| Scott Campbell: From Wisconsin to Palau and Back By Jeremy McKenzie All of us can remember (at least those who haven't suppressed all memory of the first year of law  school) reading and discussing the merits of Marbury v. Madison and the impact it had on the development of our federal system of government. Imagine for a moment, having the opportunity to argue a Marbury-esque case and directly affect the history of a fledgling nation. For Scott Campbell, the 2006-07 Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association president, imagination is unnecessary, as he has already had the opportunity to make such an argument. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's office for the Eastern District, Scott served as an Assistant Attorney General and later as Counsel to the President of the Republic of Palau, an island nation in the Western Pacific. During his time in Palau, a dispute erupted between Palau's Legislative and Executive branches regarding each branch's responsibilities and duties regarding setting and keeping within the nation's budget. The case wound its way to the Supreme Court of Palau where Scott found himself representing the interests of the President and the Executive Branch. In the end, the Court pronounced the law, the Executive Branch successfully established that it was the sole branch for enforcing enacted laws, and the concept of federalism took root in Palauan case law. Scott's service in Palau exemplifies what he believes all attorneys ought to do -- use their skills and knowledge to help those unable to afford legal services in their own communities, and where possible, to help develop the rule of law in the other parts of the world, too. This may be as simple as donating used law books to help establish law libraries in developing nations. Those books can be invaluable. In Palau and several other Pacific island nations, for example, the U.S. common law, as set forth in the Restatements, actually provides the governing rule on points of law not addressed by the nation’s constitution and statutes. Closer to home, Scott and the entire executive committee are committed to continuing the EDWBA’s mission to serve its members and to promote the administration of justice and foster professionalism, good bench-bar communications, and civility among those who practice in the Eastern District. The main vehicles for achieving these objectives will continue to be the formal and informal gatherings of members at EDWBA-sponsored events throughout the year. A number of useful and informative CLE programs are in the works, as well as more of the popular Bench-Bar lunches. One aim of this year's executive committee is to increase the amount of programs geared towards the bankruptcy and criminal defense practitioners in the Eastern District, as well as programs designed to enable and encourage our members to accept pro bono appointments in federal civil rights cases. Bringing members of the bar from various practice areas together will serve to foster dialogue and learning as well as continue the collegial spirit of professionalism that exists in the Eastern District. Of course, all of these top-flight programs will be for naught if the membership does not know when events are happening. To this end, the executive committee has revived the quarterly newsletter and is dedicated to creating a more user-friendly and functional website, including a calendar of events, links to the Eastern District's local rules, and a membership directory. Above all, Scott and the rest of the executive committee want input from you. Any ideas for CLE programs, topics for newsletter articles, or any other suggestions you may have as to how the EDWBA can better serve its members are welcome.
Judge Randa Saves Another Life  By Matthew W. O’Neill
Chief Judge Rudolph T. Randa recently attended his 40-year law school reunion. Having achieved the status of Chief Judge of the greatest federal district court in the country, Judge Randa was among the all-stars of the UW Law Class of 1966. Mind you, this was no slouch of a law school class, including, in addition to Judge Randa, the likes of former Governor Tommy G. Thompson, Racine County Judge Allan B. Torhorst, Representative Fred Kessler, William Steinmetz, Dave Kinnamon, Ben Stern, and John Stocking. During dinner, Judge Randa’s esteemed classmates soon discovered that in addition to his professional success, Judge Randa is a man of action. As the 40-year alums made their way through a perfectly-done filet mignon au poivre, one began choking on a piece of food. It quickly became clear that the offending item was not going anywhere. Bounding from his seat with an athlete’s grace, Judge Randa assumed the appropriate position, grabbed one fist with his closed hand, and pulled up sharply underneath his classmate’s ribcage, perfectly executing the Heimlich maneuver. The predatory morsel was forcefully expelled and another life was saved.
While time will tell whether Judge Randa will be added to the cast of the new NBC show “Heroes,” all of us practicing in the Eastern District can feel safer when we dine in Judge Randa’s courtroom.
Bar Association Hosts E-Discovery Seminar By Brian R. Smigelski On September 15, 2006, the Eastern District Bar Association sponsored a seminar concerning electronic discovery. After opening remarks by Scott Campbell, the new President of the EDWBA, moderator Cristina D. Hernandez-Malaby introduced Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei Enterprises, Inc., of Fairfax, Virginia. In their presentation entitled “Electronic Evidence Best Practices,” Ms. Nelson and Mr. Simek provided practical guidance on electronic evidence issues, including pre-litigation electronic data policies, preserving electronic evidence as data and gathering electronic data. Bruce A. Olson of David & Kuelthau, S.C., then spoke on “The New E-Discovery Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.” These amendments are to be implemented December 1, 2006, unless Congress intervenes. Mr. Olson discussed the purpose of the amendments governing electronically stored data, and issues concerning compliance with the new rules and their potentially significant impact on the discovery process. The program concluded with brief comments by Chief Judge Rudolph T. Randa and Judge Charles N. Clevert, Jr., concerning their experience and thoughts regarding electronic evidence issues in discovery. These issues included determining which party should properly bear the cost of electronic discovery and the need to carefully explain to the Court the technological concepts involved in electronic discovery issues. The EDWBA also presented this program in Madison on Thursday, September 14th, in collaboration with the Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association.
EDWBA Calendar of Events
Mark your calendars for these upcoming programs.
The New Bankruptcy Laws One Year Later Monday, November 6th
11:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Milwaukee Athletic Club
Bankruptcy Judges McGarity, Shapiro and Pepper will discuss the impact of the new bankruptcy laws and how they have affected the bench and bar. How to Handle Media Inquiries Thursday, December 7th
11:30 -1:15 p.m.
Milwaukee Bar Association
Hear from a panel of experts, including Evan N. Zeppos, President, Zeppos and Associates, and Steven M. Biskupic, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Wisconsin, on how to appropriately and effectively handle media inquiries.
|
