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No matter how new the technology is regarding information relating to the representation of a client, it remains important that lawyers carefully consider how client information is stored and used internally – the rule and a lawyer's duties remain the same, no matter which technology is used.

Neonics are chemicals often used to protect corn and soybeans in Wisconsin from insects. Like many chemicals, they pose contamination threats to the environment. This article considers the operation of administrative law in the context of regulation of neonics in Wisconsin.

James Pearson provides 15 tips to cut down on screen time and other uses of technology to reduce information overload.

A conversation on the transformative impact of AI on legal research, with Damien Riehl from vLex.

Rapid advancement of generative AI tools are reshaping the legal practice, and law firms are facing a fundamental challenge to their traditional business model. Srishti Ponnala discusses how firms using AI can develop their practice and compensation models to thrive in this new era of legal practice.

The prosecution of Luigi Mangione, charged with murdering a health insurance company executive in New York City in December, is an opportunity to bring into public view scientific critiques of pattern matching relative to firearms evidence.

Because employees are involved in more than 80% of successful cybersecurity attacks, law firms must require regular, mandatory training for all employees. Sharon Nelson, John Simek, and Michael Maschke explain.

No one knows with any certainty how generative artificial intelligence will affect legal practice in 2025, but existing trends will likely continue. Here are the most significant trends.

Kristopher Turner provides tips to navigate a world where images, video, and audio can easily deceive anyone, including crime victims, witnesses, lawyers, jurors, and judges.

James Pearson highlights artificial intelligence, overall battery life and performance, storage, price, and screen specifications of the year's top smartphone manufacturers: Apple, Google, Samsung, and Motorola.

Judge Jean Kies says generative artificial intelligence technology creates opportunities but also risks, and judges and lawyers must consider how to guide and potentially limit its use because of effects on case outcomes.

Accurate and reliable forensic science plays a critical role in the pursuit of justice. The Forensic Justice Institute, held online on Jan. 24, 2025, helps lawyers understand scientific evidence and its application in the courtroom.

This is the second of a two-part article on the discoverability and admissibility of artificial intelligence (AI) data. This part addresses the evidentiary issues that accompany the admissibility of AI and provides tips for attorneys and judges.

Ryan Billings came up with a mnemonic device as an ethics checklist for ever-changing GenAI tools. Consider the acronym SUBVERT.

Bonnie Shucha offers advice for approaching generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in legal practice, examines types of GenAI tools and key policy considerations, and provides a step-by-step approach to building competence.

It's the time of year when you treat yourself (or others) to new high-tech gadgets. Here are a few of Mike Eichacker's recommendations.

State Bar members know Fastcase as a legal research tool, accessible as a member benefit. Now Fastcase users have access to enhanced artificial intelligence through a merger with a global leader in legal intelligence, vLex Group.

People expect your law firm to be available digitally. Stacey Schlemmer, a partner with Peterson, Berk & Cross SC in Green Bay, discusses the critical role of digital marketing for law firms, emphasizing the need for a strong online presence.

In this first of two articles, the authors introduce readers to artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of civil litigation. Discovery should always be conducted with a view toward admissibility of evidence for summary-judgment and trial purposes, and AI-based evidence poses special challenges that lawyers must consider.

Many people do not understand what copyrights are or how they function. The authors provide information to guide lawyers as they help clients understand what the copyright system is, how it works, and how to access the U.S. Copyright Office.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) may revolutionize many aspects of legal practice. However, as Brent Hoeft cautions, using GenAI also raises ethical and professional considerations.

Matthew Beier explains that attorneys have a professional obligation to learn what artificial intelligence is and when and how to use it responsibly.

James Pearson offers cybersecurity suggestions for safeguarding data and devices regardless of staff members' locations.

A virtual assistant can help with online marketing. Emily Kelchen identifies a few tasks you can tackle while testing artificial intelligence.

If you missed this year's WSSFC, session replays are available at marketplace.wisbar.org. Plan to attend in 2025; Nicholas Watt says you won't regret it.

To enhance judicial security and privacy, the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Director of State Courts Office recently implemented new protections for current and former judicial officers.

Find out more about the 2024 recipient of the John Lederer Distinguished Service Award from the State Bar of Wisconsin's Solo, Small Firm & General Practice Section.

Proof, a leading provider of online notarization services, is now an affinity program of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about Proof and its services for State Bar members.

Getting reliable support can be a game-changer for solo and small firm attorneys. Jody Cooper, a solo practitioner, discusses how to find support that works for you.

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) can save time and drudgery, when used correctly in your practice. Sarah Peterson explains the ethical considerations.

The Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference returns to the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells in October. Learn answers to questions about running your small, medium, or solo-sized firm.

Will AI replace lawyers? That's one of the questions explored in the latest episode of the Bottom Up podcast. Hiriam Bradley, an attorney specializing in privacy and technology law, shares his insights.

Nextpoint, which offers secure e-discovery and transcript management software, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about Nextpoint and the discount offered for users who are State Bar members.

To better protect privacy and give members more control over personal information, the State Bar is introducing enhanced security protocols.

Questions on e-signatures, online notarizations, using AI in legal research, and cybersecurity? Get answers at the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference in October. Reserve your spot now for the best rates.

This article offers research tips for jump-starting legal research and provides insights on the use of artificial intelligence in legal research and drafting as well as related ethical considerations.

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 2024 John Lederer Service Award. Nominations are due Sept. 6.

Stacie Rosenzweig says a new ABA ethics opinion about lawyers' responsibilities while seeking information and advice about client matters is relevant despite the decades’ old technology underlying electronic lists (listservs).

