Present and former Communications Committee members (from left) Marna M. Tess-Mattner, Elizabeth M. Estes, James D. Peterson (chair), Alyson K. Zierdt, and Francisco Araiza represent the 14-member WL editorial board. (See page 69 for a complete roster.) The editorial board provides critical peer review of substantive articles, evaluates reader feedback, and recommends editorial and advertising policy.
The Communications Committee, which serves as the editorial advisory board, plays an invaluable role in producing the Wisconsin Lawyer. Today, it includes 12 lawyers with diverse practice experiences, one public member, and a Board of Governors' liaison. Members may serve for up to two consecutive three-year terms, bringing needed continuity to the editorial board's work while allowing for the infusion of fresh perspective.
Because the editorial board plays such a key role in shaping the magazine's direction, the Communications Committee "made a conscious effort over the years to increase diversity on the committee in all aspects - geographical, firm size, practice emphasis, as well as ethnicity and gender," says Alyson Zierdt, a former member of the editorial board. That effort, she adds, assures that different perspectives are brought into the review process and other editorial board decisions.
Each month, the editorial advisory board reviews substantive articles and proposed articles submitted to the editorial staff. It rates articles on their timeliness, practical application, readability, originality, and general reader appeal. Editorial board members recommend whether to accept or reject the article, or request further revision prior to publication. "The editorial board provides an important link between readers and the editorial staff," notes editor Joyce Hastings. "The editorial board gives us insight into the practical issues the profession is facing. The peer review system lends needed credibility to the magazine and ensures that it is more than the association's mouthpiece."
Celebrating 75 Years - September 2003
