State Bar of Wisconsin

Order directs new chapter of Supreme Court Rules for Access to Justice Commission

June 5, 2009 – The Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered a new rule directing the creation of a commission to oversee moderate and low-income people’s access to civil justice.

The order, entered on June 5, follows a May 13 meeting at which the justices agreed to the commission, but deferred the exact wording of the order.

Establishment of an Access to Justice Commission has been a key objective of the State Bar of Wisconsin, following the release of a State Bar report documenting a serious lack of civil legal services available to the less affluent. State Bar President Diane Diel had championed the proposal for a commission throughout the term of her presidency with the support of Past President Tom Basting.

Additionally, the State Bar Board of Governors has set aside up to $300,000 for at least the first three years of the commission’s operation.

• Earlier story: Access to Justice Commission gets nod from Wisconsin Supreme Court
• Text of the order