Daniel M. Berkos

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Attorney Daniel M. Berkos would love to see Brett Favre in a Chicago Bears uniform.

He would also like to see an increase in the eligibility standards for public defenders and a higher rate of reimbursement for private attorneys who take on cases.

Admittedly, the latter seems more likely, although a man can dream.

“I think it would only be fair after Jim McMahon went to the Packers,” joked Berkos, who is a native of the Windy City.

Since becoming chairman of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Board in 1987, Berkos has worked to improve the level of service provided by the organization. Recently, his efforts to update the qualifying criteria for poor people seeking representation by the SPD gained momentum in the Legislature.

But the recent revelation of a multi-million dollar state deficit ended the likelihood of the
legislation, and its $4.3 million price tag, passing during the past session.

“We had great cooperation with legislators in pushing toward eligibility issues and the private bar rate,” said Berkos. “Unfortunately, about the same time it was to hit the floor, we were hit with the deficit issue. When the state is $700 million short, suddenly we’re not at the top of the list anymore.”

Currently, eligibility standards are based on a methodology about 20 years old and the reimbursement rate for private bar attorneys has remained at $40 per hour since 1995.

Obstacles are nothing new for Berkos, who after 21 years as chairman, is accustomed to the rollercoaster ride. Though the improvements seem unlikely this year, he is optimistic they may be implemented in the future.

“Whatever headaches I run into along the way, I just kind of find a way through it,” said Berkos. “The advantage now is we’re not butting heads with legislators.”

In addition to coordinating about 350 staff attorneys and 175 support staff, Berkos personally takes on about 100 SPD cases annually, all the while maintaining a private practice in Mauston.

He admits it can be a challenge balancing the two aspects of his professional career. At the same time, Berkos said his private practice has benefited from his voluntary work with the SPD.

“It’s not free advertising and it can take away from private practice, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Berkos.