“A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect.” – Sir Walter Scott

As I begin my term with this first column, I am reminded of Scott’s admonition to lawyers. Literature provides lawyers with the knowledge to appreciate the world beyond the narrow confines of our profession. History provides us with the context needed to appreciate the important role of law in our society. Both are indispensable.

I have attempted to be guided by both knowledge and context in establishing four goals for my one-year term as your State Bar president. In this introductory column, I briefly outline each of these goals.

First of all, it is incumbent upon all of us to help our young lawyers. Imparting our legal knowledge and experience is one obvious way to assist new lawyers. However, sharing with new lawyers the history of the judiciary and the State Bar and our own anecdotal reminiscences is also invaluable. I know it was for me. More specifically, we will be facilitating incubator programs that help new lawyers start a practice. We are going to bring mentorship programs to more areas of the state. Finally, we are going to increase the presence of new lawyers in leadership positions.

Second, on this 50th anniversary of the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act, we will renew our commitment to diversity in our State Bar leadership. It was with a sense of awe that I recently read about the courageous Freedom Riders from Wisconsin in the summer 2014 issue of Wisconsin History Magazine. It was with a sense of pride that I noted the crucial role played by so many members of our State Bar at this contentious time in our history. I will be writing more about this in future columns. Once again, history and literature are encouraging us to be architects of the future.

Third, we will continue our past efforts to make a forceful and credible impact on public policy. Our foray into the issue of Wisconsin Supreme Court terms is one example; there may be others in which we wish to speak with a collective voice on issues of public policy.

Finally, we want to foster volunteerism in our communities. I will also be addressing this topic at greater length in one of my future columns. Growing up in Green Bay, I noted that the lawyers discussed at social gatherings were admired as much for their civic undertakings as their legal acumen.

Two final concluding matters: First, no one ever had a better predecessor than I had with Patrick Fiedler. Pat, thanks again for everything.

Second, to all our members, I am truly honored and humbled to be your State Bar president. During the upcoming year I will try to be the type of architect Sir Walter Scott envisioned 200 years ago.