Vol. 34, No. 4, 14. Bar Counsel Report.

• Author: by Mark W. Gifford Bar Counsel Wyoming State Bar

Wyoming Bar Journal

2011.

Vol. 34, No. 4, 14.

Bar Counsel Report

Wyoming LawyerIssue: August, 2011Bar Counsel Reportby Mark W. Gifford Bar Counsel Wyoming State BarAn Erstwhile Outsider's View of tlie State Bar

Before becoming an independent contract employee of the Wyoming State Bar on January 1 of this year, my contacts with the State Bar over the course of 30 years in practice were essentially limited to keeping up on my CLE requirements, serving on the occasional advisory committee, and paying my dues. I had little idea of the range of services the State Bar provides, and no acquaintance with its employees. I now spend a day or two each week in the State Bar office, and have come to know the staff as hard-working, conscientious individuals, each with a firm commitment to serving members of the State Bar.

Executive Director, Sleeter Dover, oversees a staff that includes Deputy Executive Director/Communications Director, Sharon Wilkinson, whose areas of responsibility include publication of the Wyoming Lawyer, maintaining the website, communicating with committees, starting up the lawyer mentoring program, and organizing the annual meeting and the bi-annual Women's Legal Forum; CLE Director/IT Director, Marie Ellis, (continuing legal education, lawyer fee disputes, clients' security fund, and the listserves); Admissions Director/ Pro Bono Coordinator, Nancy Shore, (admissions, pro bono and pro hac vice issues); Lawyer Referral Coordinator/Book-keeper, Cathy Duncil, (lawyer referrals and finance); and Assistant to Bar Counsel, Trish Becklinger, (grievances and lawyer standing inquiries). Calls to the State Bar office are pleasantly and ably channeled by Administrative Assistant, Brandi Robinson.

Because my legal career has included stints both with larger firms and my own shop, I recognize and appreciate the characteristics of a well-functioning office. It is both refreshing and gratifying to see firsthand the bang we members are getting for our dues bucks.

It was thus with newly-kindled interest that I read the results of this year's Quality of Life survey, and in particular the comments submitted by members. I paid special...