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<td style="padding-left:10px; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:10pt;">NOVEMBER 30, 2017</td>
<td style="padding-left:10px; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:10pt;"><strong>Practice tips,
membership benefits, upcoming events, new products, and more!
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<h2 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/Bias_175w.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="120" align="right"/>Are Hidden Biases Thriving in Your Office?</h2>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">When we say “hidden biases,” we’re talking about implicit, cognitive bias, or the tendency we all possess to process information by filtering it through our own experiences, beliefs, and familiar social structures. In June, we looked at the <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/BarBriefs/Pages/BarBriefsArticle.aspx?MKTID=mkt465e">types of cognitive biases</a> that can affect us. Now, we want to look at how to identify these biases when they sneak into our professional interactions.</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><li><strong>Start with yourself.</strong> We ALL possess prejudices and preconceived notions. Recognizing that you personally have biases can help you overcome them. Want to explore more? <a href="
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html">Take the Bias Test</a>. </li><li><strong>Evaluate the manual.</strong> Does the employee handbook use gender-neutral language? Are there policies in place for employees with disabilities? Make sure your employee manual is not endorsing exclusionary practices from day one. </li><li><strong>Recruitment, training, and hiring.</strong> Consider creating a blind system for initial candidate evaluations. Have someone outside of the decision-makers remove information that may trigger hidden biases, like candidate photos and names. Some firms have even started <a href="
http://www.foxrodney.com/unconscious-bias-and-recruitment-minimising-the-impact/">removing school information</a> so there can be no
preference (or appearance of preference) given to fellow alumni. </li><li><strong>Review your review process. </strong>Is your feedback occurring at the same frequency and quality for all staff members? Standardize the review process and make sure all employees are receiving direct feedback about their job performance. This means calling out accomplishments or areas for improvement using specific, relevant examples. </li><li><strong>Listen to who’s talking… and who isn’t.</strong> <a href="
https://hbr.org/2012/03/the-new-science-of-building-gr">Research from MIT</a> shows that effective teams have balanced participation from all members. So, the next time you’re in a meeting or a presentation, write down everyone who speaks and what his or her idea was. Then, write down how it was received by the group. Write down who stayed silent. (If this sounds like too much effort, then try recording the meeting or have the meeting transcribed and review it later). Start asking those who
aren’t speaking why they choose to stay silent. You might be surprised by their answers. </li><li><strong>Look at the breakdown of office tasks.</strong> Who takes the notes during meetings? Who orders the office supplies? Who plans the holiday party? Who waters the plants? If your office is like most, <a href="
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/opinion/sunday/sheryl-sandberg-and-adam-grant-on-women-doing-office-housework.html?mcubz=3">the answer is a woman</a> – regardless of her rank in the organization. If there are no administrative assistants, office managers, or junior-level employees to tackle these projects, try creating a rotating schedule so that one person (or gender) isn’t always relegated to this type of work.</li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">These are just a few ways you can root out biases within your organization. For more ideas and research, check out these eye-opening articles.</p>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Bring Your Firm’s Financial Management Into the Future</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/iStream_175w.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="145" align="right"/>The days of the check payment are numbered. When given the choice, more consumers want the simplicity and convenience of paying online.<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">1</sup> But for a law firm, processing online payments can appear to be anything but simple or convenient.
How does it work? Where should you start? What about privacy and security?
