State Bar of Wisconsin

Definitions-Ethics Subcommittee
Meeting Minutes
November 19, 1997

The Paralegal Practice Task Force, Definition/Ethics Subcommittee meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chair Attorney Casey Andringa. Members attending were Crystal Hysop, Rochelle Lowenhagen, Shawn Olley and Attorney Frank Remington. Also in attendance was State Bar staff liaison Linda Barth.

The Subcommittee reviewed the materials prepared by Attorney Remington titled "Proposed Ethics Rules for Paralegals" which were sent on November 10, 1997.

Throughout their review, the Subcommittee made editing changes to the document. They decided that the new rule should delete the word "licensed" before the word "attorney" that there should be a set of definitions. The decided that the definitions should define their intent with the use of the terms "in consultation with an attorney" which is used throughout the draft language.

The group discussed how to define "consultation" and determined that something like the following should be defined: discuss and agree to abide with the directions of an attorney. In the same light, the group decided that "assistance to an attorney" would be defined as with his or her knowledge, consent or approval.

The Subcommittee also discussed the need for an oath and determined that Subcommittee member Attorney Dan Tuchscherer had volunteered previously to write the oath.

The Subcommittee set a deadline of before Thanksgiving to make all the changes to the document. After the changes are approved, it will go to the full Task Force.

The Subcommittee also discussed the likelihood of the Paralegal Practice Task Force's work being adopted by the State Bar Board of Governors upon which Attorney Andringa promised everyone a steak dinner (salad bar for Crystal) if the Task Force proposal is adopted.

The Subcommittee adjourned at 12:00 Noon to join the meeting of the Task Force.

Paralegal Task Force Main