Regularly reviewing your online presence can help protect you from various threats, including phishing scams, ransomware, and identity theft. James Pearson gives tips on how to clean up your online data.

Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Scott Schlegel has some advice for his colleagues who are nervous about using AI in their courthouses.

AI's rapid advance has big implications for the legal system. State bar associations are beginning to take notice.

Morphic, which helps lawyers create a professional online presence, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about this platform and the discount offered for users who are State Bar members.

Advancements in communication technology have increased both choices and challenges, including concerns about privacy and security. James Pearson explains.

Stephen Kelley reports that the Wisconsin Court System's eFiling system, the fee for which increased by $15 on May 1, 2024, remains efficient, effective, and secure.

Gard Strother recounts some of the technology changes he's experienced that have allowed courts and lawyers to make the judicial system operate more efficiently and conveniently.

In rural Wisconsin, attorneys face inadequate access to resources and overburdened calendars. Jody L. Cooper discusses how lawyers can harness the power of remote paralegals.

This article examines three cases involving constitutional issues related to the searches of digital devices – issues that might soon be taken up by Wisconsin courts.

Evolution in wearables and connectivity is changing the criminal justice landscape and maintaining awareness can be the difference between conviction and acquittal, write Sara Waldschmidt and Joy Hammond.

Louisiana Appeals Court Judge Scott Schlegel and Rutgers Law Professor David Kemp are using artificial intelligence to blaze new trails in the legal industry.

James Pearson provides tips for recognizing and preventing scams used to obtain personal and work-related data, money, or both.

How is AI being incorporated into the legal profession? Brent Hoeft, State Bar practice management advisor, reports what he found at ABA TECHSHOW.

James Pearson provides suggestions for strengthening the systems for housing law firm data.

On Feb. 6, 2024, the State Bar of Wisconsin's Professional Ethics Committee issued Opinion EF-24-01, discussing the legal and ethical issues of recording others without disclosure or consent. Ethics counsel Timothy Pierce explains.

A variety of approaches, from using cloud-based customer relationship management software and generative AI programs to setting up global service centers outside the U.S., can help in-house counsel better serve clients and customers.

AI is bright and shiny; it is also lethal to law firm security. Sharon Nelson, John Simek, and Michael Maschke provide tips to use AI safely.

Matt Beier explains that a key aspect of risk management for in-house counsel is ensuring that products and services provided by third-party technology vendors are appropriate, cost effective, and secure for the organization.

Brent Hoeft is keeping an eye on developments around artificial intelligence tools, cybersecurity threats, and succession planning for solo practice and small firm lawyers in 2024.

Practical and ethical considerations are paramount when using artificial intelligence to help draft transactional documents.

A fraudulent email scam is currently targeting State Bar of Wisconsin members. A third-party entity has registered a deceptive domain, member-wisbar.org, which closely mimics the State Bar’s official domain. This entity is sending emails containing malicious attachments, masquerading as communications from the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul discusses the annual State Crime Lab Report and a multistate lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook.

The Computer Center, offering IT services and security for solo and small firms and businesses, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about their services and the discount program offered for State Bar members.

The use of genetic-genealogy test results by law enforcement agencies and other investigators to attempt to identify criminal suspects is regarded by many people as positive, but scientific limitations and privacy-related legal and ethical concerns abound

AG Josh Kaul and Jeff Brown discuss the annual State Crime Lab Report and a multi-state lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

James Pearson highlights key security aspects, overall performance, and battery life of the year's top smartphone manufacturers: Apple, Google, Samsung, and Motorola.

Kraft Kennedy, a legal IT management and consulting firm, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about the firm and the discount offered for users who are State Bar members.

The issues surrounding searches for digital evidence are changing as rapidly as the underlying technology. Jennifer Granick, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, shares insights from the upcoming Forensic Justice Institute.

It's the time of year when you treat yourself (or others) to new high-tech gadgets. Here are a few of Mike Eichacker's recommendations.

Legal blogging is increasingly becoming essential for attorneys looking to broaden their reach and make their mark. Wisconsin lawyers share their perspective on blogging as a career development tool.

The legal system is struggling to keep up with advances in genetic genealogy, says Bicka Barlow, an attorney and forensic consultant scheduled to speak at the Forensic Justice Institute on Jan. 19, 2024.

Smokeball, a cloud-based legal practice management software, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about this platform and the discount offered for users who are State Bar members.

Matt Beier says there's no excuse for lawyers to miss deadlines in civil litigation.

A competition inspired by the tech sector aims to spark ideas to boost diversity at Wisconsin law firms.

Advances in technology make it easier to communicate from everywhere. Stacie Rosenzweig offers tips to prevent exposing confidential client information to unintended audiences.

The State Bar of Wisconsin Professional Ethics Committee has issued Opinion EF-23-01, discussing whether and how lawyers might ethically respond to criticism posted in online forums.

Recent changes to the State Bar of Wisconsin’s email security system to protect against spam and fraud may be causing the delay or rejection of emails sent to State Bar email addresses. Members and the public must update their email security settings to ensure emails are recognized as coming from a valid source.

As of July 1, 2023, lawyers can now accept credit card and electronic payments. A free CLE program from the Office of Lawyer Regulation helps you learn more about the trust account amendments to SCR 20:1.15 and trust account management generally. Register by Sept. 18, 2023.

Interested in finding out how AI can boost your practice? Attend Artificial Intelligence for Senior Lawyers, a webcast seminar from State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE and the State Bar Senior Lawyers Division.

Lawyers who use artificial intelligence to write work-related documents must oversee the process and review the results.

