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Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – Diann Chapman

By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//November 15, 2009//

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – Diann Chapman

By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//November 15, 2009//

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Diann Chapman
Regional Office Administrator, State Public Defender’s Office,
for Milwaukee and Madison Appellate Divisions

Diann Chapman’s philosophy has always been “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” That approach has served her well during her 25 years with the State Public Defender’s Office, particularly while she has filled the role of Regional Office Administrator for the Madison and Milwaukee appellate offices.

In addition to supervising clerical staff, managing the offices, and making sure the equipment is maintained, she handles a lot of correspondence with clients. It’s the part of the job she enjoys the most.

Chapman regularly reviews letters from clients or potential clients, telling them what to do to get their appellate rights reinstated or explaining that the SPD cannot provide the help they are requesting, and then directing them to others who might be able to meet their needs.

“I really love my job,” she says. “I’m still very passionate about what I do. It’s very interesting.”

The nominations for Chapman noted that beyond her work ethic, she also brings a very personal approach to the offices, quietly reaching out to staff members who need support.

She is retiring this year and plans to direct her energy toward volunteering with her church, helping with the food pantry, and helping her husband with outdoor chores on their country home.

Diann has been a tireless worker, providing superlative legal secretary work, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, managing a clerical staff, and practicing excellent support to all attorneys, always in a professional way. Diann has also provided more personal support. … She makes the office run as smoothly as it does, without fanfare or much recognition,” writes Martha Askins, Attorney, State Public Defender’s Office.

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