The Racine County Bar Association held its annual meeting this past Monday, May 21, 2018, at Corner House Restaurant in Racine. We were treated to a presentation on Cyber Security and upcoming legal obligations for firms and businesses dealing with confidential information by JoAnne Breese-Jaeck of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.
The RCBA also conducted annual business. We recognized Attorney Matthew Johnson as he completed his year as Bar President and transitions to Past-President. We also recognized Attorney Peter Wyant as he transitions from President-Elect to President. Lastly, we recognized Attorney Jennifer Hemmer, as the incoming President-Elect. The remaining officers shall continue their roles within the RCBA: Carrie Michelson as Secretary, Eric Markusen as Treasurer, and Brian Dimmer as Technology Officer.
Second, we confirmed the election and re-election of RCBA Board of Governor positions. Both Attorneys Jillian Scheidegger and Devin Stasek will continue as board members, as they complete partial terms and now begin a three-year term of their own. Additionally, Joe Kremkoski has been nominated by the RCBA nominating committee to complete Jennifer Hemmer's board seat, which expires in 2019.
Lastly, we voted on the amended by-laws, which were unanimously approved. We're looking forward to another great year of dinner meetings, networking events, CLE's, and community service opportunities!
RACINE— A family man divorce lawyer.
The idea certainly seems antithetical. But if it does, you didn't know attorney Gerald M. Crawford.
A former Assistant Racine County District Attorney and longtime partner of the former law firm Stewart, Peyton and Crawford, Gerry Crawford passed way in February.
On Thursday, local judges and around 200 local attorneys packed the Fourth Floor Ceremonial Courtroom at the Racine County Courthouse to honor Crawford and three other attorneys who passed away in the last year: William Dye, Patrick Lloyd and Robert G. Riegelman.
While the legal profession might be the one of the most maligned, members of the Racine County Bar Association have made it part of their mission each year to honor the vocation and its departed practitioners.
Dubbed "The Call of the Calendar" the annual gathering began in 1997 and takes its name from the days when the bar association would memorialize deceased attorneys before the beginning of the fall and spring judicial schedules, explained Racine County Bar Association President Robert W. Keller.
Time was also set aside to welcome new members of the bar association and have them sign the association's membership book which dates back to 1848.
"The Racine County Bar Association has held fast to the tradition of remembering attorneys that have left our ranks, (leaving us with memories) of their friendship, their wit, their humor, their talents and their legal acumen," Keller said delivering the introduction to the event.
Taking the podium, local attorney Timothy Crawford recalled the work his brother and former colleague did to negotiate fair divorce settlements but also keep families together.
"Gerry was well respected and will be remembered by his fellow attorneys in the Racine area as being firm but fair in his negotiation involving his divorce cases," said local attorney Timothy Crawford, Gerry Crawford's brother and former colleague.
A common thread through many of the eulogies was a dedication to family and community, as well as college sports.
"At all times Gerry had his priorities in order: God, family, law and Marquette basketball," quipped his brother.
Delivering the eulogy for Robert G. Riegelman, who died in December, attorney Robert J. Riegelman noted his father's devotion to family, saying that what he learned most from him was how to treat people.
Following the remembrances, the bar association welcomed new members, including Tony Dunn, Devan Stasik, Abigail Gilman, Ann Cohen and Josh Blakely.
Devin Stasec J.D. Foley, Shannon, Powers & Rusch, S.C.
Abigail Gilman J.D. Murphy, Johnson & Trampe S.C.
Tony Dunn J.D. Habush, Habush and Rottier S.C.
Thanks to the friends and family of RCBA Members who helped decorate the collection boxes for "Class Action" The Racine County Bar Association's effort to raise school supplies for needy families in Racine!"