Advances in generative AI technology have many attorneys questioning how the legal field will survive. The solution, says John Fuller, is to embrace it.

AI-generated deepfake content is already being used in political campaigns, and is starting to have an impact on various areas of law – and potentially on your client’s case. How can you find out how to recognize its use?

Rocket Matter, practice management software built for legal professionals, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about this software and the discount offered for users who are State Bar members.

CosmoLex, part of the ProfitSolv suite of products, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin, and offers one platform for your law firm’s legal and business accounting needs. State Bar members receive a discount when working with Cosmolex.

TimeSolv, a time and billing platform built for legal professionals, is now in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin. Learn more about this platform and the discount offered for users who are State Bar members.

All lawyers should periodically explore new products and technology, including those that use artificial intelligence. Christopher Shattuck says many tools will pay for themselves by opening up time for additional billable work.

Do you practice health password hygiene? Most people don't – but a password manager can help you protect the security of your clients' information. Learn more about choosing and using a password manager.

Since Open AI released ChatGPT in November 2022, a wave of astonishment, intrigue, and concern has followed as the technology advances. The legal profession will ultimately benefit from its potential to scale efficiency and improve finished products, but it’s unlikely that robots will soon replace lawyers, says David S. Blinka.

Lawyers advising businesses in search of seed money from "small" investors (individuals and entities with relatively low amounts at their disposal) must be aware of federal and Wisconsin laws regarding crowdfunding.

The ABA TECHSHOW returned to in-person in March this year. Michael Eichacker talks about the latest in technology of interest to legal professionals.

A recently issued ABA Formal Ethics Opinion provides further guidance for Wisconsin on whether replying to an email from opposing counsel that includes opposing counsel's client could violate ethics rules.

Sharon Nelson, John Simek, and Michael Maschke explain the dark web – what it is, how it is used and by whom, and how to access it. Many lawyers are curious about the dark web and what evidence may be available there for their cases. But the authors' recommendation to attorneys is clear: Don't access it.

The State Bar is launching a new cookie management tool that provides a clear and accessible way for you to control your data settings when visiting the organization's websites.

Two primary goals of the justice system are to protect individuals' rights and resolve disputes. Threats and violence to court system employees pose a special danger to society at large. The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s task force on court security will study and make recommendations about improving security in county courthouses and for active and reserve judges.

Practice management advisor Christopher Shattuck explains the technology behind ChatGPT, what it can and cannot do, and why he thinks the tool will not replace human lawyers. Ethics counsel Aviva Kaiser discusses the professional ethics rules implicated by use of the ChatGPT tool.

Lawyers have a duty to protect their client's confidential information. Here are ways to implement security measures to safeguard data from unauthorized disclosure.

Almost everyone has a cell phone, and many people use their phones even when doing so is not advisable. Cell phones hold a great deal of personal data that could be relevant in any legal proceeding. Civil litigators might find much relevant evidence in the phones of parties and others involved in their cases.

This article examines how data breaches harm, how courts grapple with them, and how the Supreme Court's decision in Transunion v. Ramirez may shape what harms qualify as "concrete" under Article III.

This year's smartphone lineup, compiled by James Pearson, reveals a focus on camera quality, larger screens, better battery life, and a shift away from offering free phones.

Blogging and practice-management software are two trends you can't afford to ignore.

Threats against the legal community are rising, an unfortunate reality. Here are three tips to help you make your home more secure, according to ADT Custom Home Services. As a new affinity partner with the State Bar of Wisconsin, ADT now offers discounts on home security systems for State Bar members.

From finding out if your information has been in a data breach to helping manage your phone systems, the State Bar of Wisconsin Practice411 elist gives lawyers tips on managing their practice. Here are its top tips from 2022.

Criminal defense attorney Jessa Nicholson Goetz makes it a habit to discuss the important issues in a case during jury selection, long before she gives her closing argument.

Firearm identification evidence is undergoing heightened scrutiny, according to Kristen McGowan, Ph.D.

To protect the nation's water supply, in 2021 Congress enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. One goal of the Act is to ensure that Americans in disadvantaged communities receive priority for financial assistance for water infrastructure. This article discusses the interpretation of the term "disadvantaged communities" as used in the Act and analyzes Wisconsin's approach to funding water infrastructure. 95 Wis. Law. 8 (Dec. 2022)

Christopher Shattuck has gift ideas to make life easier while working or relaxing, promote health and wellness, or just to smile about. 95 Wis. Law. 35 (Dec. 2022)

Online chat boxes offer consumers immediacy when contacting a lawyer. But, Dean Dietrich says, using them also carries ethical duties owed to potential clients, including confidentiality, and the potential risk of conflicts of interest for the lawyer or law firm. 95 Wis. Law. 47 (Dec. 2022)

Speakers at the second annual Forensic Justice Institute will discuss the emerging science of criminal forensics.

Illinois is among the states attempting to regulate business use and handling of biometric identifiers. Although Illinois has not attempted to regulate out-of-state biometric information, skilled lawyers have extended liability to businesses outside Illinois – including in Wisconsin. 95 Wis. Law. 16 (November 2022)

These forward thinkers are advancing the legal profession and serving the public. This year we honor Lifetime Innovator Michael Rust and other lawyers whose innovations focus on technology and access. 95 Wis. Law. 34 (November 2022)

Roughly four in five cyber breaches emanate from organized crime. Sharon Nelson, John Simek, and Michael Maschke reveal the report's highlights.

Many water quality problems exist because a substance that was unknown or seemed harmless decades ago now is recognized as a pollutant. In the 21st century, state legislators and regulators and nongovernmental entities have devised ways to prevent or minimize pollution that previously was unfettered.

