Aug. 5, 2026 – “This conference makes us better lawyers.” That is how presenter and conference committee member Abrielle Newman describes the 2026 Equal Justice Conference, a virtual program offering practical guidance on the wide range of legal issues affecting low-income Wisconsin residents.

“The Equal Justice Conference offers the opportunity to become better prepared to help Wisconsin residents who need legal assistance,” Newman said. “All lawyers should attend this conference to learn about the issues facing our low-income neighbors.”

The conference, organized by the State Bar of Wisconsin Legal Assistance Committee and the State Bar of Wisconsin Pro Bono Program, is online on Aug. 13 and 14, 2026.

Topics for a Changing Legal Landscape

This year’s conference takes a practical, wide-ranging look at the issues that can affect low-income Wisconsin residents, including subsidized housing assistance, debt collection defense, veterans’ benefits, driver’s license suspensions and revocations, immigration, voting rights, freedom of speech, and serving LGBTQ+ clients. “Poverty does not limit itself to a single area of law – so neither should we,” Newman said.

For lawyers who may hesitate to take on pro bono work outside their usual practice area, the conference is a supportive place to begin. It brings together practitioners who can share knowledge, experience, and practical tools.

Learn more about the need for civil legal aid and the Legal Assistance Committee’s efforts to help close the justice gap in Wisconsin in the article by committee chair Megan Lee, “Bridging the Justice Gap: Legal Assistance Committee – Helping Bring Equal Justice for All,” in the July/August issue of Wisconsin Lawyer magazine.

Support Pro Bono Initiative Grants

Conference proceeds also support grants that help nonprofit organizations improve services for clients. Last year, funds helped Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Eviction Defense Project and Consumer Debt Defense Project begin improving a courthouse clinic space with the goal of fostering a more dignified experience for clients.

While conference registration is $45 (and free for Wisconsin Law Student Associates), attendees are encouraged to consider donating $100 to the Pro Bono Initiative Grants when registering. More information about the grant program can be found on WisBar.org.

Reserve Your Spot for the Online Wisconsin Equal Justice Conference 2026

Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Tuition: $45 | Free for State Bar of Wisconsin Law Student Associates

Registration: Visit WisBar’s Marketplace for more information and to register.