Young Lawyers Division 2000-2001

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999

Justice for Victims of Domestic Violence Civil Law Institute

By Katerina M. Eftimoff

Madison, Wisconsin was the site of this year's Midwest Regional AOP, August 26Ð28, 1999, co-sponsored by the Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association and the State Bar of Wisconsin Young Lawyers Division. Over forty Midwestern young lawyers met in Madison to learn about a variety of topics, including "Communicating Effectively with Members Using Newsletters, Websites, and List Serves," "Financial Planning for Young Professionals," and "Sexual Harrassment in the Workplace: What Young Lawyers Need to Know." In addition, two public service projects were profiled - Ilan Chorowsky showcased an AIDS Law Handbook developed for use in Wisconsin and Sonia Miller-Van Oort explained how to host a Youth Empowerment Summit.

Perhaps the highlight of the program was a presentation by the father-daughter legal team of Gerald and Bridget Boyle on "Litigating High-Profile Cases." The Boyles are uniquely qualified to speak on this subject - Mr. Boyle has represented, among others, convicted serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and the Miller Brewing Company executive charged with sexual harassment after discussing an episode of the Seinfeld show with a colleague at work.

Don't think this meeting was all work, though. The host committee arranged for a beautiful late summer weekend in Madison, allowing AOP attendees to enjoy the sunshine while visiting the Dane County Farmer's Market, Lakes Mendota and Monona, and the new Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Thursday night found the meeting attendees at the Essen Haus, enjoying traditional German food and drink while getting acquainted. Friday, following the first-ever reception at the brand new Wisconsin State Bar Center, the group headed to the Madison Club for dinner and, later, a pub crawl down Madison's legendary State Street. Saturday, after a full day of meetings, several folks found the energy for another night on the town - featuring karaoke!

In all, everyone came away from the weekend with lots of useful information on program and service ideas, and hopefully had some fun and made some new friends along the way. Look for registration information on a regional AOP in your area in the coming months.