Cyber crime hasn't slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew Beier provides tips for remaining aware of risk levels and preventing and recovering from computer crimes.

A nontrivial number of attorneys are failing to take the necessary steps to “opt in” to the mandatory court of appeals eFiling system. This issue and others are addressed by the Judicial Council’s Appellate Practice Committee through proposed rules and outreach to the bar.

Law firms and lawyers experiencing cybersecurity incidents have both legal and ethical obligations to protect client data and inform clients of potential exposure. Kate Campbell and Christopher Shattuck provide tips to help you navigate a cybersecurity breach.

Need a solution for your cybersecurity insurance needs? HSB Total Cyber offers comprehensive cyber insurance solutions that can help you and your firm prepare for a cyberattack or data breach. r of Wisconsin.

To effectively manage stormwater quantity and quality, we need to do so in the context of watersheds and hydrologic processes rather than as a series of discrete issues and programs.

The author delves into and suggests how to harmonize law, technology, and democracy, especially as they relate to personal freedoms enshrined in the U.S. and state constitutions and as balanced with the public welfare.

Most data breaches can be avoided if users ensure that hardware, software, and communication encryption protocols are in place. Michael Eichacker, James Pearson, and Christopher Shattuck provide tips to protect your law firm and clients.

The State Bar of Wisconsin is seeking nominations for the 2022 Wisconsin Legal Innovator awards. The "That's a Fine Idea: Legal Innovation Wisconsin" initiative, now in its 9th year, has uncovered some of Wisconsin's greatest legal innovators.

Wisconsin has the third highest number of natural lakes of U.S. states but keeping these and other water resources clean and equitably available for all users is a challenge that increases by the day. This overview presents the basics of Wisconsin's water laws and the issues that are catalysts for disputes about water use, which we will explore in a series of articles in 2022.

To better represent clients, criminal defense lawyers should learn about the types of digital evidence that may reside on clients' mobile technology devices and how the evidence can be accessed and preserved.

Jeff Glazer looks at some of the ways in which decentralization and automation are putting strains on the legal frameworks that structure property ownership, organization, and securities in this part 2 of a two-part series about digital currency systems.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for remote authorization technology has been in demand. eNotaryLog, on the list of approved providers by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, now offers discounts to State Bar of Wisconsin members.

Federal legislators and regulators are responding to restrictions on consumers' right to repair vehicles and other products.

Get tips to better manage your files and keep them secure. State Bar Law Practice Assistance Manager Christopher Shattuck shares helpful practice management tips and legal technology apps that can increase efficiencies in law firms.

How has technology such as the algorithm affected human choice, especially in areas such as economics, politics, and social policy? The concept of human choice is baked into the social contracts of democracies and more specifically into the U.S. Constitution. The author argues that algorithms should augment human intelligence, not replace it.

Three new flow charts can help you determine which trust accounts should be used to process the varying forms and types of payments from clients.

The shift to virtual practice has forced Wisconsin lawyers to confront novel ethics issues.

Can we host a link for an outside business on our website and permit the outside business to link to our firm?

In Part 1, Jeff Glazer demystifies and explains cryptocurrency and blockchains: what they are, how they work, and how they're funded. In Part 2, he'll explore the legal issues surrounding these digital currency systems.

State Bar staff photographer Shannon Green offers tips to help you get a free, professional-quality headshot using only your smartphone – and a friend.

Presenters discussed flaws in commonly accepted areas of forensic science and, explored the differences between law and science, and spoke movingly from personal experience about the costs of wrongful convictions.

The science behind forensic evidence is only one front in the battle against wrongful convictions. Another is the relationship between technology and civil liberties, says Elizabeth Daniel Vasquez, special forensic science counsel at Brooklyn Defender Services.

Studying how the human brain works has helped scientists learn more about decision-making. Ralph Weber presents some findings and related tips that are especially relevant for lawyers.

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.

From providing tips to protect your firm from ransomware to answers to substantive law questions, the State Bar of Wisconsin's Practice411 elist offered useful practice information to its members in 2021.

Personal attacks on social media might not subject the posting lawyer to professional discipline, but Dean Dietrich warns they can reflect poorly on the lawyer and on the legal community.

Christopher Shattuck has gift ideas to make life easier while working or relaxing, promote health and wellness, or just to smile about, all without breaking the bank.

False and contaminated confessions, memory distrust and coercive police interviewing tactics can lead to false confessions and miscarriages of justice, according to speakers at the upcoming Forensic Justice Institute.

The State Bar of Wisconsin has received reports of a Business Email Compromise scam in which scammers impersonate members of the State Bar’s leadership team and request help in making financial transactions.

Forensic Justice Institute presenter Dave Thompson discusses best practices for criminal interviews.

A petition filed with the Wisconsin Supreme Court would create a permanent rule for remote depositions.

As technology continues to evolve, Dean Dietrich says lawyers need not be computer experts, but they must understand the fundamentals of that technology, particularly regarding security.

James Pearson reviews five apps that will speed up routine business-management tasks, so you can focus your time and effort on clients' cases.

Emil Ovbiagele warns that full-time remote work policies might have unintended consequences on the long-term career development and well-being of new lawyers.

A federal judge in California last week gave preliminary approval to a national $85 million agreement to settle lawsuits filed against Zoom Video Communications.

Meet these risk takers who are advancing the legal profession and serving the public with perseverance, creative thinking, and big ideas in a year of unusual events. This year we honor Lifetime Innovator Keith Findley and other lawyers whose innovations focus on criminal law, health equity, and a legal app.

