Sign In
  • InsideTrack
  • December 06, 2017

    Top 25 Articles of 2017: A Year in Review

    From the "Uberization of Legal Services" to "Six Years of Daubert in Wisconsin," this article highlights some of the top content the State Bar of Wisconsin published in 2017.

    Joe Forward

     2017 year in review

    Dec. 6, 2017 – You're probably exhausted from the news cycle of 2017. America and the world watched and endured a constant stream of events involving politics, social unrest, conflict, disaster, tragedy, scandal, strength, inspiration, and more.

    Joe ForwardJoe Forward, Saint Louis Univ. School of Law 2010, is a legal writer for the State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison. He can be reached by email or by phone at (608) 250-6161.

    At the same time, you have busy personal and professional lives. You have law practices and businesses to run, files to work, clients to see, decisions to make, families to feed, bills to pay, networking to do, soccer to coach, and holiday cards to send.

    So, maybe you didn’t read every page of the monthly Wisconsin Lawyer, every article in the bimonthly InsideTrack, or daily WisBar News. These State Bar of Wisconsin print and electronic practice resources, written by State Bar members and staff writers, keep you attuned to what’s happening in the legal world, both inside and outside Wisconsin.

    This article highlights some of the top content the State Bar published in 2017, in no particular order, based on readership or member engagement.

     

    1) The “Uberization” of Legal Services: Consistent With Ethics Rules?

    A number of Wisconsin lawyers have received letters from virtual marketplaces inviting them to participate in their legal services. But can lawyers ethically contract for legal work through a virtual marketplace? State Bar Ethics Counsel Aviva Kaiser explores.

     

    2) Schofield Attorney Among Four Victims Killed in Tragic Shootings

    With great sadness, the legal community learned that attorney Sara H. Quirt-Sann, 43, was among four victims killed in shootings that occurred in three separate locations near Wausau, including a law firm in Schofield.

     

    3) The Unattainable High of the Marijuana Industry

    Several states have legalized the recreational or medical use of marijuana and their treasuries are seeing the benefits, but federal law still criminalizes marijuana use. In this article, attorney Danielle Scott Grant-Keane notes that lawyers who represent marijuana-related businesses must navigate conflicting state and federal laws to help their clients operate legally and reach full commercial potential.

     

    4) Top Consumer Complaints: What Agency Watchdogs Say You Can Do About Them

    Every year, many Wisconsin residents contact the state with complaints about negative consumer experiences. This article sketches out the state’s consumer protection apparatus, identifies the most common types of complaints, and suggests best practices for consumers to work out disagreements with businesses.

     

    5) Human Trafficking in Wisconsin

    Many people, including lawyers, don't realize the extent of human trafficking in Wisconsin and nationwide. Attorney Rachel Monaco-Wilcox and social worker Daria Mueller shed light on this industry, explain the challenges victims face in the legal system, and describe how lawyers can help victims rebuild their lives.

     

    6) Country’s Lowest Pay Rate for SPD Appointments Equals Constitutional Crisis

    Wisconsin has the worst pay rate in the country for private attorneys who handle cases appointed by the State Public Defender (SPD). One group, which has petitioned the Wisconsin Supreme Court, says the pay rate is causing a “constitutional crisis.”

     

    7) Mass and Disparate Incarceration in Wisconsin: It’s Our Problem

    Tackling the continuing problem of mass and disparate incarceration in Wisconsin will necessarily take a collaborative and widescale effort among key partners in the criminal justice system, including the state’s community of lawyers and judges.

     

    8) OWI Blood Draws: An Uncertain Road Ahead

    Clear rules and consistent enforcement are as important for lawyers who prosecute and defend operating while intoxicated cases as they are for motor vehicle operators. But right now, the law regarding blood draws of drunk-driving suspects is muddled at best, explains attorney Rex Anderegg.

     

    9) Out of Sync: Assistive Reproductive Technology & Parentage Law

    Advances in assistive reproductive technology are giving new options for parentage to individuals who are in same-sex marriages, are dealing with infertility, or both. To resolve disputes when a surrogacy agreement falls apart and grant parent status, Brown County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Walsh proposes that Wisconsin courts use an “intended-parent” test.

     

    10) Profiles in Public Interest Law

    Lawyers choose to practice in the public interest for many reasons. For one, they’re passionate about providing access to justice for unrepresented or underrepresented people or groups. Here, 10 lawyers talk about why they pursued a public interest career.

     

    11) Milwaukee Moves Away From Money Bail System

    Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Kremers discusses evidence-based pretrial release systems, including the one adopted in Milwaukee County, that rather than set bail based on the seriousness of the charge, focuses on the specific risk a defendant presents to not return to court.

     

    12) 2017 Wisconsin Legal Innovators

    Who are this year’s Wisconsin's innovators? Meet these movers and shakers – and learn what drove them to put new ideas to work to solve problems and improve service to their clients and communities.

     

    13) What Solo and Small Firms Should Know About Artificial Intelligence

    Here’s the good news: robot lawyers are not taking over, despite emerging applications for artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sphere. But paying attention to “machine learning” techniques developing in the legal industry may reveal new opportunities for competitive advantage, legal tech experts say.

