State Bar of Wisconsin

Paralegal Practice Task Force

The State Bar of Wisconsin Paralegal Practice Task Force was created in response to concerns of the Bar's Commission on the Delivery of Legal Services regarding unmet legal needs. The Commission recommended that better utilization of paralegals and changes in the unauthorized practice of law statutes, especially in domestic abuse cases, may help to meet some of the legal needs that presently go unserved.

The creation of the Task Force also addressed the concerns of state paralegal groups over the professionalism of a paralegal career. Currently, with no standards or requirements, anyone can claim to be paralegal.

The Task Force pulled together the talents and resources of attorneys, members of the Paralegal Association of Wisconsin, members of the Madison Area Paralegal Association and paralegal educators to work together to explore the possibility of creating a professional track for paralegals and better incorporating their skills and services to meet the legal needs of low and moderate income individuals in Wisconsin.

Materials

• Paralegal Practice Task Force Final Report 76 KB
  On June 28, 2000, the State Bar Board of Governors adopted a motion to approve the report subject to two points. First, the President of the State Bar should ascertain if the Supreme Court would be willing to consider exercising its jurisdiction over paralegals. Second, the Task Force should review the proposed ethics provisions for consistency with other Supreme Court Rules. The Task Force is to report back to the Board in September on these two points.
• Discussion Draft Report 70 KB
• Defining the Role of Paralegals (Wisconsin Lawyer, Dec. 1998)
• Ethics Rules for Paralegals
• Final Report: Executive Summary 10 KB
• Interim Report
• Licensure Based Upon Employment & Experience (Grandfather Clause)
• Member Expense Reimbursement form 35 KB
• Requirements for Initial Licensure

Task Force minutes

Definitions/Ethics subcommittee minutes

• Nov. 1997
• Oct. 1997

Standards/Quality subcommittee minutes

• Oct. 1997
• May 1997
• March 1997