May 6, 2026 – You can grow your practice directly by joining the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service (LRS).
In fiscal year 2025, LRS fielded 35,504 calls, resulting in 8,200 referrals to attorneys connecting individuals with legal support.
Sign up for July 2026 through June 2027, and your membership begins this month.
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 bimonthly 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, 2027): $125.00
Two Years (expires June 30, 2028): $225.00
New lawyers (admitted after July 1, 2024): $105.00
Lawyers admitted in 2026: $60
Another Way to Grow Your Practice: Contribute to 'Know Your Legal Rights'
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 941 times in newspapers statewide since its launch in March 2022. The column reaches readers interested in legal education.
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 for the public.
Free publicity. You can reach 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 happens if you cancel a wedding or event contract: can you get your deposit back?
What happens if you lend your car and someone else causes a crash?
What should you know before cosigning a loan for a family member?
What should you do if you’re billed for medical care you didn’t receive?
What should you do if your car is towed or impounded without warning?
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.