     

    14) Observations on the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s 2016-17 Term

    The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently wrapped up its 2016-17 term, publishing 50 decisions. This article provides some insight on where the chips fell, with analysis from Michael B. Brennan, a trial and appellate lawyer and a former circuit court judge.

     

    15) Protecting Juveniles’ Rights: 50 Years of In re Gault

    Juvenile law decisions in the 21st century support the proposition that a constitutional right must be honored to be effective. In this article, attorney Devon Lee explains that Wisconsin courts and defense counsel must be on guard every day to protect juveniles’ due process rights, first recognized in 1967 in In re Gault.

     

    16) Access to Justice: A New Regulatory Approach to the Virtual Legal Marketplace?

    Oregon is addressing an access to justice problem with regulatory rule changes that embrace the virtual legal marketplace, including providers like Avvo. Other states have gone the opposite direction, issuing ethics opinions prohibiting such engagement. Wisconsin has not yet issued a formal position via ethics opinion or otherwise.

     

    17) On the Waterfront: New Shoreland Zoning Laws

    Recent legislative developments might have reduced your familiarity with Wisconsin’s shoreland zoning laws. In this article by attorney Paul Kent, learn about the current rules and regulations to ensure the legal basis of clients’ waterfront structures is as sturdy as the physical foundations.

     

    18) Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Appointments: Where are We Now?

    The longest-running federal appeals court vacancy in the country is Wisconsin's seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which has been vacant since 2010. One nomination is pending. Two have failed.

     

    19) On Pro Se Litigants: Three Judges’ Views

    The increasing number of pro se litigants presents challenges to judges and litigation attorneys. In this article by attorney Lara Czajkowski Higgins, three circuit court judges weigh in on their philosophies in handling pro se litigants in the courtroom and their advice to attorneys when facing pro se opposition.

     

    20) Guarding the Gate: Six Years of Daubert in Wisconsin

    Some legal observers expected Wisconsin’s adoption of the Daubert standard for admission of expert testimony to lead to a sea change in the law. While this has not proved true, lawyers should be prepared to make a detailed record in the trial court showing why the expert opinions they hope to offer into evidence are reliable and comply with Daubert, says Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Aprahamian.

     

    21) Three Steps to Effective Succession Plans

    Effective succession planning includes preserving and transmitting knowledge, maintaining existing client relationships and creating new sources of revenue, developing future leaders, valuing the law practice, acknowledging generational differences, and adhering to ethics rules throughout the planning process. In this article from attorney Michael Moore, read why serving clients well now includes planning for what will happen when you’re gone.

     

    22) Expungement Bill Gives Young Offenders More Opportunity for Second Chances

    People who commit lower-level crimes while under the age of 25 must seek expungement at the time of sentencing. A bill with bipartisan support allows them to seek expungement later, after sentencing, and would apply retroactively.

     

    23) Court Approved: Family Law Mediators Can Draft Settlement Documents

    The new rule, with an expected effective date of July 1, 2017, will allow lawyers who mediate family law cases to draft, modify, complete, and file settlement documents, giving divorcing couples more affordable options to come to a resolution.

     

    24) The Loomis Case: The Use of Proprietary Algorithms at Sentencing

    A defendant challenged the use, at sentencing, of software that measures a defendant’s risk of recidivism. The case raises interesting questions about such algorithmic tools.

     

    25) 43 Wisconsin Law Blogs: Are You on this List?

    Blogging helps lawyers showcase expertise while marketing to current and potential clients. Check out who is on InsideTrack’s third annual “Wisconsin Law Blogs” list.

    Bonus Articles

    Shining Examples: Grandparents’ Lessons Enhance My Practice

    Some of the most powerful skills for practicing law come from lessons learned from those outside the profession. Clyde Tinnen talks about the lessons he learned from his grandparents and how he uses their wisdom every day.

    Pick Up the Damn Phone

    The best cure for phone-phobia is calling clients and other lawyers and realizing how much time and hassle you can save by having a conversation instead of exchanging emails or text messages, says attorney Brandon Evans.

    Up North: Young Lawyers Find Their Way to Wausau

    Lawyers are finding positions in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, thanks in part to the Greater Wisconsin Initiative Bus tour – but more are needed.

    Tangled Branches: Wisconsin Supreme Court Checks Legislative Power

    The Wisconsin Supreme Court tangles with the executive and legislative branches on judicial discipline.

    From a Federal Judge to “Diamond Joel,” 50-year Members Going Strong,

    Fifty years ago, in 1967, a new crop of lawyers entered the profession. Some went into politics, others became judges. All have a unique story. Here are a few of them.

    Coming this Month in Wisconsin Lawyer

    Are you looking to hire or be hired or even still in law school? In The Right Mix: What Legal Employers Want in New Hires, learn about the traits and skills hiring lawyers say job candidates need to stand out in the very competitive legal marketplace.


Join the conversation! Log in to comment.

News & Pubs Search

-
Format: MM/DD/YYYY