Reinhart Attorney Christine Rew Barden Candidate for State Bar Board of Governors

MADISON – Attorney Christine Rew Barden, a Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. shareholder, has announced that she is a candidate for the State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors (District 9).

Barden, a Trusts and Estates attorney, said that she seeks the position to give back to the profession that has provided her with so much. She noted that her "only agenda is to fully analyze and understand all issues that are presented to the Board and to provide fair reason, judgment and advice. I look forward to becoming more involved in State Bar activities, serving my colleagues and helping shape the profession."

Michelle A. Behnke, President of the Wisconsin State Bar from 2004-2005, encouraged Barden to consider running for the Board. Behnke stated, "I've known Christine since 2001 when we worked together in Rotary. She is a careful thinker and works collaboratively with groups. These are very necessary skills for someone on the board. I know Christine would take the responsibility seriously and be prepared to share her thoughts and help formulate solutions to the issues facing the profession."

Lynn M. Stathas, managing shareholder of Reinhart's Madison office, agreed, and added, "I've observed Christine's work with clients, and know she always takes the time to explain, in plain English, the details of the plan or strategy she recommends they adopt. She'll bring those strong communication skills and patience to the Board, along with her abilities to formulate creative, targeted solutions."

Prior to joining Reinhart, Barden practiced law in Chicago, during which time she served as legal counsel and Corporate Secretary of Wrigley Management Inc., the private trust office of a prominent Chicago family.

Barden attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis and earned her J.D. in 1995. She earned her undergraduate from Purdue University in 1989. She is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, State Bar of Illinois, Dane County Bar Association, Madison Estate Council, Forum for Women Estate Counselors, Chicago Trust Law Committee, Chicago Estate Planning Council, Wisconsin Historical Foundation Planned Giving Committee, and Covenant Presbyterian Church. Barden is also the co-founder of Family Business Women, an affinity group of the University of Wisconsin Family Business Center created to foster women's roles in family business.

The Wisconsin State Bar is mailing election ballots to attorneys throughout the state starting April 5th. Ballots must be returned to the State by no later than the fourth Friday in April. Those elected will take office on July 1.