News & Pubs Archive

As a lifetime commitment, adopting a child in the U.S. requires an attorney experienced in adoption law to guide a client through the lengthy adoption process. This guide is a quick introduction to available online adoption resources.

On Nov. 11, 2020, Sheila T. Reiff, Clerk of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, on behalf of the Appellate eFiling Committee, filed a rule petition asking the court to approve the use of an expanded electronic filing system for the appellate courts and to amend the rules of appellate procedure in order to implement the system, along with certain amendments related to the circuit court electronic filing rule.

The Wisconsin Law Foundation supports programs that enhance the public's knowledge of the justice system, encourage diversity in the profession, and assist young lawyers with taking up leadership roles. Remember the Foundation on your dues statement.

Wellness is more than an occasional spa treatment or that much-needed vacation. In recognition of Well-Being Week in Law this week, here are some ways your colleagues make their health a priority.

Members will soon receive FY 2022 statements for Wisconsin Supreme Court assessments and State Bar of Wisconsin membership dues. Be sure to take advantage of your member benefits.

Take advantage of the biggest educational and motivational event of the year: The State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Meeting & Conference (AMC), June 10-11. Reserve your spot today for this virtual event.

A selection of recent Wisconsin case verdicts are shared below.

"The focus for lawyers has really changed from what we do in terms of our legal expertise, to how we do it," says Prof. Michele DeStefano, a featured speaker at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s 2021 (Virtual) Annual Meeting and Conference (AMC), June 9-11.

What’s it like to argue a case before the Seventh Circuit – via Zoom? In October 2020, Milwaukee attorney Nick Zales did just that, and discusses just what it was like to embrace the appellate Zoom experience.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals also rules that “equitable indemnification” not an appropriate remedy for spoliation under decades of Wisconsin case law.

Page Turner shares the features and benefits of the State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® Codebooks

The City of Madison’s bird-safe glass ordinance may fly in the face of the state of Wisconsin’s Uniform Commercial Building Code (Uniform Code). John Schulze discusses the ordinance and its challengers.

Because of its tax-free forgiveness, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) borrowers can lower their monthly payment by maximizing their retirement contributions. Bradley Yanke discusses this way to lower PSLF monthly payments.

In determining whether to order third-party visitation, a court must analyze the visitation request based upon the child’s best interest, giving special deference to a fit parent’s determinations as to what visitation is appropriate.Wisconsin Legislative Council Information Memorandum.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court (7-0) ruled that the circuit court did not err when it set an exercise price that was higher than an expert's appraised value.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has unanimously approved Rule Petition 20-07, introducing a comprehensive system of electronic filing for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The recent 2021 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers reveals important insights regarding U.S. trade policy focus under the Biden Administration. Ngosong Fonkem discusses the report and why U.S. companies with footprints in China should be on alert.

Legal language creates barriers to understanding. Mary L. Ferwerda discusses how incorporating concepts of “plain language” into dispute resolution documents, such as agreements to mediate and the resolution agreements, can improve parties’ understanding and compliance with the stated terms.

Abigail Hean discusses the “child welfare to juvenile justice to adult prison pipeline” – the failure of these systems to adequately address the needs of the youth they serve, ultimately causing more harm than good.

This year's budget process is shaping up to be a little different than previous sessions. Gov. Relations Coordinator Cale Battles gives an update on the budget and shares ways you can reach out to your lawmakers on issues important to the legal community.