News & Pubs Archive

On April 7, State Bar President Kathy Brost and President-elect Cheryl Daniels testified in support of a bill to reform Wisconsin's restrictive expungement laws with changes that would expand eligibility for one-time, non-violent offenders.

The pandemic has forced institutions to adapt by moving more of their operations online. Wisconsin's legal system has followed suit, bringing the promise of expanded access to justice--but only if access to broadband internet becomes more widely available

Civil legal aid is low or no-cost civil legal assistance for those that can't afford an attorney. To ensure that all people have access to justice and to help recover from COVID-19 impacts, Wisconsin should increase investment in civil legal aid.

Gov. Tony Evers delivered his "Badger Bounce Back" budget plan to the legislature last week. The $91 billion spending plan contains many potential large scale reforms to criminal justice law and a major increase in state funding for civil legal aid.

There has never been an easier time for attorneys to follow along with the Legislature and engage in the lawmaking process. Today's issue is a helpful guide with links on how members can stay informed and get involved.

Expungement reform is one of the top priorities of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Now that a bill has been introduced in the legislature on this topic, the Bar is encouraging members to reach out to their lawmakers to support this needed reform to Wisconsin'

With majorities in both chambers, Republicans will have control over the legislative agenda, but a shaky relationship between the GOP and the Evers administration will likely temper any expectations of major policy victories.

Democrat Joe Biden is the projected winner of the 2020 Presidential contest. In State elections, Republicans gained two seats in the Senate, but lost two seats in the Assembly.

Nearly 1.4 million people in our state have a criminal record, many of whom have completed their sentences and successfully repaid their debts to society. Expungement can give ex-offenders a fresh start, but Wisconsin's lawmakers need to hear from you.

In this special episode of Rotunda Report, State Bar President Kathy Brost talks about issues important to members living and working in "Greater Wisconsin," that part of our state outside of the Dane, Milwaukee, and Fox Valley regions.

Government Relations Coordinator Lynne Davis shares an overview of the Wisconsin 2020 legislative session, focusing on State Bar policy victories, section advocacy highlights, issues left unfinished or unaddressed this session, and the direction of State

Pro Bono Program Manager Jeff Brown discusses the "Wills for Heroes" program, a pro bono service to provide wills and basic estate plans free of charge to first responders like police, firefighters, and EMT's.

In this edition of Rotunda Report Live, Government Relations Coordinator Cale Battles follows up his Senate race video with a preview of the 2020 State Assembly elections.

State Bar of Wisconsin lobbyist Cale Battles gives a preview of Fall 2020 State Senate elections, including competitive districts, seats to watch, and issues that may shape the electoral process.

Government Relations Coordinator Lynne Davis gives an overview of the State Bar of Wisconsin's lobbying program and how policy positions are selected.

Grassroots Outreach Coordinator Devin Martin discusses how attorneys can help make positive reforms happen through grassroots advocacy using the State Bar's "Advocacy Network."

In this first video edition of Rotunda Report, Jeff Brown discusses ways attorneys can get involved in much needed pro bono work while remaining safe and practicing social distancing during the pandemic.

Wisconsin Free Legal Answers remains open during the coronavirus outbreak to help with unmet legal needs of Wisconsin residents.

As the American Bar Association hosts its first all-online ABA Day, the State Bar of Wisconsin holds a virtual meeting with Senator Tammy Baldwin to discuss top legislative priorities for the legal profession

As many Wisconsinites have transitioned to remote work places, the Wisconsin Legislature soon plans to do the same.