For the second year in a row, meeting the challenges posed by the virtual practice of law was the main topic of discussion at the Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference hosted by the State Bar.

If you are transitioning to remote work or want to give your law firm's remote technology a checkup, you'll want to attend the upcoming session, "Upping your Remote Office Game: Prepping Your Firm to Be Flexible," taking place at the virtual Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference, Oct. 28-30.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

More than 40 blogs are now on WisLawNOW, creating content in different practice areas and providing timely information on legal developments. Are you on the list?

In this video interview, Stacie Rosenzweig – an attorney with Halling & Cayo S.C. – discusses legal blogging, how she got started, and what keeps her going.

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.

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.

In this video interview, Stacie Rosenzweig – an attorney with Halling & Cayo S.C. – discusses legal blogging, how she got started, and what keeps her going.

More than 40 blogs are now on WisLawNOW, creating content in different practice areas and providing timely information on legal developments. Are you on the list?

In football, often the best defense is a good offense – protect the ball, protect your quarterback. Christopher Shattuck says this axiom is also true when it comes to protecting your sensitive data.

As a new lawyer, you face the challenges of transitioning from law school to practice. Where do you turn? Riley Leonard shares four resources he used to succeed at his first tasks as a young lawyer.

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

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.

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.

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.

"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.

Who is embracing current challenges, looking for opportunities to do it better? Tell us about the people and ideas that are changing Wisconsin's legal landscape.

Lawyers and judges have an obligation to speak truth and combat disinformation that targets the justice system. The author provides suggestions for how to do so.

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.

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

Privacy Laws are fast changing, requiring companies to frequently adapt their web presence and online security schemes. Eric A. Johnson discusses how to help business clients keep their customer data safe.

The pandemic forced the court system to quickly adapt to videoconferencing technology to keep the system running. Now, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is considering a petition to clarify the continued use of videoconferencing, even after COVID-19.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

The merger of Fastcase and Casemaker is good news for attorneys who use their platforms. Learn more about the practical implications of the merger, what's new in Fastcase, and where to find the publicly available Wisconsin Jury Instructions.

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

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.

Stymied by a broken link, or need to look at older copies of local ordinances or a website that has disappeared? With records going back to 1996, the Wayback Machine is the first place to look for old website content.

Lawyers have raised the question on whether a lawyer's participation in Local Services Ads on Google is consistent with the lawyer's duty of confidentiality.

Learn law firm marketing tips from practice management experts from across the country – who are panelists on the upcoming virtual Lawyer Marketing & Networking Expo on Jan. 13.

The amount of solar energy being constructed in Wisconsin is increasing, thanks primarily to two factors: the rapidly declining costs of manufacturing solar panels and the availability of federal tax incentives.

Christopher Shattuck and Spencer Smith provide tips for building and maintaining traffic to your firm's website, which is more important than ever during the pandemic.

During this pandemic, Christopher Shattuck hopes lawyers' gift-giving will support local businesses and nonprofits that are dealing with the financial effects of COVID-19.

Mark Goldstein believes some COVID-19-era innovations and realizations will serve us for years to come. With them come some interesting new questions.

Learn about the State Bar's new Pro Bono Portal and get a tutorial on how to use it from State Bar Pro Bono Coordinator Jeff Brown.

Launched in 2000, HeinOnline is now the world's largest image-based legal research database. Wisconsin State Law Librarian Amy Crowder discusses what's new, gives a tour of some of its collections, and outlines where to find tips for using the database.

Interested in pro bono work? The new State Bar Pro Bono Portal is an online, centralized portal that makes it easy to find opportunities in your particular area of law. Check it out beginning Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020.

For the first time ever, Kathy Brost contemplated actually being able to work in Greater Wisconsin with the use of technology. The legal work is there, but there are too few attorneys to do it.

Chris Shattuck provides useful marketing methods to help you attract new clients and retain existing ones without breaking the bank.

Meet this year's Wisconsin Legal Innovators – forward thinkers all. Amid this year's challenges, they put in place creative solutions to address a range of issues affecting the public's access to justice.

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 preservation of electronically stored information can be expensive, time-consuming, and amenable to spoliation claims and accusations of unethical conduct. Here is a refresher of lawyer's obligations under Wisconsin's proportionality standard, and tips for efficient preservation practices that are proportional to the needs of a given case.

Kathy Brost has previewed the new virtual format and offerings for this year's Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, and she's impressed!

Remote hearings offer survivors of violence a new tool for accessing the justice system. The authors provide tips to help clients prepare for their hearings.

Owen Byrd says using legal analytics to access data-driven insights about trends in litigation and the behaviors of particular judges, parties, and opposing counsel gives smaller firms a competitive edge.

How is your marketing strategy during COVID-19? Learn how to leverage the internet to market your practice to the clients you want to attract.

Solo attorney and law firm technology consultant Brent Hoeft says cybersecurity threats such as phishing scams and ransomeware have something in common: they look for human vulnerability to find their gateway of opportunity.

If you are a solo or small firm attorney, you understand how technology can create efficiencies in your law practice. But do you understand how to implement the technology? Is there technology you could be using that you don't know about?

This year has had its share of ups and downs. If you've lost your passion for practicing law, find out how to reignite your practice at the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference. Reserve your spot and join the conversation on Oct. 28-30, 2020.

Knowing the pitfalls and opportunities in advance can help you and your client have a less stressful experience, and enable the court to function efficiently under these new circumstances.

WisLawNOW is the State Bar's new online community of Wisconsin legal bloggers.

