Mar. 23, 2026 – A critical part of the mission of the State Bar of Wisconsin is to advocate for policies that support the legal profession and access to justice for all. That includes educating Wisconsin’s lawmakers and the public about issues that impact the legal system. It’s an effort that continues year-round, long after the legislative session wraps up.

Over the course of the 2025-2026 legislative session, State Bar members engaged in the legislative process by sending emails, making phone calls, and posting social media messages using the State Bar’s Advocacy Network. The session’s grassroots efforts began by encouraging members to reach out to their lawmakers to introduce themselves and establish—or strengthen—a relationship with them as a constituent. Building working relationships with lawmakers outside the context of a specific issue is one of the best ways potential State Bar advocates can engage in the legislative process.

The biggest grassroots effort this session was a push to encourage lawmakers to include state funding for civil legal aid in the biennial budget. An increase in investment didn’t make it into the final budget bill, but the effort demonstrated to lawmakers the depth of support for legal aid programs within the legal community and helped lay the groundwork for funding in the future.

In the next several months the State Bar will continue efforts to educate lawmakers, the public, and State Bar members on the State Bar’s Board of Governors’ legislative priorities. A future issue of Rotunda Report will outline a broader campaign on civil legal aid with our partners in the Civil Legal Aid Alliance of Wisconsin (CLAAW). In the meantime, stay subscribed to Rotunda Report newsletter and look for articles in Inside Track and Wisconsin Lawyer, and watch for emails from “State Bar of WI – Advocacy Network”. You can also follow us on X at @SBWRotundaRpt and other State Bar social media channels to keep up to date with happenings.

By sending emails, making phone calls, and reaching out to colleagues and encouraging them to do the same, the voice of the legal profession is being heard by lawmakers across Wisconsin. For all those who have reached out to share their thoughts with their legislators, we thank you. And for those who haven’t yet, there’s never a better time than now to get started. The Advocacy Network makes it quick and easy.

What You Can Do: State Bar Advocacy Network

State Bar members are encouraged to send a message to their lawmakers expressing support on legislative topics which positively affect the legal system using the Advocacy Network. Pre-written email messages are editable to suit your own thoughts and opinions and help to demonstrate the breadth of support for policies that prioritize access to justice. You can also "Choose Your Own" to craft messages to any of your elected officials, from President of the United States down to your local municipal officials.