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">As a State Bar affinity partner, <a href="
https://www.istreamfs.com/">iStream Financial Services</a> is already helping Wisconsin law firms set up and streamline their online billing and payment processing. The State Bar of Wisconsin even uses it! </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Online payment systems let law firms cash in on a number of benefits, including:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><li>Faster receipt of legal fees
</li><li>Increased collections
</li><li>Fewer stolen or lost checks
</li><li>Faster transaction processing
</li><li>Increased revenue
</li><li>Improved cash flow
</li><li>More business efficiencies
</li><li>Reduced billing and collection costs
</li><li>Simpler billing administration
</li><li>Better client experience and satisfaction
</li><li>Enhanced compliance with security and regulatory standards
</li><li>Greater environmental friendliness</li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">The iStream system offers:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><li>Commercial bill pay
</li><li>Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing
</li><li>Credit card processing and merchant services</li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Its payment processing software:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><li>Handles all payments (check, ACH, credit cards) on a single platform (Pymntz<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">TM</sup>)
</li><li>Improves reconciliation time
</li><li>Accelerates accounts receivable
</li><li>Works with any bank or card processor – so you can keep your existing banking relationships
</li><li>Reduces overall costs with a streamlined process</li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Of course, you probably have some clients who still like to pay by check. The iStream Deposit<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">®</sup> Remote Deposit Capture solution makes working with checks faster and easier, too.
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">State Bar members enjoy complimentary installation fees and substantial savings on iStream set-up equipment. If your firm is ready to be more client-friendly and fiscally responsible with online billing, iStream is ready to help. Learn more at <a href="
http://www.istreamfs.com/">www.istreamfs.com</a>.</p>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/Elists_175w.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="134" align="right"/>Exceptional E-lists</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/aboutus/membership/pages/elist-introduction.aspx">State Bar of Wisconsin e-lists</a> connect you to people with common interests, easily expand your network, and quickly update you on the latest legal issues and trends. You can choose from e-lists dedicated to specific practice areas, programs, and even local bar associations. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Simply subscribe to the e-lists of your choice to start receiving emails. You’ll see conversations on hot topics and questions from fellow list members. Jump in on any topics that interest you. Even submit your own questions to the group.
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Not sure which e-lists to choose? We suggest starting with the <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/formembers/practicemanagement/Pages/Practice411-EList.aspx">Practice411 e-list</a>. As an extension of our <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/forMembers/PracticeManagement/Pages/Practice411-LOMAP.aspx">Law Office Management Assistance Program</a>, this e-list shares the tools and tips you need to tackle all areas of practice management – including office tech, human resources, and client relations. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Also, if you’re a State Bar section or division member, make sure to sign up for your group’s accompanying e-list.
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Join the conversation! <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/aboutus/membership/Pages/Elist-Subscriptions.aspx">Subscribe to an e-list today</a>.</p>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/HolidayStress_175w.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="109" align="right"/>3 Holiday Stress Busters</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">A <a href="
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-stresses-us-most-at-the-holidays-113015#1">recent survey</a> by Healthline found just about everyone feels some degree of stress during the holidays. Try these tips to stop stress in its tracks. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Set a budget – and stick to it.</strong> ‘Tis the season for spending. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Reduce money worries by reviewing your finances and determining a realistic budget for gifts, food, travel, etc. Then stand by your budget in spending discussions with friends and family. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Don’t neglect yourself.</strong> Be your best self this holiday season with some self-care. Get enough sleep. Take short breaks to sit still and breathe. Sniff citrus scents to boost your mood. Take a walk in the sunshine. Or listen to your favorite music. </p><p
style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Consume with care.</strong> Aim for foods that grow on trees or in the ground (fruits and veggies). When you can, choose healthy fats (like olive oil), lean protein (think fish and chicken), legumes, nuts, and seeds. The healthier choices you make, the more energetic and focused you’ll feel. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">If you’re struggling with lots of stress or stuck in the winter doldrums, you don’t have to face it alone. Call the confidential <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/formembers/wislap/Documents/WisLAP%20Brochure.pdf">Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP)</a> to talk to a fellow lawyer or judge about how you feel and find resources to help you get on the path to feeling better.</p>
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<div align="center"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/by_the_numbers.jpg" width="250" alt=""/></div>
<h2 align="center" style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 0px;">Active Attorneys in the U.S. </h2>
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<td width="223" height="17" align="center"><p>65% Male</p></td>
<td width="187" align="center"><p>2% Asian</p></td>
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<td height="17" align="center"><p>35% Female</p></td>
<td align="center"><p>5% Hispanic</p></td>
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<td height="17" align="center"><p>85% Caucasian/White</p></td>
<td align="center"><p>2% Multiracial</p></td>
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<td height="17" align="center"><p>5% African-American</p></td>
<td align="center"><p>1% Native American</p></td>
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<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>The Taxation Law Section Invites You to Attend the <em>68<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">th</sup> Annual Tax School</em></strong> </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><em>The 68th Annual Tax School</em> is THE place to be for insight into new developments in tax law and practice. Learn the latest in tax planning and tax controversy strategies from attorneys who’ve been there and done that. Find out more and register <a href="
http://marketplace.wisbar.org/pages/EventSearch.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=CA2676L&k=ca2676">here</a>. Not a section member yet? <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/forMembers/Groups/Sections/TaxationLawSection/Pages/Home.aspx">Join here</a>! </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Be at Home with Housing Laws </strong> </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Income, domestic situation, age, disability, and financial circumstances can all contribute to a person’s need for legal counsel on housing.
