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About the State Bar of Wisconsin

What is the State Bar of Wisconsin?

The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law license in Wisconsin. With more than 21,000 members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides continuing legal education for its members, and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the legal system.

View the governance structure of the State Bar of Wisconsin PDF

What does the State Bar of Wisconsin do?

For more than 125 years the State Bar of Wisconsin has helped shape the development of the law, provided greater access to the justice system for all citizens and regulated the professional conduct of the state's lawyers. In addition, the Bar provides resources and continuing legal education credits to keep Wisconsin lawyers informed and up-to-date.

The mission of the State Bar of Wisconsin is defined in SCR 10.02 (2).

Other organizations that are involved in regulating the practice of law and lawyers are: Office of Lawyer Regulation, Board of Bar Examiners, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

What do others say about the State Bar of Wisconsin?

The American Bar Association has long considered the State Bar of Wisconsin to be one of the most innovative, productive and service-oriented bars in the country. This distinction has been attributed to the strong volunteerism Wisconsin lawyers exercise in their work with committees, sections and divisions.