At the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference on Oct. 28-30, you'll be able to get your CLE credits, browse the vendor hall, network with colleagues, and have your chance to win prizes – all while social distancing at work or home.

State Bar of Wisconsin members receive a LexBlog 20 blog at no cost for six months, and then $39.99/month thereafter with no setup fee. That’s nearly $240 in savings!

Honor a leader in solo and small-firm practice: We are seeking nominations for the 2020 John Lederer Service Award. Nominations are due Sept. 11.

What's the best way to stay on top of new developments in the law? Law librarian Laura Olsen provides tips and resources on a great way to stay up to date – using push-technology alerting and tracking tools.

Chad Post explains how end-to-end service providers use mathematically linked keys to provide an extra level of security to protect users' data.

Who is embracing current challenges, looking for opportunities to do it better? Tell us about the people and ideas that are changing Wisconsin's legal landscape.

How do business and organizational managers manage a remote workforce? In this article, Melodie Wiseman – who has managed remote workers for nearly a decade, provides tips.

Using a drone can land your client in legal trouble. Law librarian Carol Schmitt lists the resources to help you research the issues and current status of drone laws in Wisconsin and the U.S.

For Theresa Elliott and the Professional Development team, the new world of social distancing has changed forever how the State Bar delivers information – and how Wisconsin lawyers are adapting to remote learning.

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

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.

In this article, mediator and former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Richard Sankovitz provides tips on conducting mediations remotely.

Everyone is tackling the challenges of working remotely. The State Bar is offering assistance via a new partner: Identillect Technologies, to help you keep your email secure.

The State Bar is hosting a number of free virtual town hall meetings to let members in different practice areas connect and discuss common questions and issues, as well as work through practice management and technology issues.

While Google is the dominant search engine choice, it is not the only one available. Law librarian Bev Butula guides you through a menu of alternate search engines that can help you with your legal research.

With the recent move of 3D construction printing out of the research labs and onto construction jobsites, there is a disconnect between the available technology and construction law. Bryan Kroes discusses the future of 3D printing and construction law.

Some states, such as Utah, are already experimenting in the "regulatory sandbox" to find innovative solutions to access to justice.

Managing cyber threats is an ever-evolving facet of law practice today. Find out more about what to watch out for in 2020, and where to turn for help.

Legal industry experts highlight national trends, including business development, meeting client needs, recruiting talent, and technology. Wisconsin lawyers can use this information to build momentum in 2020.

Wisconsin lawyers talk about how the economy is affecting their practices and how they're meeting those challenges, whether by taking on new roles or practice areas, streamlining practice management procedures, or better communicating their value to clients.

In legal technology, it was a decade of tumult and upheaval, bringing changes that will forever transform the practice of law. Here are the most significant developments.

Chad Post gives tips on the remedies available in civil court to a victim of nonconsensual pornography.

Lori Kannenberg Dorn provides tips for using statistics, such as case filing and resolution data, to make decisions about law firm business development.

Aly Lynch compares the most well-known smartphone models and some lesser-known rivals competing for consumers' attention.

From providing tips on protecting your privacy to avoiding scams, the State Bar of Wisconsin's law office management Practice411 elist offered useful practice information in 2019. Here they are, all in one place.

Chris Shattuck provides gift ideas that can make life easier, better, or tastier for the recipient – or you.

Social media is not just for socializing; it can be a robust tool for legal research. Find out what you need to know about using social media for legal research and to stay abreast of legal developments.

Larry Bodine offers six proven best practices of blogging to get new business.

Roy Greenberg describes ways to make the process of switching to a new computer smoother and relatively quick while reducing downtime and the risks of losing data.

Who are Wisconsin's innovators? The "That's a Fine Idea: Legal Innovation Wisconsin" initiative spotlights these risk takers who advance the legal profession with perseverance, creative thinking, and big ideas.

'Wisconsin Lawyer' magazine and its previous iterations are now part of the HeinOnline digital archive that includes issues dating back to 1927.

As the World Series heats up, attorney and technology guru Jeff Krause threw fastballs at the Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference, explaining how the "Moneyball" concept can help law firms see things differently, with data.

Chris Shattuck provides ways to reduce the likelihood of an attack and to be ready to respond quickly if an incursion is successful.

Law firms should continually review cybersecurity practices to ensure the firm's protocols are keeping up with cybersecurity threats.

The scams that target lawyers and trust fund accounts are evolving – are you prepared? Learn more about the latest in scams and gain tips to avoid being the next victim.

What do you need to enhance your practice? Learn tips and insights for your solo or small-firm practice at the 2019 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 24-26 in Wisconsin Dells.

Learn tips and tricks to maximize your results with Google Scholar. Law librarian Beverly G. Butula helps you make the most of this free resource in an upcoming, one-hour CLE seminar, Legal Research Using Innovative Google Methods, from the State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE®.

Learn tips and tricks to enhance your solo or small-firm practice at the 2019 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 24-26 in Wisconsin Dells.

Researching archived legal information can provide useful insight into discovering what the law was at a set point in time. Law librarian Carol Hassler gives tips and links for finding archived legal material for your research needs.

In the 21st century, figuring out "who done it" often necessitates determining the identity of the person who most often used a particular electronic device. Learn the basics here.

One type of insurance will not cover your law firm for all occurrences. Chris Shattuck says you may need to supplement your current coverage.

Solo and small-firm lawyers, who is your go-to colleague for your most pressing questions? Nominate a solo or small-firm lawyer for the 2019 John Lederer Service Award. Nominations are due Aug. 19.

