CONTACT:
Katie Stenz
State Bar of Wisconsin
(608) 250-6025
(608) 630-0432 (cell)
kstenz@wisbar.org
Madison, WI – For the second year, the State Bar of Wisconsin is honoring the state’s top legal innovators through the organization’s “That’s a Fine Idea: Legal Innovation Wisconsin” initiative.
In total, nine individuals are being recognized: one for his lifetime commitment to innovation, three as top state innovators and five for their noteworthy contributions. These lawyers have demonstrated that they are able to take risks and find creative ways to solve client or community problems.
Norman Gahn: Lifetime Innovator Award Winner for Pioneering use of DNA
Gahn, a former Milwaukee County assistant district attorney, is being recognized for his innovative use of John Doe DNA arrest warrants. Gahn’s results with John Doe warrants have led to changes in Wisconsin law and laws in other states across the country.
U.W. Law School’s Black and Latino Associations: Innovation Through Education
Members of the University of Wisconsin Law School’s black and Latino law student associations are being recognized for their video, “Police use of Deadly Force.” The students put together the video to provide neutral information to the public on a police officer’s decision to use deadly force.
David Simon and John Turlais: Solving Real Business Problems for Clients
Simon and Turlais, of Foley & Lardner LLP in Milwaukee, have devised a new tool to help companies sell their products and services abroad. The tool, Foley Global Risk Solutions, documents client compliance with the law, helping them to avert major repercussions.
Susan Hansen and Greg Hildebrand: Helping Families Work Together
Hansen and Hildebrand, Milwaukee attorneys, are being honored for their work at the Family Mediation Center. The organization helps divorcing couples who want a lower-conflict, lower-cost, healthier process for separation and divorce.
Other Noteworthy Innovators: Five Fine Ideas!
Jennifer Binkley of Community Justice Inc.: Representing Domestic Abuse Victims, Bill Caraher of von Briesen & Roper S.C.: An inGenious Idea for Law Firm Training, Robert Barrington of Dodge County District Attorney’s Office: Accessing Electronic Files Anytime, Diane Rondini-Harness of State Public Defender’s Office: Stemming the School-to-Prison Pipeline, and Brynne McBride of ABC for Health: Guiding through the Health Care Coverage Maze. Read More.
