All lawyers understand that U.S. democracy depends on representative and democratically elected government. “We the People” have the right to choose who will represent us in federal, state, and local government. Elections profoundly affect the direction of our country and the future for us and for younger generations. But there’s one election that lawyers sometimes forget.
Every April, the State Bar of Wisconsin’s members elect State Bar officers, including the president-elect, secretary, and treasurer. The members also elect representatives to the Wisconsin Judicial Council and the Board of Governors, the State Bar’s governing body.
The president-elect serves one year before a one-year term as president and remains a State Bar officer for a third year as immediate past president. Thus, the presidential role is a three-year commitment.
The Board of Governors comprises 52 individuals, with 35 elected representatives who represent State Bar members located in 16 districts, for two-year terms. The number of representatives in each district depends on the number of lawyers in that district. For instance, District 2 (Milwaukee County) has 12 seats. District 13 (Dodge, Ozaukee, and Washington counties) has one representative, as do most districts.
Our membership is diverse, with lawyers in many different practice areas and industry sectors. Some members work as in-house counsel. Some work for large firms. Many have solo practices or are with small firms.
Some members are government lawyers. Some are judges. Some are experienced or mid-career. Some are just starting their careers. Some have wealthy clients. Others have clients of limited or modest means. The point is this: different perspectives are crucial for the decision-making process.
Elected leaders volunteer their time and talents to represent you and your interests, as well as the interests of the organization and the legal profession in general. Sometimes decisions are easy. Sometimes decisions are difficult. Sometimes decisions are praised. Sometimes they are criticized.
But they are made by your elected leaders. So cast your ballot. It will affect the future of the legal profession for current and future lawyers.
State Bar of Wisconsin Elections
All State Bar elections (including for State Bar divisions and sections) will be held via electronic ballot in 2024, starting April 11, 2024. The election closes at noon Central Time on April 26, 2024.
Individuals elected take office July 1, 2024. To learn about the candidates, visit the State Bar’s elections page at wisbar.org/aboutus/leadership/Pages/Elections.aspx.
» Cite this article: 97 Wis. Law. 64 (March 2024).
