Wisconsin Lawyer > Feature articles

Wisconsin Lawyer October 2008: Mission Possible: Improving Justice in Afghanistan

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Three young Wisconsin attorneys work as teachers and mentors to help strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan.

Wisconsin Lawyer October 2008: Protecting Consumers in the Modern Age: Wisconsin's Deceptive Trade Practices Act

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Wisconsin's Deceptive Trade Practices Act prohibits untrue, deceptive, or misleading representations in the sale of goods and services to the public. Although the law was enacted almost a century ago to target false print advertising, it effectively affords remedies for wrongful trade practices in the modern age. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has recently decided several important issues arising out of the Act's application in the ever-changing business and consumer world.

Wisconsin Lawyer October 2008: Significant Supreme Court Decisions

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

For many years, Daniel W. Hildebrand contributed to Wisconsin legal literature by annually describing those Wisconsin appellate decisions that he viewed to be most significant. Attorney Hildebrand passed away in late 2007; these authors, both former supreme court clerks, are attempting to pick up the Hildebrand torch.

Wisconsin Lawyer September 2008: Law Blogs: The Great Equalizer

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

A "new" tool advances an "old" marketing method. More lawyers now are using law blogs to enhance their reputations, showcase their expertise, and bring in business the old-fashioned way by fostering discussion within a network of potential clients.

Wisconsin Lawyer September 2008: A Long Cup of Coffee with SPD Nick Chiarkas

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Nick Chiarkas, State Public Defender for the past 20 years, reflects with Randy Kraft on current issues, challenges and controversies facing our justice system, and the State Public Defender's office.

Wisconsin Lawyer August 2008: Using Wisconsin's Commercial Offer to Purchase Form

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Generally speaking, the terms and provisions of the standardized commercial offer to purchase form create a contract with broad representations, limited contingencies, and unlimited remedies. Here are some of the issues parties should consider when using the commercial offer to purchase form.

Wisconsin Lawyer August 2008: The Federal REAL ID Act and Its Fate in Wisconsin

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Under the Federal REAL ID Act, beginning on May 11, 2008, a Wisconsin resident may not use a Wisconsin driver's license or state-issued identification card to prove identity when boarding a commercial aircraft or entering a federal building unless the driver's license or ID card is REAL ID compliant. Read about what this means to Wisconsin lawyers and citizens.

Wisconsin Lawyer August 2008: Shedding Light on Recent Developments Affecting LLCs

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The authors highlight several recent cases and statutes they believe reflect the most important developments affecting limited liability companies.

Wisconsin Lawyer July 2008: Paperless Courts: E-Filing in Wisconsin Circuit Courts

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

On July 1, a rule setting out procedures for filing circuit court cases electronically takes effect. E-filing will debut county by county as circuit court judges and clerks implement the procedures. Here's what you need to know to take full advantage of this process when it becomes available in your county.

Wisconsin Lawyer July 2008: Bridging the Distance: Videoconferencing in Wisconsin Circuit Courts

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

On July 1, 2008, a new rule took effect that regulates and encourages the expanded use of video technology in Wisconsin circuit courts while protecting litigants' rights. Here's how it works.

Wisconsin Lawyer June 2008: Mediating Complex Construction Claims

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Large and complex construction claims cases often involve 20 or more parties, millions of dollars in claims, complicated factual and legal issues, intricate insurance coverage questions, a host of conflicting motivations and perspectives, and often occur while construction is ongoing. Here are some broad lessons learned from mediating complex multiparty cases.

Wisconsin Lawyer June 2008: Social Host Liability for Underage Drinking

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently declined to extend liability to persons who, despite being aware of an underage drinking party on their property, did not actually provide the alcohol that led to a tragic car accident. If such an expansion of liability is to occur, the court said it should come from the legislature. The author explores the history of social host liability for underage drinking in Wisconsin and the current state of the law after the supreme court's Nichols decision.

Wisconsin Lawyer June 2008: Business Owners in Divorce: A Basic Overview

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Unique issues arise when a business owner is a party in a divorce action, including valuing the business and determining income available for support or maintenance. Here is a basic overview of the issues for attorneys representing either the business owner or the nonmanaging spouse.