Lawyers should have a business plan and contingency financing in place to weather uncertain financial times that cannot be addressed with conventional strategic planning. State Bar of Wisconsin Law Practice Assistance Manager Christopher C. Shattuck and Courtney Searles, senior vice president and private banking regional manager for Johnson Financial Group, discuss best practices for business planning.

Sep. 01, 2021

Tune Up Your Practice at the Virtual Solo & Small Firm Conference

Everyone needs an occasional tune-up. The Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 28-30, will help you get the updates, tips, and legal information to keep the practice running smoothly, while earning up to 16.5 CLE credits.

Sep. 01, 2021

Legal Research: The Inside Scoop on Productivity Apps

There are effective and low-cost apps available that assist practitioners in finding every billable minute of their day.

Sep. 01, 2021

5 Tips: Business Succession Planning for Lawyers

To remain diligent, lawyers should understand the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules regarding lawyer succession, sale of a law firm, and client communications. State Bar of Wisconsin Law Practice Assistance Manager Christopher C. Shattuck and Dean R. Dietrich

Aug. 18, 2021

Trust Account Scams Increasingly Target Wisconsin Law Firms

Unfortunately, the latest scams targeting law firms aren't always obvious. Here are some real-world stories about scams that targeted Wisconsin lawyers – and the lessons we all can learn from them.

Aug. 18, 2021

Dilemma: Accepting Cryptocurrency as Payment

Pondering accepting bitcoin or other cryptocurrency for payment of client fees? Disciplinary rules do not prohibit a lawyer from accepting cryptocurrency as payment for legal fees, but the rules do impose certain requirements.

Jul. 21, 2021

'A Family Reunion': Virtual Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference Set for October

The 2021 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference (WSSFC) features a hybrid model, giving you the flexibility to choose the type of attendance that best fits your professional and personal needs.

Jul. 21, 2021

Honor Service to Solo and Small-firm Lawyers: Nominations for Lederer Award Due Sept. 10

Honor a leader in solo and small-firm practice: The State Bar of Wisconsin Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section is seeking nominations for their 2021 John Lederer Service Award. Nominations are due Sept. 10.

Jul. 21, 2021

'A Family Reunion': Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference Set for October

The 2021 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference (WSSFC) features a hybrid model, giving you the flexibility to choose the type of attendance that best fits your professional and personal needs.

Jul. 21, 2021

Honor Service to Solo and Small-firm Lawyers: Nominations for Lederer Award Due Sept. 10

Jul. 08, 2021

Small Business Lessons: You’ve Got Mail

What does a good romantic comedy have in common with running a small business? Stephanie Melnick talks about the lessons learned in the movie "You’ve Got Mail."

Jul. 07, 2021

When Your Client Asks ‘Should I Hire a Real Attorney?’

Attorneys practicing public interest law may frequently hear this question from a client. Kate Cook discusses ways to respond – and how that response can build a more trusting relationship with your client.

Jun. 17, 2021

Becoming a Certified Elder Law Attorney

Taking the exam to become a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) is a rigorous process. Greg Banchy discusses his experience becoming a CELA – and whether it is worth the time and effort.

Jun. 16, 2021

Ethical Dilemma: Is There a Duty to Correct an Error by a Court?

It happens: You spot an error made by the court in your client's case. Whether or not that error helps your client, must you inform the court of the error?

Jun. 04, 2021

Ethics: Court Appearances During the Pandemic

Withdrawal from representation is a viable alternative for lawyers who are concerned about their own medical conditions and the potential effects of COVID-19, says Dean Dietrich.

Jun. 04, 2021

Managing Risk: Technology Competence Is a Core Ethical Obligation

Tom Watson gives tips on competently using technology to reduce confidentiality breaches and other risky practice errors.

Jun. 04, 2021

Technology: What You Need to Know: Mandatory Appellate Court eFiling Begins July 1

Sheila Reiff and Marcia Vandercook explain appellate eFiling, which begins July 1 in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. If you're familiar with circuit court eFiling, you'll find the appellate eFiling system familiar and easy to use.

Jun. 04, 2021

Final Thought: What Do We Got on the Spacecraft That's Good?

During crises, lawyers should take a page from NASA. Instead of being overwhelmed by the negatives, Emily Kelchen urges figuring out what we already have that is good.

May 19, 2021

Ethics & Data Breaches: Chris Shattuck at AMC

Because of the sensitive information that law firms hold, they are often targets for data breaches. That's why it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest scams, says State Bar Law Practice Assistance Manager Christopher Shattuck.

May 14, 2021

What Brings You Joy? Taking Time for Self-care

Wisconsin lawyers share their tips for finding joy in the midst of a pandemic – and offer advice on building a strong foundation of self-care.

May 14, 2021

On Balance: The Secret to Lawyer Well-being

Julie Bonasso says there is not one source of feeling good, but there is a common path to finding well-being: looking within ourselves.

May 14, 2021

Ethics: Confidentiality Assured: State Bar Ethics, Practice411, and WisLAP

Dean Dietrich says calls to and from the State Bar of Wisconsin's ethics, practice management, and lawyers assistance programs are private and confidential.

May 14, 2021

Marketing: Follow Your Tug: 9 Lessons from an Accidental Entrepreneur

Are you unhappy about your current career path but nervous about going into a "great unknown"? Barbara Zabawa made the switch to solo practice; she offers tips to ease the journey.

May 14, 2021

Marketing: MS Exchange Security Flaws: 3 Takeaways

James Pearson explains that if your law firm uses an on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server, the firms' data, including that of clients, might be accessible to hackers.

May 05, 2021

Differentiation in a Digital World: Michele DeStefano at AMC

"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.

