Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

State Bar members reveal struggles with pressure, work-life balance

By: Jack Zemlicka, [email protected]//April 18, 2012//

State Bar members reveal struggles with pressure, work-life balance

By: Jack Zemlicka, [email protected]//April 18, 2012//

Listen to this article

Many attorneys in state don’t realize how much they pay in annual bar dues and are dealing with challenges of pressure and work-life balance, according to the results of a State Bar of Wisconsin study.

The first stage of a comprehensive member needs assessment study by the bar also revealed mix results in terms of satisfaction with the current status of the organization.

Last July, the bar, in conjunction with Madison-based consulting firm Decision Point, mailed 12-question surveys to approximately 45 percent of the 24,246 members of the bar to solicit feedback on the direction of the organization.

The survey yielded 923 completed and useable responses that served as the starting point for analysis presented to the Board of Governors on April 13. The second phase of the research, expected to be presented to bar leaders in September, will focus on potential changes to improve engagement with the bar and its services, programs and products.

Some of the results of the initial survey include:

Bar Direction

  • 55 percent of active members said they are unaware of the State Bar’s direction
  • 30 percent said the bar is headed in the right direction
  • 15 percent said the bar is headed in the wrong direction

Dues

  • 71 percent incorrectly guessed at how much they pay in annual dues
  • 24 percent knew the amount
  • 5 percent had no guess

Dues value

  • 44 percent rated the value from dues payment as moderate
  • 30 percent rated the value as low
  • 24 percent rated the value as high

Personal struggles

  • 37 percent indicated time pressure as the biggest personal challenge
  • 30 percent said work-life balance
  • 29 percent said keeping up with information

Professional concerns

  • 32 percent cited decreasing incomes as their largest concern
  • 29 percent said the number of attorneys
  • 25 percent said the public image of lawyers

Executive summary of the survey results (PDF)

Polls

Should Steven Avery be granted a new evidentiary hearing?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Legal News

See All Legal News

WLJ People

Sea all WLJ People

Opinion Digests