News & Pubs Archive

Employee handbooks are rarely, if ever, a “one and done” effort for employers, as employment-related laws and regulations are often subject to change, whether in the form of new laws, amendments, or evolving interpretations. Jessica Simons lists tips for getting employee handbooks into shape – based on best practices, recent agency enforcement efforts, and changes in the law.

Volunteering for pro bono work not only provides you with the opportunity to offer life-changing help for the clients, it can also accelerate your development as an advocate. Nate Oesch talks about the opportunities that are available for Wisconsin lawyers for pro bono work and highlights why it should be a regular part of your practice.

Parental incarceration is not merely a background detail – takes an emotional toll on their children and frequently manifests in behavioral and mental health concerns. Sarah Bondar discusses some practical tools to use in your daily advocacy practice whenyour client is a child with a parent who is incarcerated.

The summer recruitment landscape is rapidly changing at law schools across the nation. For 1Ls at UW Law, it’s reshaped the already notorious first semester of law school.

Law enforcement could view, without a warrant, a video with suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) flagged by Snapchat because the look only confirmed the video was CSAM, providing no more information than the private search.

Modern neuroscience has completely transformed what we know, and how we should view, our nation’s youth. Johner Allison explores how developmental research on impulse control, risk analysis, and decision making should reshape the way we think about disposition and sentencing for our young clients.

Law school moves fast, and opportunities can be easy to miss. This roundup highlights upcoming events, programs, and ways for law students to connect with practicing lawyers outside law school.

Wisconsin's physical placement statute directs courts to maximize time with each parent while keeping the child's best interests at the center of every decision. Brad C. Schweiger explains why that flexible, individualized approach better serves families than a rigid presumption of equal placement.

The ‘Just the Facts’ blog has information relevant to Wisconsin law students, provided by the State Bar of Wisconsin. Here’s more information about this new blog.

Reentry Legal Services (RLS) of Legal Action of Wisconsin helps formerly incarcerated people secure essential benefits to reduce barriers to successful reentry. Heidi Mangelsen talks about the numbers and impact for the 2025 fiscal year.

Not all health care fraud investigations and enforcement actions are the same. Rather, just as health care fraud can surface on the government’s radar in a variety of ways, resolving these investigations can also take different routes, writes Kristen Nelson – and an attorney’s response can make a tremendous difference in how a matter is resolved.

A First Amendment claim against the Wisconsin Department of Transportation after it denied a vanity plate for "RD RRAGE" failed because license plates are government speech, a Wisconsin federal district court has ruled.

Regardless of a lawyer's area of practice, lawyers are likely to encounter a scenario where a client wants to form a legal entity. Oftentimes, that legal entity is an LLC. Nadelle Grossman cautions that lawyers must always be mindful of state and federal securities laws when forming the legal entity with their clients.

Work injuries in Wisconsin often involve workers’ compensation, the ADA, FMLA, and disability law at the same time. Naomi Swain shares practical strategies for attorneys on timing, medical records, managing light-duty work, and preventing retaliation.

Although still in the early stages, a proposed green amendment could significantly reshape environmental litigation in Wisconsin. Evan Steck reviews how courts in Pennsylvania, Montana, and New York have grappled with similar constitutional provisions andwhat those experiences suggest for Wisconsin.

As reliability pressures mount across the region, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin are using the Expedited Resource Addition Study to accelerate projects that address urgent resource adequacy needs. Patrick Proctor-Brown and Dominique Fortune explain how this process works and what it means for utilities seeking timely interconnection.

Many parents enter family court believing that 50/50 placement is the default, but Wisconsin law and case decisions tell a very different story. Haley Bjorn explains how courts balance statutory directives, case law, and best-interest factors to reach individualized placement outcomes.

The Safe Place Statute requires employers to adopt methods and processes to keep employment and places of employment safe. Although limited case law discusses the extent of this duty, the Wisconsin Legislature has never removed the requirement from the requirement from the statute. Adam Roznowski and Ashley Schutt explain why practitioners should revisit this often overlooked duty.

