Feb. 17, 2010 – State Bar consumer publications communicate basic information about legal issues that many people eventually face in their lives. Consumer publications save lawyers time by answering clients’ basic questions. Publications can be used in law offices, presentations to the community, and on your firm’s Web site to educate clients.
Attorneys can customize all State Bar publications by stamping their firm name, address, and phone number on the back.
Titles in the Consumer Pamphlet Series
Click on a title for more information.
Consumer pamphlet series
The consumer pamphlet series covers 18 legal issues that many people eventually face. Each pamphlet answers commonly asked questions, defines concepts and basic terms in plain English, and describes the need for, and role of, an attorney. The pamphlets communicate basic information – and gain the appreciation of clients and the public for the attorneys who distribute them.
The series can be displayed in law offices, distributed during community presentations, donated to community resource centers, or licensed for posting to firm Web sites.
Pamphlets are available in packets of 50. State Bar members receive discounts on pamphlets: one packet is $20; 2-10 packets are $18 each; 11 or more packets are $16 each. Six- and nine-pocket display racks also are available.
Licensing an online version is simple
As more and more law firms establish Web sites, there is a need for trustworthy, substantive content to attract potential clients to the site and showcase a firm’s practice expertise. Attorneys can license online versions of the consumer pamphlet series for display on their Web site. View a sample PDF (does not reflect print formatting).
The pamphlets are updated frequently to reflect legal changes, and licensees will be notified when material is updated. The license fee does not grant a law firm permission to print out the pamphlets for client distribution. The material will be available in PDF format, which will not allow a licensee to change the content.
Licensing agreements are for one-year terms. Send the licensing agreement, with a check, payable to the State Bar of Wisconsin, for $65 per title for the first year, to State Bar of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707-7158.
Other State Bar consumer publications
The State Bar also offers publications that address end-of-life and probate issues, guardianship responsibilities, and a variety of law-related education resources for classroom and community presentations.
A Gift to Your Family: Planning Ahead for Future Health Needs educates the public about issues surrounding advance directives, such as powers of attorney for health care, living wills, and other issues such as organ and tissue donation. This comprehensive 28-page end-of-life planning guide, available in both English and Spanish, costs $4 for members and $4.50 for nonmembers, plus tax, shipping, and handling. Volume discounts are available
A Handbook for Personal Representatives, developed by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, is a 24-page booklet that spells out a personal representative’s basic responsibilities and tasks. The handbook explains basic legal concepts related to probate, clarifies the role of the attorney, provides an overall checklist of tasks to be accomplished, and details central tasks such as preparing an inventory, listing all claims, and maintaining financial records. This book is available for $3 to members and $4 for nonmembers, plus tax, shipping, and handling. Volume discounts are available.
Understanding Guardianships: A Handbook for Guardians gives clients basic information about guardianships and a guardian’s duties. It outlines the court procedure followed to appoint a guardian, and guides those who serve as guardians. This handbook takes the mystery out of guardianship by outlining how courts appoint guardians and helps clients understand the role of the guardian. It’s just one more way for you to highlight your abilities to meet your clients’ legal needs. This book is available for $4 to members and $5 for nonmembers, plus tax, shipping, and handling. Volume discounts are available.
The State Bar offers a variety of law-related educational resources to assist lawyers with classroom and community presentations, and educators with civics curriculum enhancement. Resources include brochures, videotapes, classroom activities, lesson plans, and law-related education programs.
For more information, contact the State Bar at (800) 728-7788.
