State Bar of Wisconsin

Meeting Minutes
July 24, 1996

Chair Pamela E.Barker called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 a.m. Members in attendance were Attorney Cornelius G. Andringa, Attorney John R. Decker, Ms. Carin Froehlich, Mr. John C. Goudie, Ms. Christine Ouimet-Durow, Attorney Frank D. Remington, Ms. Claudia J. Resnick and Ms. Deanna Shimko-Herman. State Bar staff liaison Linda Barth was also present.

As this was the first meeting of the Task Force, members introduced themselves and provided some information about their backgrounds.

Staff liaison Barth, briefly described the background materials that had been distributed to members and asked that members provide her with any other materials and she would make sure they are distributed.

There was a lengthy round-table discussion of the problems and perceptions revolving around the issues of professionalism and certification or licensing of paralegals. Each member took a turn describing their concerns about issues revolving around paralegal practice and their expectations for the Task Force.

Chair Barker summarized the discussion as follows:

1. A. Advanced utilization of paralegals
   • Unauthorized practice of law
   • Types of practices to meet need, visit legal issues

   B. Look at Commission report

   • Domestic relations
   • Obtain type of case
2. Standardization of qualifications for people practicing as paralegals
   • Education of paralegals
   • Continuing education--low cost CLE; access to low cost CLE
3. Adoption of ABA definition of paralegal
   • Accountable for vs. direct supervision
   • No one else can call themselves paralegal
4. Pro Bono for paralegals
5. Licensure
   • What is cost to lawyers
   • Legislation
   • Who regulates: Supreme Court vs. Department of Licensing
6. Having legal secretary doing paralegal tasks
7. Public view of paralegals
8. Concern of lawyers
   • Threat to livelihood
   • Accountability--independence

The Task Force discussed the tasks on which they should focus. There was concern that if the group tried to tackle all of the issues listed that they would be taking on more than one Task Force could reasonably accomplish. The discussion revolved around whether the Task Force should work on defining the way paralegals can help reach un-met legal needs or if, first, there needs to be recommendations on the standardization of qualifications of people practicing as paralegals.

It was decided that there first needed to be a standardization of qualifications before the Task Force could explore paralegals' involvement in addressing un-met legal needs. Paralegal members of the Task Force were asked to work with their associations and colleagues to develop standardization guidelines and submit them to Ms. Barth by the end of August for distribution to Task Force members.

Task Force members were asked to carefully review the proposals before a late September meeting. It was determined that Wednesday mornings worked well for members and the next meeting would be set by Chair Barker after polling the attorney members. (Later, she set the next meeting for September 25th, at 9:00 a.m. at the State Bar Center).

The meeting adjourned.

Minutes prepared and submitted by State Bar Staff Liaison Linda Barth.

Paralegal Task Force Main