We invite you to join us for all or part of this half-day event!
8:00 to 8:45 a.m. – Registration and networking with coffee and snacks
8:45 to 10:00 a.m.
Panel: How to Get Clients
Building a successful legal practice requires more than excellent legal work. It requires developing relationships, building a reputation, and creating opportunities to attract and retain clients. This panel brings together accomplished women from diverse backgrounds across the legal profession who have successfully built practices and generated business throughout their careers. Panelists will share practical strategies for developing referral networks, cultivating client relationships, leveraging professional and community involvement, and navigating the challenges of business development at different stages of practice. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to grow their professional profile, create meaningful connections, and build a sustainable book of business.
The panel will be moderated by AWL Board Member, Annalisa Pusick, and we are excited to welcome Kate Westfall, Nicole Muller, and Smitha Chintamaneni as panelists.
10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Pro Bono: It's Good for Everyone
Whether you are new to pro bono work or looking for opportunities that better fit your schedule and experience, this program will provide a practical introduction to meaningful volunteer service in the legal community. Presenters Maggie Niebler-Brown of Legal Action of Wisconsin and Angela Schultz of the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic will discuss the many ways attorneys can get involved in pro bono representation, regardless of practice area or career stage.
Attendees will learn about available volunteer opportunities, the support and training provided to participating attorneys, and how pro bono work can enhance professional development, expand legal skills, strengthen client relationships, and help satisfy attorneys' ethical and professional responsibilities. The presentation will also highlight the critical role pro bono service plays in increasing access to justice for individuals and families who might otherwise be unable to obtain legal assistance.
Whether you can volunteer a few hours each year or are interested in taking on more substantial matters, this session will help you identify opportunities that align with your interests, availability, and expertise. This program is an excellent introduction to pro bono service for attorneys at all stages of their careers. (Eligible for 1.0 Wisconsin Ethics credit).
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting Luncheon
AWL President Danielle Marocchi will give a brief introduction and present an amendment to AWL’s Constitution and Bylaws. Justice Rebecca Dallet will swear in the 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Our awards ceremony will follow and Jennine Sonntag of the AWL Foundation will present its scholarship winners.
Join us at the Annual Meeting to recognize the outstanding achievements of members of our community:
- Founders Award: Judge Lisa Neubauer
- Community Involvement Award: Mary Ferwerda
- Mentoring Award: Meg Kurlinski
- Pro Bono Service Award: Stacy C. Gerber Ward
And to present our scholarships:
- Asia Jackson (Virginia Pomeroy Scholarship)
- Lydia Korn (AWL Foundation Scholarship)
- Elena Kruse (AWL Foundation Scholarship)
- Taima Saei (Shirley Abrahamson Scholarship)
- Emily Smith (Shirley Abrahamson Scholarship)
- Adriana Trejo (Virginia Pomeroy Scholarship)
Important:
Due to requirements from the venue, registration must close at 4 p.m. on September 17th. Make your reservations early so you don't miss out.
Paid parking will be available in the parking garage adjacent to the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Parking is not included with registration.
Wisconsin CLE credit will be applied for as noted above.
To register a group or table for the luncheon and/or CLE, please contact AWL Administrator Dana Robb directly.