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Section Public Policy Positions

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You may look up section lobbying policy positions online. Lobbying sections maintain the unique ability to closely monitor and develop legislation on key policy items that pertain to their particular section and area of law.

The State Bar of Wisconsin establishes and maintains sections for carrying on the work of the association, each within its proper field of study defined in its bylaws. Each section consists of members who voluntarily enroll in the section because of a special interest in the particular field of law to which the section is dedicated. Section positions are taken on behalf of the section only.

These section positions have not been approved by the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin and are not the views of the State Bar as a whole. They are those of the section alone.

If you have any questions, please contact State Bar Government Relations Staff.

Lobbying Sections

Bankruptcy Insolvency & Creditors' Rights

This section focuses on bankruptcy, insolvency and creditors' rights. Specifically, members work on developing the law, increasing communication between practitioners, and improving the standards of the profession. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Business Law

This section brings together members who work in the fields of corporation, banking, partnership, securities, antitrust, trade regulation, commercial law, employer-employee relations, insurance, intellectual property and other areas of business law. Members are focused on developing and improving the law in their areas of expertise. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Children & the Law

Section members include judges, court commissioners, prosecutors, guardians ad litem, agency attorneys and private practice attorneys who represent various parties including children, parents, and grandparents as well as agencies that serve children. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Civil Rights and Liberties

This section is made up of individuals who work in the legal fields of Civil Rights and Constitutional Rights. These fields address issues such as:

  • Freedom of Speech
  • Religious Liberty
  • Personal Liberty
  • Property
  • Due Process
  • Equal Protection
  • Rights of Women
  • Rights of Minorities
  • Rights of Persons with Physical and Mental Disabilities

Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Criminal Law

This section represents more than 600 judges, prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, and academics with the purpose of improving the practice of criminal law in Wisconsin and promoting respect and fairness. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Construction & Public Contract Law

This section is made up of attorneys who specialize in construction law and government contracts. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Dispute Resolution

Members are attorneys and judges who promote and develop alternative methods of dispute resolution. Their mission is to encourage lawyers, courts and the public to embrace alternative dispute resolution, which is commonly referred to as ADR. Additionally, members train mediators and arbitrators, and teach lawyers how to serve as advocates in ADR proceedings. The section works to develop standards for the growing profession, and coordinates activities with other ADR organizations. Members also assist practitioners in their pursuit of careers in ADR-related professions. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Elder Law and Special Needs

Practitioners in this section work to protect the rights of elderly clients and consumers.  Their mission is to develop and improve laws that affect the elderly, and promote high standards of performance and expertise for those who practice in the area. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Family Law

This section is made up of approximately 1,100 attorneys, guardians ad litem, family court commissioners, and judges from throughout Wisconsin who have a special interest in family law.  Most members specialize in family law, and work with families involved in separations, divorce, and post-divorce issues. The section also welcomes experts from related fields, such as psychology, counseling, and social work. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Health Law

This section addresses issues such as health care, bioethics, managed care and risk management. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Indian Law

This section provides support to attorneys in their relations with any individual, group or other entity that is involved with issues of concern to American Indians. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Litigation

The Litigation Section brings together members who have an interest in civil litigation, insurance law, and tort law. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Public Interest Law

This section provides a forum for public interest lawyers statewide to discuss and promote public interest issues and concerns. Members are involved in the following areas:

  • Issues affecting low-income and underrepresented persons
  • Government Benefits
  • Consumer Protection
  • Housing
  • Disability Rights
  • Elder Law
  • Access to Health Care
  • Constitutional/Civil Rights
  • Environmental Justice
  • Fair Employment/Labor
  • Women's Rights
  • Reproductive Health Care

Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Real Property, Probate and Trust

This section develops and recommends changes to laws pertaining to issues in real property, trusts and probate matters. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

Taxation

This section provides information on federal and state tax issues that directly affect practitioners in Wisconsin. Members can view current legislation the section is tracking by visiting the section webpage.

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