News & Pubs Archive

Court system and community collaboration keep courthouses running safely in Wisconsin, and innovation shines amid COVID-19.

Congratulations to the 340 lawyers who are recognized as part of the Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society, which honors lawyers who provide pro bono legal services in excess of 50 hours each year.

They're commitment to pro bono work is remarkable – join us in congratulating the law firm of Godfrey & Kahn, the recipient of the Pro Bono Firm/Organization of the Year for 2020. Find out what this means for their attorneys.

Wisconsin has one of the most active Wills for Heroes programs in the U.S., thanks to Milwaukee attorney Kris Havlik, who has coordinated the program for the past 10 years. Find out more about Havlik and the program, which offers free basic estate planning documents to our first responders, via lawyers doing pro bono work.

Open Enrollment runs Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2020. Initiated Jan. 1, 2020, the State Bar of Wisconsin Association Health Plan for members might be an answer for your health care needs.

The legal profession is stressful. But there are stigmas attached to seeking assistance. The Task Force on Wisconsin Lawyer Well-Being was formed to address this issue. Judge Todd Bjerke is the chair of that task force. He sheds light on the issue and the work ahead to improve the health and well-being of all those in the legal profession.

A selection of recent Wisconsin case verdicts are shared below.

When using an "Alternative to E-Banking Trust Account," can a lawyer hold a client responsible for electronic payment charges?

The U.W. Law Library recently received a grant that will provide greater access to tribal laws across the state.

Creating opportunities for solo and small firm attorneys to discuss common themes and challenges is as important as ever. The Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference is where lawyers can do just that and learn about evolving tools to help them succeed. Learn why you should attend this year's event from the lawyers who make attendance a priority.

A public hearing will be held before referee Kim Marie Peterson on the petition of John Hotvedt, Burlington, to reinstate his Wisconsin law license. Any interested person may appear at the hearing and be heard in support of or in opposition to the petition.

The clock is ticking. Learn why you should attend this year's Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference from the lawyers who make attendance a priority.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a major challenge to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act just days after the 2020 presidential election.

With a modest investment in time, experienced lawyers can benefit not just a young lawyer, but the profession. And young lawyers can get a boost in the areas where they need it. Sign up as a mentor or mentee for the State Bar of Wisconsin's mentoring program, Ready.Set.Practice.

Cheryl Daniels, State Bar president-elect and chair of the State Bar's Nominating Committee, asks you to nominate yourself by Oct. 16 to run for a State Bar officer position. This is an opportunity to help shape what lawyers need to do to continue coping with a pandemic and change the dynamic so that justice really works for all, she says.

Wisconsinites remain actively buying and selling homes, and many will need the advice of an attorney. How can you be sure you have the necessary information to look out for your client's best interests?

A public hearing will be held before referee Michael Tobin on the petition of Scott E. Selmer, Minneapolis, to reinstate his Wisconsin law license.

Voluntary electronic filing is now open in Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV. The program, which began in August in District III, is expanding in anticipation of a mandatory program that begins July 1, 2021.

A selection of recent Wisconsin case verdicts are shared below.

IN IN RE THE MATTER OF THE EXTENSION OF ORDERS AND INTERIM RULE CONCERNING CONTINUATION OF JURY TRIALS, SUSPENSION OF STATUTORY DEADLINES FOR NON-CRIMINAL JURY TRIALS, AND REMOTE HEARINGS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC