Case Mediation: The Committee evaluates and conveys information about dispute resolution alternatives to the public, the courts and the bar, and promotes alternative dispute resolution through publications, training and educational programs, and case mediation programs as defined and authorized by the Board.

Courthouse: The Committee serves as the liaison between the judiciary and the bar. The Committee sponsors social programs to maintain the collegiality between the bench and the bar, and educational programs, emphasizing courthouse functions, to promote the public awareness of the legal system.

Delivery of Legal Services: The Committee encourages and promotes access to legal representation and services by persons who are unable to access the legal system because of the lack or financial resources or other barriers beyond their control; promotes the establishment and efficient maintenance of programs which encourage and aid the furnishing of pro bono legal services by members of the Association; assists members and organizations who furnish legal services to low income and disadvantaged persons and to organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which cannot reasonably afford legal services; recognizes members who furnish pro bono legal services; and takes such other actions as will aid the Association and its members in their obligation to further pro bono legal services.

Finance: Chaired by the Association Treasurer, the finance Committee annually submits a proposed budget to the Board of Directors, based on advice solicited from the committee chairs and officers. The Finance Committee also advises the Board of Directors regarding any proposals to modify dues.

History and Memorials: The Committee preserves the history of the Association and the practice of law in Dane County; promotes interest in the history of the Association and the practice of law in Dane County; and honors deceased members of the judiciary and bar in Dane County.

Judicial Selection: The Judicial Selection Committee assists in the selection of competent and properly qualified candidates for judicial office in Dane County, for the Court of Appeals of Wisconsin for the Fourth District, for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. Prior to each contested judicial election, the Committee conducts a poll of the members of the Association as to the qualification of each candidate who has filed for election, and reports the results of the poll to the Board of Directors for dissemination to the electorate.

Law for the Public: The Committee conveys information about the law to the public; improves the availability and accessibility of legal information and resources; and in carrying out these functions, generates good will toward the Association and the legal profession.

Long Range Planning: The Committee advises and assists the Board of Directors and other entities within or affiliated with this Association in planning programs, projects and activities which are ongoing or which require more than one year to develop and implement.

Membership: The Committee reviews, creates, and implements programs, subject to Board oversight, designed to retain and attract active membership in the Association.

Program: The Committee annually plans and offers a series of speakers addressing current, relevant legal issues for members of the Association, to advance their professional knowledge and to help them comply with educational requirements for continued membership in the bar as determined by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Public Relations and Newsletter: The Committee shall serve as a resource and provide general oversight of public relations conducted on behalf of the Association; have primary editorial direction of the content and publication of the newsletter and electronic media; and work with the Association's coordinators, providing input and assistance, when necessary.

Special Events: The Committee plans the annual Association summer outing, and other social events as directed by the Board, for the purpose of maintaining cordial relations among members of the Association.

 

SECTIONS

Individual members of the Association who have professional interests in common may organize themselves and apply to the Board of Directors for formal recognition as a section of the Association. Recognition of a section entitles the Chair or other designee of the section to a seat and a vote on the Board of Directors of this Association.

Current Sections are:

• Criminal Law
• New Lawyers (5 years or less in practice)
• In-House Counsel
• Senior Lawyers (55+)

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