News & Pubs Archive

Businesses negatively affected by COVID-19 might attempt to avoid contractual obligations, but not every contract can or should be negated. Clients should consider both the relevant contract-law issues and the potential harm to future business relationships.

The SECURE Act, enacted in late 2019, made significant changes to treatment of certain retirement accounts. Lawyers should become familiar with the Act now so as to advise clients to make appropriate changes to retirement and estate plans.

Whether or not mistreatment of an employee is unlawful, such conduct can have negative effects in the workplace. Taking action to prevent bullying and harassment promotes a positive work environment that benefits employers, staff, customers, and clients.

If it's true that "We're all in this together," then let's make certain we're doing what we can to help each other. Jill Kastner offers some ideas to do just that.

Larry Martin says the State Bar is here to support lawyers and state residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compared to a random approach in assigning opinion writing, Ryan Owens says data show that requiring the senior most justice in the majority to assign an opinion can enhance the clarity of the law.

While your legal advice is important in times of crisis, Kevin Palmersheim reminds that isn't the whole story. The intangible benefits you provide to clients also is essential, as is taking care of yourself.

Dean Dietrich says lawyers probably have an ethical obligation, at a minimum, to use AI tools such as public databases for research.

The Professional Ethics Committee discusses a lawyer's responsibilities when a grievance is filed against the lawyer.

Ben Wright interviews elder law practitioners about their work, the challenges and rewards of their chosen focus area, and their tips for getting started in the field.

Sharon Nelson and John Simek say Zoom is a good video conferencing solution for lawyers as long as they learn how to use it properly. Read how.

Kim Lechner says the legal profession is not immune from workplace violence. She urges colleagues and future lawyers to talk about the issue.

Here are the Communications Committee's annual top 2019 articles, recognizing writing excellence in Wisconsin Lawyer articles. The top article receives the Hon. Charles Dunn Author Award.

Interesting facts, trends, tips, and bytes in the news.

Want to review a book? Request one from us!

In this column, Prof. Daniel Blinka and Prof. Thomas Hammer summarize all decisions of the Wisconsin Supreme Court (except those involving lawyer or judicial discipline).

In this column, Prof. Daniel D. Blinka and Prof. Thomas J. Hammer summarize select published opinions of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

The Office of Lawyer Regulation, an agency of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, provides discipline summaries for educational purposes.

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A day does not go by without new, often menacing, developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. State and federal governments have strong tools to attempt to counter the pandemic, but individuals retain some due-process protections against potential overreach by elected and appointed officials.