Vol. 78, No. 4, April
2005
Leadership Development
With the many important issues facing
the State Bar, it is imperative that diverse perspectives be represented
in committees, sections, and divisions and in governance, now and in the
future. In addition to providing a role in decision making,
participation in Bar work enhances professional and personal
growth.
by Michelle A. Behnke
Each year, we are very fortunate to have lawyers step
forward to participate in the work of the State Bar. It is not just the
presidential candidates to whom I am referring, but the hundreds of
members who serve on section and division boards and on State Bar
committees. How did these folks get involved in Bar service? How did
they get committee appointments? How much time does this service take?
What is involved?
Often these are the questions members ask and, more often, it is the
lack of an answer or knowledge of where to get an answer that keeps
people from becoming involved. With the creation of the Leadership
Development Committee, the State Bar is taking a proactive approach to
encouraging member participation in the work of the Bar and is providing
greater support to those taking leadership roles.
I was very lucky as a new attorney. The firm I worked for encouraged
participation in Bar activities. Many of the attorneys in our firm were
regular authors and speakers for State Bar books and seminars. Others
were involved in drafting legislation and testifying in support of such
legislation. Some were active on section and division boards. These
lawyers showed me what it was to be involved in the profession. One of
these lawyers even took me along to a Young Lawyers Division meeting.
That is how I became involved in Bar service.
Not everyone has the same experiences that I did. Many lawyers see
the Bar as a big organization with no clear, easy point of access. They
need to know how they can become involved. Other lawyers find their
obligations to their clients and firms almost overwhelming and can't
imagine how they would fit Bar service into their schedule. They need
information about how they can contribute to their profession in the
time that they do have available.
In these busy times, I know the sacrifices being made by the hundreds
of dedicated volunteers - driving to meetings, working on projects,
planning, writing, speaking, and sharing their legal expertise. It is
easy to assume that someone else will volunteer, but let me remind you
that the Bar needs a variety of voices and experiences. We need
your experiences and expertise. The Leadership Development
Committee also is looking for ways to tailor service opportunities so
that anyone, with any amount of time, can find a place to participate in
the work of the State Bar.
Very soon, President-elect Michael Guerin will begin next year's
committee appointments. An insert explaining the appointment process and
opportunities appeared in the February Inside the Bar, the
State Bar newsletter. Despite the annual request for volunteers, some
lawyers are unsure of the process or of where they might best be of
service. This is where current volunteers can help. We need you to talk
about your volunteer experiences, your professional growth through
participation, your leadership opportunities. We need partners and
senior attorneys to encourage lawyers in their offices to volunteer. A
suggestion or an encouraging word will go a long way to introducing
someone to Bar service. I have found that few can resist a personal
invitation to participate.
Someone once told me that good leaders are good leaders not because
they make all the decisions, but because they encourage others to
participate in the process and share the authority. I hope all of you
will be good leaders by personally participating and by encouraging
someone you know to get involved in the Bar and share in the decision
making that is so critical for our profession.
Wisconsin Lawyer