When a project is hit by overlapping delays, traditional pricing methods can fall short. Kevin Long explains why the Total Cost Method may offer a path to recovery even without a Wisconsin case expressly adopting it.

Cities, villages, school districts, and utilities across Wisconsin routinely rely on AIA forms for public construction projects, assuming the documents are balanced. In practice, they are not. Scott Smith highlights five terms municipalities should revisebefore signing construction contracts – and offers sample language for each.

Case law on computer and smartphone searches guided the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in what it described as a first-in-the-nation case about how Warrant Clause requirements of probable cause and particularity apply in searches of smartphones.

For busy elder law and special needs attorneys, one of the biggest challenges is how to limit the work they take on and not get overwhelmed. Benjamin Wright discusses what most attorneys do and his own alternative approach.

Settlement checks can unintentionally jeopardize SSI and other public benefits your client relies on. Bradley Yanke explains how to spot these issues early and when to consider tools like special needs trusts.

Taking a moment to say thank you and reconnect with what is going well is a great way to reduce your anxiety and elevate your positivity. WisLAP Member Coordinator Cara Lamusga highlights the power of WisLAP volunteers and invites you to try small gratitude practices that can make a big difference.

When colleagues reach out to you to just talk through something, they're not showing weakness. They're showing wisdom. As a thank-you to those who have helped her in her legal career, Teresa K. Kobelt talks about how we are all better lawyers when we’re not alone.

The 'Just the Facts' blog has information relevant to Wisconsin law students, provided by the State Bar of Wisconsin. Here's more information about this new blog.

In their role, attorneys can secure long-term relationships as trusted advisors and help health care providers in independent practice avoid painful missteps. It’s time to dust off the concept of a “counselor at law,” says Angela Rust.

A hemp processor’s products alleged with as much as 40 times the legal limit for delta-9 THC resulted in a controlled substances criminal charge – not a hemp grower regulatory violation requiring administrative referral for criminal prosecution.

Jonathan P. Nagy talks about why you don’t need to sweat mediocre grades in law school. There’s another way to boost your job search success: get all the practical legal experience you can before you graduate.

From courtroom demeanor to expert clarity to the power of a well-placed banana, jurors had a lot to say about what works at trial. Defense litigator Heather Nelson shares their frank reactions and her own takeaways when she spoke with jurors from two of her trials.

A current case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court speaks to remedies for tenants when landlords omit required provisions in their lease agreements, making them void and unenforceable. Sam Hutchison discusses the case and arguments made on each side regarding the proper remedy.

Hudson’s Bay lasted 355 years. General Motors restructured. Most small businesses won’t last a decade – but many can be saved. J. David Krekeler discusses how lawyers can help their business clients can turn financial crisis into a second chance.

Lawmakers have introduced a bill in both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature to legalize and regulate medical marijuana. Clyde Tinnen discusses the bill’s provisions, including proposed licensing requirements, legal protections, and whether businesses arerequired to accommodate medical cannabis use.

One word rendered unconstitutional three parts of a statute governing the ability to recommit an individual found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect because due process requires a finding of dangerousness.

The Brown County Circuit Court grappled with unsettled Wisconsin law and reached an unconstitutional conclusion, the Court of Appeals held, because separate allegations of abandonment require jury instructions and verdict forms for each one.

Understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) helps lawyers better support children involved in the court system. Megan Norris explains the core components of IDEA – from Child Find and FAPE to IEPs and manifestation determinations and how legal professionals can advocate effectively for students with disabilities.

Pests in rental housing are more than a nuisance – they threaten health, safety, and a tenant’s ability to fully use their home. Mitchell Yurkowitz highlights how Wisconsin statutes place the duty on landlords to address infestations and what options tenants have when landlords fail to act.