The 2018 Farm Bill's reforms, technology investments, and rural-to-urban diversification provisions will stir up new business for strapped farmers and emerging entrepreneurs. The bill also presents opportunity for Wisconsin lawyers who represent such clients.

Tom Watson says technology and practice management systems can help you avoid administrative errors – if you know how to use them.

Dorothy Rausa provides seven simple concepts to take your law firm’s social media performance to the next level.

The Fifth Annual list of Wisconsin law blogs shows lawyers continue to blog on developments in niche areas, providing a primary source of legal information.

Do you start your legal research with Google? Law librarian Bev Butula offers hints and tips to sharpen your research skills in this introduction to free research on Google Scholar.

As we begin our search for 2019 Wisconsin Legal Innovators, previous winners encourage the legal profession to celebrate those good ideas by nominating the next class of innovators.

Ditch the bells and whistles. Instead, Larry Bodine says craft a website that gives potential clients information, relief, and hope.

State Bar Practice Management Advisor Christopher Shattuck shares insights from the 2019 annual ABA Techshow, with practical tips on technology that can help lawyers with client relationship management and avoiding phishing attacks.

Aviva Kaiser and Christopher Shattuck advise litigators how to proceed in light of recent warnings from federal courts about use of third-party software services.

Legal research AI tools can help you do routine work that can then free up your time to work on more complex tasks that an AI can't do.

Assistive technology is becoming more prevalent and accepted in the workplace. Eric Meier discusses some of the latest technology and legal considerations surrounding the employee data that is captured by wearable technology.

A national legal tech expert highlights the most important developments in 2018, from analytics and artificial intelligence to legal research, the ethics of using technology, and access to justice issues. These developments create the momentum for an interesting year ahead.

Chris Rogers urges lawyers to take the lead in using technology innovations to create opportunities and growth.

Whether to accept online payments is no longer a question. Amy Mann gives the whys and hows for reducing friction in billing and payments processes.

Tom Watson reminds lawyers to protect against the inevitable risks posed by hacking, phishing, ransomware, and other dangers to computer security.

In November 2018, Sarah Zylstra warned lawyers filing appellate briefs that the Wisconsin Court of Appeals computer system was reordering the record, making the record identifications in the clerk of circuit court's certification incorrect. The issue has been fixed for records transmitted on or after Dec. 21, 2018, says Zylstra.

Law firm websites allow lawyers to stand out from the crowd, help attract potential clients and keep existing ones. Is your law firm website shining bright?

As the legal profession continues its move to the cloud, law practice management software simplifies and streamlines office processes. Learn how to choose the right software for your practice.

Aly Lynch compares the most well-known smartphone models and some lesser-known rivals competing for consumers' attention.

Aviva Meridian Kaiser examines a recent ABA opinion guiding lawyers' ethical duties and responses in case of emergencies.

Autonomous vehicles could be transformative in meeting the mobility needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities. But the reality is still a future away.

The ABA TECHSHOW Conference and EXPO is where lawyers, legal professionals, and technology all come together. For three days, attendees learn about the most useful and practical technologies available – get ahead of the game with discounted passes to this Chicago event.

As the legal profession continues its move to the cloud, law practice management software simplifies and streamlines office processes. Learn how to choose the right software for your practice.

Christopher Shattuck lists some high- and low-tech gift items that can make life easier or better.

Paula Davis-Laack says a survey of young adults shows 46 percent would rather break a bone than their phone – and many of the other 54 percent agonized about their preference to break a phone. Ouch!

Cyber insurance is one more way to protect law firms from data breaches, says Tom Widman, president and CEO of Identity Fraud, Inc., based in San Francisco.

Recent updates to Fastcase strengthen the accuracy of legal research – and make reading case law easier. Find out more about conducting legal research with this free State Bar member benefit.

From technology to wellness, the Practice411 elist has tips to help you succeed in your law practice. Here’s a few of the best tips shared on the list in 2018.

Learn insights into law and technology at the Milwaukee Bar annual conference on Nov. 30, 2018.

Martin McLaughlin says the duty to protect personal data and client information arises from legal, contractual, and ethical obligations. He offers tips to meet those duties.

Sharon Nelson and John Simek advise you turn off your phone for a while. If you do, you may lower your stress level.

If you meet resistance to your proposed innovation initiative, Jordan Furlong says take a deep breath and don't make it personal. Be calm, measured, reasonable, and brief.

Did you know that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to websites? Benjamin Streckert discusses the issue and shares tips for websites to become more accessible.

Who are Wisconsin's innovators? The "That's a Fine Idea: Legal Innovation Wisconsin" initiative spotlights these movers and shakers who infuse the legal profession with a dose of creative thinking.

Law firms should allow clients to pay bills online. It's what consumers increasingly want.

The self-driving vehicle was once something left to science fiction writers and imagination. But they may be among us sooner than we think. Mary Koshollek offers resources for following regulatory and legal developments involving autonomous vehicles.

What have past innovators been up to since being recognized as movers and shakers? We asked some of them to tell us what they’re trying to fix or to make better now.

There has been more change in the legal profession in the last 15 years than the previous 50 years, according to some industry experts. Embrace change and innovation. Adapt or die. Those are clear messages from the 2018 Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference.

WILMIC – Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company – is the recipient of the 2018 John Lederer Award from the State Bar of Wisconsin Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section. Find out why this is the first organization to receive the award.

Cyber insurance is becoming affordable, commonplace, and the smart choice to protect your practice. Here are some cyber protection tips. Learn more at the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 25-27 in Wisconsin Dells.

Christopher Rogers introduces a new partnership tailored to meet your cybersecurity needs no matter the size of your firm.