May 03, 2021

Minimize PSLF Payments by Maximizing Retirement Contributions

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.

Apr. 12, 2021

Working Remotely: What Are Your Ethical Obligations?

Although lawyers' work locations may have changed as a result of the pandemic, their professional responsibilities have not. Read new State Bar ethics opinion EF-21-02, which addresses the practical and ethical considerations of working remotely.

Apr. 12, 2021

Technology: Common Gaps in Business Insurance Coverage — and What to Do About It

For cyber insurance, different businesses face different risks based on how they use technology. Lora LoCoco and David Princeton provide ways lawyers can guide clients toward appropriate policies.

Apr. 12, 2021

Ethics: New Clients & Future Conflicts of Interest

Dean Dietrich says clients can waive conflicts of interest before they occur, but for the waiver to be effective, the client must understand the specific risks involved.

Apr. 12, 2021

Managing Risk: Scams and Hacks Version 2021

One activity not slowing down during the pandemic is online scamming and hacking. Tom Watson says law firms often are targets, but there are ways to reduce the risks.

Apr. 07, 2021

Top 10 Takeaways from the 2021 ABA TECHSHOW

State Bar Practice Management Advisor Christopher Shattuck shares insights from the 2021 annual ABA TECHSHOW, with practical tips on law firm technology.

Mar. 17, 2021

Dilemma: Law Firm Names When Named (Retired) Partner Practices Elsewhere

When a long-time partner retires, when is it OK to continue to use their name in the firm's name?

Mar. 10, 2021

A Primer: Crowdfunding for Legal Fees

This article addresses donation-based crowdfunding campaigns, which may provide financial resources for individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford legal services. The ethics rules do not disallow lawyers to crowdfund, but lawyers must proceed cautiously.

Mar. 10, 2021

20/20 Hindsight: 20 Legal Tech Trends

The author lists his top 20 developments in technology and innovation that, especially in legal practice, in our courts, and in our justice system generally, will see us into the future.

Mar. 10, 2021

Ethics: Using Client Testimonials on Websites

Dean Dietrich says lawyers must comply with professional ethics rules when deciding which information, such as client testimonials, to put on their websites.

Mar. 10, 2021

Solutions: Overcoming Language Barriers in Representation

Marisol González Castillo gives tips for ensuring clear, adequate communication with clients who are not fluent in English or any other languages spoken by their attorney.

Mar. 09, 2021

How Can I Get A Mentor?

Finding mentors is a critical part of starting a new attorney’s career. Tiara Oates offers tips on how to locate mentors and on nurturing the mentor/mentee relationship.

Feb. 17, 2021

The COVID Times: New Ethics Opinion Addresses Working Remotely

When working remotely, remember the big three: the duties of competence, communication, and confidentiality. A new ethics opinion provides guidance.

Feb. 17, 2021

New Ethics Opinion and Practical Considerations for Working Remotely

A new ethics opinion from the State Bar's Professional Ethics Committee provides guidance on the ethical implications of working remotely, and provides useful technical recommendations to stay compliant.

Feb. 09, 2021

What's Hot, What's Not: National Practice Trends 2021

Legal industry experts discuss national trends and COVID-19 impacts on law firm profitability, billing structures, remote work, recruiting and retaining legal talent, and more.

Feb. 09, 2021

What's Hot, What's Not: Wisconsin Practice Trends 2021

Five Wisconsin lawyers representing different geographic areas offer a snapshot of what they are experiencing amid a pandemic and what they anticipate their business to look like in the next few years.

Feb. 09, 2021

101: Backup Basics for Non-techies: Where to Start?

Anyone's computer data can disappear, accidentally or intentionally. Chad Post urges you to prepare for when (not if) this happens to you, by putting in place a backup system.

Feb. 09, 2021

Managing Risk: 2020's Top 5 Risky Practice Areas

Tom Watson says the practice area of estate, probate, and trust law drew the most malpractice claims in 2020. Use these data to reduce your malpractice risk in this and other practice areas in 2021.

Jan. 28, 2021

Supreme Court Extends Order Allowing Attorneys to Obtain 30 CLE Credits On-Demand through 2021

Attorneys can obtain up to 30 CLE credits "on-demand" through 2021, providing more stay-at-home options amidst the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Jan. 27, 2021

Hope and Grief in 2021: Where to Find Help

Grief can interfere with our ability to practice law, if not managed well. While 2020 was a significant year in many respects, it affected our ability to confront and manage grief. Amy Devine offers tips for managing grief post-2020, including in your lawpractice.

Jan. 11, 2021

New Year, New Office: Is the Future Virtual for Legal Practice?

The idea of adapting your legal practice to a virtual format is not a novel idea – and under COVID-19, is now a reality for many of us in the legal profession. But should it be a permanent move, post pandemic? Stephen Hegedus discusses the pros and cons of virtual and traditional offices.

Jan. 11, 2021

President's Message: Another COVID Lesson Learned: Disasters Do Happen

Kathy Brost reports that in 2019 her company tested its readiness for an unlikely pandemic. Little did they know. And that's the value of planning.

Jan. 11, 2021

Ethics: Email: No Personal Attacks

Dean Dietrich cautions that using email to attack others reflects poorly on you and the legal profession.

Jan. 11, 2021

Technology: Pick Your Winner: 2021 Smartphone Lineup

In the market for a new smartphone? James Pearson provides a handy comparison chart of the latest available smartphones to help with your purchase decision.

Jan. 11, 2021

Final Thought: If You Are Unhappy …

A colleague cannot recall another time in recent history when so many negative forces were working against us. And yet, our friend has reasons to hope.

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