Will your health care clients be ready when Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) gain independent practice rights in Wisconsin next fall? The Wisconsin APRN Modernization Act brings regulatory uncertainty and structural changes that attorneys should begin addressing now, writes Adam Witkov.

A high school visit from the Iowa Supreme Court offers a reminder of how courts can build public trust through visibility and engagement. Trent Kubasiak reflects on the importance of bringing the judiciary closer to the people it serves.

Family lawyers often face their clients’ mental health crises and their own. Angela Olson proposes a practical solution: formal mental health training in law school.

AI-generated contracts may look convincing but often contain gaps, contradictions, or unenforceable provisions. William Wallo outlines the risks and offers practical strategies for lawyers to safeguard their clients – even when it is the client's own AI-generated contract.

A defendant's claim of constitutional violation from two criminal statutes covering similar facts, one of which set a mandatory minimum sentence, failed because no case limits prosecutorial discretion even if it could create a penalty for going to trial.

Children are at their most vulnerable legal juncture after a court grants a termination of parental rights. However, it is during this part of the process that a child’s wishes are left unheard. The Children and the Law Section Board intends to propose a change to Wis. Stat. chapter 48 to create a statutory right for children to propose a change of placement, or object to a placement proffered by the agency.

FinCEN has created new regulations affecting certain residential real estate transactions that take effect later this year. Violations potentially carry severe penalties. Real estate attorneys need to familiarize themselves with these regulations.

The defendant granted access to his apartment because police said they needed to search for a missing child, but once police entered, they began digging in drawers and a duffle bag for evidence of drug distribution, justifying suppression of the evidence.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now enacted as H.R. 1, impacts a number of health care programs. Christine Huberty discusses the effects the new law will have on the Medicare program and its beneficiaries.

Personal jurisdiction is a prerequisite to bringing suit against any defendant including in the age of remote work. Nicholas Watt discusses the issues and consequences that impact a Wisconsin employer’s ability to sue former remote employees.

Five years after stepping back from full-time practice, Paul Sturgul reflects on an unexpected path: returning to litigation in guardianship cases, advocating for elder rights, and balancing professional service with personal pursuits.

The Opportunity Zone program has been significantly revised by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. James Wawrzyn explains how these changes will affect lawyers who advise real estate professionals and investors.

The University of Wisconsin's policy for removing comments "off-topic" from Facebook and Instagram posts violated a frequent commenter's First Amendment rights in a government's limited public forum.

A “Denny witness,” on the witness list and after cross-examination began, resulted in a mistrial lacking “manifest necessity” – making a retrial unconstitutional double jeopardy.

A well-drafted estate plan can fail without proper implementation and asset funding, leaving clients’ wishes unfulfilled. Jeffery Drach shares practical steps attorneys can take to guide clients through implementing their plan.

When a case advances to trial, litigators should be prepared from both a substantive and logistical standpoint. Cristina M. Kerr discusses tools to prepare for trial, including components of a trial box or trial notebook, and how to prepare these materials for the start of a case.

Even with corroborating DNA and video evidence, the administrator’s reversal of revocation survived certiorari review without testimony from the sexual assault victim.

Two opinions with different analyses affirmed the Court of Appeals, which denied a challenge to a restricted controlled substance (RCS) conviction that was reinstated after the defendant succeeded in reversing an OWI conviction from the same trial.

A domestic violence victim had enough fear for her safety that her intoxicated driving started under the coercion defense, but after she left her home, she could not reasonably believe no other safe options existed, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held.

Relentless delays prevented Luis A. Ramirez from trial for 46 months – but only 14 months after his first speedy trial request. Most causes for delay the Wisconsin Supreme Court determined, were “neutral.”

The One, Big Beautiful Bill Act attempts to deliver on President Trump’s campaign promise of “no taxes” on employee tips and overtime wages. Martin C. Kuhn examines the law’s impact on employees, which is not quite as promised but perhaps better than youthink.

