to serve. I will always cherish this
opportunity.
Wisconsin Lawyer
