For Immediate Release
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CONTACT: Christi Powers
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6025
cpowers@wisbar.org |
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State Bar sponsors free landlord-tenant hotline
Consumers can call on Friday for free help from lawyer experts
MADISON, August 12, 2003 - You'll see them
everywhere this week. On the curb, lining the streets, filing up and
down stairwells. In the next few days, thousands of college students
will take residency in Madison. It's the week of the 'big
move' and on August 15th, the State Bar of Wisconsin is doing its
part to help.
The State Bar is sponsoring a free landlord/tenant hotline from 11:30
a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, August 15 in Madison. In an effort to serve
the community, local lawyers who specialize in real property law will be
on hand to take calls on landlord/tenant topics
"The hotline is something that the State Bar has done for
nearly 20 years," said Attorney Jay Koritzinsky, a Madison lawyer
specializing in real property law. "This is the first time in
Madison where residents can call in specifically on landlord/tenant
matters and obtain tips, information and advice."
The 2000 U.S. Census shows there are 173,484 housing units in Dane
County. Of those 73,589 - or 52 percent - were renters.
"The high density of renters in our area makes this hotline not
only timely but a public service to many consumers," Koritzinsky
said. "In the past five years nearly 70,000 small claims cases
were filed in Dane County. Of those more than 13,500 were related to
evictions. There is also a disproportionate number arising from disputes
over security deposits. Hopefully the hotline can help preempt some of
those disputes."
Whether it's a question on your lease, security deposit, an
eviction notice, or general tips on avoiding rental problems, callers
can dial 608.250.6124 to obtain help. In addition to Koritzinsky,
Attorneys Michelle Behnke, Sarah Davis and Tammy Tremain will also field
calls.
Help is available after the hotline. The State Bar's Lawyer
Referral & Information Service is open Monday through Thursday from
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 800.362.9082,
or in the Dane County area, call 608.257. 4666. Or visit the State
Bar's free consumer Web site at http://www.LegalExplorer.com/
to access updated information on a variety of consumer issues.
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 20,000 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.
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