A 4-3 majority found that multiple statutory enactments wiped out Wisconsin’s abortion law from 1849, but one dissent challenged the majority’s legal analysis and dissenting justices consistently described the majority as usurping the Legislature’s role.

DEI provisions in credit agreements may now carry legal risks under shifting regulatory interpretations. Patricia Lane, Jeremy Polk, Nicholas Faleris, and Corrie Osborne examine the history of these provisions and why a legal review is now necessary.

Wisconsin's bipartisan Federal Nominating Commission, which recommends individuals for federal judicial appointments to the U.S. Senators from Wisconsin, recently submitted a list of five lawyers and judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Jacob Haller reflects on the 2025 State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Meeting & Conference (AMC) in Madison, where lawyers gathered to navigate rapid changes in law and technology, especially the rise of artificial intelligence in legal practice. Amid disruption, the conference provided a crucial space for connection, learning, and collaboration across the profession.

Projects can “go sideways” when the parties have differing expectations or miscommunicate. James Dash explains how lawyers can help clients avoid disputes by managing expectations early in contract negotiations.

A 4-3 Wisconsin Supreme Court majority concluded that five statutes giving the Legislature's Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules power to stop administrative rules violated bicameralism and presentment constitutional limits.

Although all seven Wisconsin Supreme Court justices agreed that Act 10 ended collective bargaining requirements for the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, concurrences sparred about how to interpret statutes.

Wisconsin’s metering rules, originally intended to promote conservation, now pose challenges for apartment developers seeking to install rooftop solar. Grant Snyder explains how the Public Service Commission is updating these rules and what developers need to know to qualify for new exemptions.

Housing is a critical and fundamental social determinant of health, which directly impacts physical and mental health. Brittany D. Schoenick discusses the rights and responsibilities landlords and tenants have in Wisconsin to ensure healthy housing for families and communities.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court concluded that Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) statements naming PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under the Spills Law were guidance documents, not unpromulgated regulations.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed that the Court of Appeals erroneously reversed a class certification based on arguments of substantive merit, which are not a part of certification.

In a unanimous decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that Gov. Tony Evers exceeded his veto authority by using partial vetoes for a bill that didn’t appropriate funds.

A unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court reversed the court of appeals in holding that a statute requiring Joint Committee on Finance approval on settlement agreements in civil cases undertaken by the Attorney General unconstitutionally violated separation of powers.

Without clearly documented terms, disagreements can easily arise around critical issues when a business partnership exists via an oral agreement. Lanre Abiola discusses the necessary components of a written business partnership agreement.

A unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court held that expert testimony on the statistical likelihood of false reporting of child sexual abuse did not violate State v. Haseltine's prohibition against vouching for witness credibility.

Although three justices thought the circuit court should have offered confidential communications between the defendant and his lawyer during a Zoom hearing, a 6-1 Wisconsin Supreme Court majority concluded that the circuit court did not violate due process.

Motor vehicle accidents involving blind or visually impaired pedestrians raise unique legal and evidentiary challenges under Wisconsin’s White Cane Law. Katelyn Sandfort discusses key considerations for navigating liability, gathering effective evidence, and employing expert insights in cases involving Wis. Stat. section 346.26(1).

The bifurcated nature of the termination of parental rights (TPR) process means that the circuit court's discretion governs finding the best interest of the child without a specific burden of proof, the Wisconsin Supreme Court explained.

In an era of divisiveness and intolerance, Pete Trotter shares a lesson on tolerance from the farm, and how this lesson can be applied by attorneys to both demonstrate and advocate for tolerance in the practice of law.

Congress is advancing proposals that may drastically cut federal support for state Medicaid programs. Zeke Shen breaks down how the state funds Medicaid and what’s at stake under proposed reforms.

Recent changes aim to streamline the procedure and provide greater privacy protections for those seeking to change their names confidentially. Evan McCarthy discusses the changes, which are particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a name change due to safety concerns or for personal reasons.

