Oct. 1, 2025 – What if your words could travel farther than your office walls – into coffee shops, kitchen tables, and living rooms across Wisconsin? They can.
The State Bar of Wisconsin’s
Know Your Legal Rights newspaper column, written by Wisconsin lawyers, has appeared 863 times in newspapers statewide since its launch in March 2022. The column reaches readers who are eager for clear, practical legal guidance.
For attorneys, it’s a chance to showcase your expertise, raise your visibility, and make a tangible impact on the public’s understanding of the law – all at no cost.
Why Write?
Your name and photo in print. Each article carries your byline, positioning you as a trusted voice in your field.
Reach new clients. Plain-language advice puts you in front of people who may never have found you otherwise.
Make an impact. Your words help demystify the law and provide real guidance to the public.
Free publicity. A statewide audience, with no marketing costs attached.
What to Write About
Articles are short (500-700 words), practical, and written in plain language so the public can easily understand them. The best topics connect to everyday challenges people encounter. We’ll provide guidelines and editing support – you bring the insight.
Here are a few ideas – what ideas do you have?
What should I know before co-signing a loan for a family member?
What are my legal options if I’m injured by a defective product?
What are my rights if my child is bullied at school?
What are my rights if a store refuses to honor a warranty?
What should I do if I’m in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured?
Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’d like to write, don’t wait – choose a topic or topics and let us know.
Contact: Mike Wiltse, public relations manager, 608-250-6025 or
mwiltse@wisbar.org.
Build on Your Visibility: Join the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)
In addition to the publicity from writing, you can also grow your practice directly by joining the
Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) panel.
Bonus: Through Nov. 30, 2025, the annual membership fee is 25% off.
In fiscal year 2025, LRS fielded 35,504 calls, resulting in 8,200 referrals to attorneys connecting individuals with legal support.
How LRS Works
As an LRS member, you select the areas of practice you want to receive referrals in – up to 60 specific categories – as well as the geographic regions where you’ll accept clients. You also decide whether to receive referrals only by phone or both by phone and online.
Panel members have access to the LRS Online Portal 24/7 at no extra charge. The portal allows you to:
Receive referrals by email
Track cases and status reports automatically
Manage settlement fees and payments
Submit bi-monthly reports digitally
Update your profile and availability
Renew your membership and pay online
How to Join LRS
To join, visit the
LRS webpage on WisBar.org to find membership details and panel rules. Memberships run on an annual cycle, renewing July 1 each year:
One Year (expires June 30, 2026): $125.00 → $93.75 with 25% discount
Two Years (expires June 30, 2027): $225.00 → $168.75 with 25% discount
New lawyers admitted in 2023 or 2024: $105.00 → $78.75 with 25% discount
Lawyers admitted in 2025 (expires June 30, 2026): $60.00 → $45.00 with 25% discount
Two Ways to Grow Your Practice
