Howard Eisenberg exemplified the best in the legal profession by consistently maintaining an active and prodigious pro bono law practice.
Among his many accomplishments in his career, he served as the chief State Public Defender of the State of Wisconsin for six years, as Executive Director of the National Aid and Defender Association for five years, and as Dean of Marquette University Law School for seven years. Dean Eisenberg received several awards recognizing his deep commitment to pro bono legal services.
In his honor, the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund recognizes two individuals annually for their lifetime achievement in the delivery and development of pro bono legal services at our annual Howard B. Eisenberg Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner.
About the Awards
The Howard B. Eisenberg Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to the development and delivery of civil legal services. This may include direct provision of legal services, development of innovative methods to deliver services, participation in legislative or litigation-based efforts to increase access to pro bono legal services, or working to raise awareness of the legal needs of underserved populations.
The Distinguished Service Award honors an employee of one of WEJF’s member legal services law firms who has an exemplary record of service to underserved populations. Recipients of this award are chosen by the directors of our beneficiary organizations.
2024 Eisenberg Dinner Information
Registration for the 2024 Eisenberg Dinner is now closed. Guests at sponsored tables may indicate entree choices on this form. The dinner will be held on Saturday, November 2 at the Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel in Milwaukee. The reception starts at 5:30 PM and the dinner and program begin at 6:30 PM. Cocktail attire is recommended.
WEJF will be honoring Katherine Charlton with the Howard B. Eisenberg Lifetime Achievement Award and Phyllis Greenberger of WEJF beneficiary organization Disability Rights Wisconsin with the Distinguished Service Award. Former State Bar of Wisconsin President and ABA President-Elect Michelle Behnke will be the keynote speaker.
Nominations
To nominate someone for the 2025 Howard B. Eisenberg Lifetime Achievement Award, please submit a letter or e-mail describing the nominee’s record of outstanding effort and accomplishments in one or more of the following areas:
- Direct provision of legal services to underserved segments of the population.
- Development of innovative methods for the delivery of legal services.
- Participation in and support of legislative or litigation-based initiatives to increase access to pro bono legal services.
- Improvement of awareness of the legal service needs of underserved populations.
Letters of nomination may be submitted by e-mail or postal mail to the address below. Nominations arriving after July 20 will be considered for the following year.
Aly Lynch
Executive Director
WEJF, Inc.
PO Box 46103
Madison, WI 53744