Although the physician wasn't in the room where it happened, her patient who lost her ovaries without consent during a colon surgery raised a claim that could proceed past a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim.

A recent Executive Order effectively removes the use of disparate impact theory in evaluating discrimination claims against federal employers. Katherine O'Malley discusses the Order, its impact, and key takeaways.

Law libraries offer more than books, writes Jody Cooper. They provide access to legal resources, professional guidance, and research support that can strengthen the delivery of legal services, no matter how far an attorney is from a courthouse or legal community.

A heads-up for those providing or brokering commercial financings and their lawyers: consumer-like disclosures are making their way into the commercial realm, writes Patricia Lane. Nine states have enacted state commercial loan disclosure requirements.

Although the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) decided with sufficient evidence that a natural gas-fired power plant permit did not need storage batteries to best control air pollution, a DNR protocol is a rule the agency failed to promulgate, requiring remand.

In a violent hostage scene, Neenah police acted reasonably when using handcuffs and police transport on hostages – although plaintiffs’ scanty pleading and lack of a reply brief limited the reviewing court’s criticism.

Clients facing financial distress probably will not think about income tax planning. Their focus is on the debt. David Krekeler discusses the tax consequences of bankruptcy – and how they may be avoided.

There’s pension money out there for wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who need help to pay for long-term care costs. Peter Harbach encourages elder law attorneys to become accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help clients via the Veteran Improved Pension Program.

As a law student, Jonathan Hess's early interest in pursuing environmental law has now turned into a serious passion. Here's why he plans to pursue a practice in this field of law – and it's not just because he likes trees.

While a 4-3 majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld Gov. Tony Evers' partial vetoes as constitutional after reviewing the constitutional amendment and 90 years of precedent, the dissent said the court's decisions have increasingly defied the constitution for the past half-century.

Companies affected by international supply chains are advised to review their service agreements, purchasing agreements, purchase orders, and terms and conditions. Samantha Baker discusses key contractual considerations for industries most affected by current and future tariffs.

Pro bono legal work not only supports underserved communities, it shapes the next generation of lawyers. Law student Elizabeth TenBarge reflects on lessons learned through the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinics and its Public Interest Law Society.

The Oconomowoc Area School District’s reliance on a law enforcement investigation after its suspicions that employees had stolen money meant the subsequent terminations violated protections in the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA).

Attorneys and law students this spring gave presentations in Madison to help educate the incoming workforce. Naomi Swain gives an overview of some local efforts to educate students on their employment rights.

Attorneys need to know and follow rules of civil and appellate procedure to avoid compromising the rights of their clients. Jolene Schneider discusses lessons from Morway v. Morway on the importance of incorporating finality statements into post-judgment orders.

The Delaware Legislature has been moving quickly to ensure that Delaware remains the preeminent home of choice for many corporations. Eric G. Pearson discusses changes to the state's general corporation law.

The President recently issued an Executive Order that halts offshore wind leases and seeks to review federal permitting practices for wind projects. Wes Webendorfer discusses the potential impact of these federal policies on wind projects planned for Wisconsin.

A referee's rulings on the mat in the last wrestling match before the 2019 regional tournament resulted in a lawsuit that ended with the Wisconsin Supreme Court finding the penalty reasonable, thus stripping Hayden Halter of his second state championship.

Expungement and pardons are two options available to people who have been convicted of a crime in Wisconsin. Christina Balistreri outlines their eligibility requirements, nuances, and legal effects that practitioners should be aware of when advising their clients.

A Wisconsin petitioner’s request for habeas corpus based on incompetency at trial failed because, despite any limitations the individual had, he understood the proceedings, testified clearly, and acted strategically.

The Attorney General’s attempt to obtain an injunction to stop Elon Musk’s $1 million giveaways planned at a campaign rally last Sunday as alleged violations of Wisconsin election law failed ultimately at the Wisconsin Supreme Court.