Vol. 78, No. 1, January 2005

Lending a Helping Hand

by Michelle A. Behnke

I started practicing almost 17 years ago and I recall the first fax machine the firm purchased. We all marveled at being able to get documents the same day and we talked about how helpful the fax machine would be. Today, people email documents while on the phone and wait for confirmation of receipt. The times are changing, and the pace of change is increasing. .

Our profession is constantly evolving: new areas of law, new cases, and new interpretations. Over the next year, our profession will see even more changes than usual, and I wonder how best to prepare for these changes and the pace of change. Our profession is one built on precedents. We look back to determine how to move forward. So how will we cope with such enormous and rapid change?

I know I handle things best when I'm prepared for what's coming. The State Bar is one of the resources for knowing what's coming. The State Bar Web site, newsletter, and magazine bring timely information to your office, including news highlights, substantive articles, and updates on the important issues on which member input is needed. The State Bar's CaselawExpress is another member service that helps you keep current on Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Supreme Court decisions. Delivered by email, CaselawExpress provides links to cases so that you can read full text opinions without having to search for them. If you're not already getting Caselaw-Express, visit the State Bar Web site to register for this free benefit. The Wisconsin Lawyer's Assistance Program (WisLAP) has also been expanded so that we can help lawyers who have difficulties with stress, drugs, or alcohol.

One of the most highly rated State Bar services is the ethics hotline. As a State Bar member, you have access to informal guidance and help in resolving questions on the Rules of Professional Conduct. The ethics hotline service is expanding to include presentations to local bar associations. The State Bar's Law Office Management Program (LOMAP) will soon be available to provide lawyers in all practice settings help in dealing with practice management issues like conflict checking, calendars, file management, and more.

Any mention of member benefits and services would be incomplete without reference to the CLE program. Due to the expertise of our volunteer authors and seminar presenters and to the countless hours that they devote, we have one of the nation's finest CLE programs. Recently, our webcast vendor proclaimed to a nationwide audience that our webcast programs are among the best in the country.

As a mother of two growing teens, I have come to accept that there is nothing I can do to stop time; but trying to be prepared for the changes ahead makes the journey a bit easier to manage. I think it is the same for our profession. To adapt to the changes that we face, we need to avail ourselves of the products, services, and support that the State Bar has to offer. I hope that you will call on this association to help you manage the changing times ahead.

Wisconsin Lawyer