State Bar of Wisconsin

Lawyer-Legislator Q&A: Senator Fred Risser (Senate District 26)

Oct. 14, 2009

Please provide a brief description of your professional background and your legislative district.

I received my law degree from the University of Oregon in 1952. I am a member of the Oregon State Bar, State Bar of Wisconsin and Dane County Bar Association.

My current state Senate district consists of most of the City of Madison and parts of the City of Fitchburg and Middleton. I also represent the Towns of Maple Bluff and Madison and the Village of Shorewood Hills.

How has your legal career/legal studies shaped your experience in the state legislature?

My legal experience is helpful in critical thinking and in the review of legislative proposals. A law degree has also helped to understand the broader scope of government, such as how different branches of government interact and make law.

What current pieces of legislation are you working on that might be of interest to the State Bar of Wisconsin?

I recently completed work on the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Doyle on July 20, 2009. I am also working on a number of other matters including a malpractice equity bill, Senate Bill 127, which is currently in the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing.

What would you identify as the major issues/challenges facing the justice system?

The cost of running for office, especially a seat on the state Supreme Court, is a serious issue facing the justice system. Sufficient funding for both district attorneys and public defenders is necessary to maintain viable criminal courts. An affordable and accessible process for handling disputes is also necessary for a civilized society.

Anything else you’d like to add?

My extensive legislative career (over 50 years) has given me a perspective that many of my colleagues do not have.

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