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A Conversation on Supreme Court Term Limits

Judicial Election Steering Committee members discuss a Judicial Task Force proposal to amend the Wisconsin Constitution to change the term of office for Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to a single elected 16-year term. Read how the task force arrived at its recommendation and how the steering committee is encouraging its acceptance.

Surrogacy Law Still Uncertain

The clearest conclusion to be drawn from the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision in Rosecky v. Schissel, a surrogacy-agreement case, is that Wisconsin law concerning such agreements is still far from well-defined.

Public Trust and Agency Discretion Principles Intact

Following Rock-Koshkonong Lake District v. Wisconsin DNR, the bedrock principles of the public trust doctrine in Wisconsin – the civil right of the public to use and enjoy navigable waters, and the broad rule of standing to protect that right – remain firmly intact.

Web Extras

Conflict Waivers for Lawyers Turned Board Members

State Bar ethics advisors Tim Pierce and Aviva Kaiser discuss the need for advance waivers of conflicts when attorneys serve on clients’ boards of directors.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
The YLD – Look to the Future
Patrick Fiedler says the YLD makes every eligible lawyer feel welcome and offers many ways to get involved.

Your State Bar
A Penny for Justice
George Brown says the inadequate 0.85 cents of every state tax dollar that funds the court system should be increased to a full penny.

101
Going Paperless
Reducing your firm’s paper storage requires initial investments of money and effort. But, Nerino Petro says, you’ll realize the benefits in terms of dollars and time saved and available for billable client work.

Ethics
Untangling Third-person Conflicts of Interest
Dean Dietrich says determining whether a potential client’s interests might clash with those of a colleague requires predicting the likelihood of future conflicts.

On Balance
Think This Way and That Way: Developing Mental Resilience in the Law
Paula Davis-Laack presents five science-based ways for you to build your mental toughness and psychological resilience so you can perform at your best.

Managing Risk
An Ounce of Prevention: Examine Administrative Processes Now
Tom Watson encourages lawyers to ensure they’re effectively using the most appropriate practice-management software and technologies for their practices.

Career
An Insider’s Perspective: What Legal Employers Look for in New Hires
Recent law school graduate Laura Hawkins participates in her firm’s recruitment efforts. You might be surprised to learn what legal employers really want.