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Whether breaking a lease to escape domestic violence or requesting accommodation for a service animal, let <em>Home Sweet Home: Addressing Housing Issues for Vulnerable Clients</em> be your guide. Co-produced by the <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/forMembers/Groups/Sections/PublicInterestLawSection/pages/home.aspx">Public Interest Law Section</a> in partnership with PINNACLE<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">®</sup>, this informative CLE program teaches you how to resolve common legal issues associated with housing assistance. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><a href="
http://marketplace.wisbar.org/pages/EventSearch.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=CA2718M&k=ca2718">Learn more and register here</a>.</p>
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<div align="center"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/Student_Corner.jpg" width="250" alt=""/></div>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Watch for Networking Opportunities Next Semester!</strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Probably the most important factor in finding a job – besides graduating – is having a large, well-connected network of professional contacts. Becoming involved in State Bar-sponsored activities helps you establish that network. Take advantage of opportunities to meet and interact with legal professionals in several ways, including by:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">
<li>Attending <a href="
http://marketplace.wisbar.org/CLESeminars/Pages/default.aspx">PINNACLE</a> seminars and institutes* </li><li>Writing articles for publication in <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/SectionDivisionNewsletters/Pages/section-and-division-newsletters.aspx">section and division newsletters</a> </li><li>Attending conferences and special events
</li><li>Participating in programs sponsored by the State Bar at your law school
</li><li>Exploring practice areas through <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/formembers/groups/sections/Pages/Home.aspx">State Bar Section activities</a></li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:8pt;">*All Law Student Associates automatically receive all the benefits of an Ultimate Pass Gold! The PINNACLE Seminars Ultimate Pass Gold is a one-year subscription that gives you unlimited access to any live, video, webcast, webcast replay, telephone, or CLE OnDemand seminar produced by the PINNACLE Seminars Division for free!</p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Students Invited to Labor and Employment Section Networking Social</strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Thursday, December 7 <br />
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
Boardman Clark<br />
1 S. Pinckney Street<br />
Madison, WI </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">RSVP (requested, but not required) to Sue Bauman at <a href="
mailto:sjmbauman@gmail.com">sjmbauman@gmail.com</a> by December 1.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">And don’t forget – mark your calendar now for the 2018 Annual Meeting & Conference, June 21-22, at the Grand Geneva Resort in beautiful Lake Geneva. See you there!</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:8pt;">1 <a href="
https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/payment-method-statistics-1276.php">https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/payment-method-statistics-1276.php</a></span><br />
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<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:8pt;"> *This offer is not available with any other discount and expires December 1, 2017. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases or used for renewals of subscriptions, auto-supplementation subscriptions, or Books UnBound full library subscriptions.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:8pt;">MKT490E </span></p>
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