If your law practice relies on computer technology, you need cyber insurance. Sharon Nelson and John Simek provide tips for shopping for the right kind.

Lawyers can answer questions posed on law firm websites, but Dean Dietrich warns the website must clearly indicate that neither questions nor answers create an attorney/client relationship.

New apps might make finding a lawyer almost as easy as hailing a cab. But, Aviva Kaiser says, lawyers still must comply with the ethics rules when providing their services.

Blockchains and smart contracts, once mere buzzwords, are now a reality in business, legal, and other spheres. Learn how these concepts may apply to the legal future.

New benefits for State Bar of Wisconsin members help you protect your practice against cyber threats, protect your trust account property, and provide you with expanded surety bond coverage options.

If you accept payment by credit card, Sharon Nelson and John Simek say you must ensure your computer system is compliant with new security requirements.

Tom Watson says opportunities abound for lawyers who invest in technology and adjust to consumers' expectations of when, where, and how they receive legal advice.

Writing an appellate brief requires attention not only to details of the case, but to very specific formatting requirements. A new web application from the State Bar of Wisconsin Appellate Practice Section allows lawyers and pro se litigants to generate correctly formatted briefs.

An ongoing case involving the online publication of data with instructions to make 3D-printed, plastic firearms pits national security against free speech.

Presentation technology can make your trial presentation engaging and impactful. Kristin Scheuerman gives tips from a trial consultant to help you bring your evidence to life.

One of Wisconsin's biggest trading partners is the European Union. Make sure your clients are complying with the General Data Protection Regulation, which will affect businesses and their customers far beyond Europe's shores.

Larry Bodine explains how retargeting allows for nearly automatic placement of ads on the computers of visitors to certain websites. State Bar ethics counsel Aviva Kaiser says retargeting ads, like other ads, must comply with the ethics rules.

Feeling like you don't get enough done in a workday? Learn easy ways to increase your productivity at the 2018 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 25-27 in Wisconsin Dells.

In addition to preserving physical messages and notes, Christopher Shattuck says lawyers should consider storing the metadata contained in electronic documents.

Aviva Kaiser and Christopher Shattuck say data available on Facebook and Google make clear that lawyers must take great care to safeguard client information.

With the exploding volume of data available to researchers, innovative legal analytics tools can help you sift through masses of information to find trends and patterns. Learn more about these valuable research tools from law librarian Laura Olsen.

State Bar Practice Management Advisor Christopher Shattuck shares insights from the annual ABA Techshow, with helpful tips on technology that can help determine whether your email address has been compromised and methods to improve the efficiency and security of your practice.

Larry Bodine says savvy lawyers can capitalize on consumers' fondness for voice searches, by tailoring their firms' online content to the special characteristics of spoken requests for information.

In this fourth annual "Wisconsin Law Blogs" article, we list active Wisconsin law blogs amd talk to Kevin O'Keefe, the Wisconsin native and CEO of LexBlog, a blogging platform for lawyers.

Under a pending bill, attorneys could voluntarily agree to accept email service of discovery requests, responses, and other papers required to be served on counsel.

Aviva Meridian Kaiser discusses proposed changes to the ABA Model Rules on lawyer advertising, which are meant to improve how lawyers communicate to legal service consumers.

Aly Lynch compares the most well-known smartphone models and some lesser-known rivals competing for consumers' attention.

Never mind credit cards – cyber criminals are targeting your client and other information for ransomware. What steps should you take to avoid becoming a victim of a cyber attack?

Christopher Shattuck is the State Bar's new Practice411 manager. And he's ready to help you with your practice management questions.

Dean Dietrich provides final thoughts on the ABA's formal opinion outlining ethics considerations for guarding clients' confidential information.

Fastcase 7 is now available to State Bar of Wisconsin members, with new enhancements and unlimited access to one of the largest law libraries in the world.

Who are Wisconsin's innovators? Meet these movers and shakers – and learn what drove them to put new ideas to work to solve problems and improve service to their clients and communities.

If you communicate with or about clients via cell phone, Dean Dietrich says you have an ethical duty to keep the data confidential.

Strategies for countering cybersecurity and workplace threats are the focus of day one of the 2017 Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference, hosted in Wisconsin Dells this week.

Understand what it takes to defend your firm from cyber threats. Watch live as a “cybercriminal” hacks into a computer network and demonstrates common vulnerabilities.

Browser extensions are effective tools for enhancing productivity and improving web browsing. Whether you need help staying away from distracting websites, saving articles for later, or remembering passwords, there is an extension or add-on out there thatcan help.

The ABA recently issued a formal opinion outlining ethics considerations for guarding clients’ confidential information. Dean Dietrich discusses the first three.

Security wasn’t usually a major factor in a corporation’s decision whether to hire a law firm, and law firms used to fly under the radar when it came to questions about keeping client data secure. Joe Kelly says that has all changed.

Oregon is addressing an access to justice problem with regulatory rule changes that embrace the virtual legal marketplace, including providers like Avvo. Other states have gone the opposite direction, issuing ethics opinions prohibiting such engagement. Wisconsin has not yet issued a formal position via ethics opinion or otherwise.

Common cyber threats and strategies for how lawyers can defend themselves and advise their clients.

Need some advice on how to make your contracts, briefs, and emails more compelling and concise? Stephanie Melnick, a presenter at the 2017 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, has some good advice for you.

The State Bar is looking for a new law office practice management program manager – could that be you?

Dean Dietrich answers the question, “Am I responsible for clients’ information if my computer is hacked?”

Tison Rhine looks at software you might not have considered for use in your law practice.

Mandatory e-filing will begin Sept. 1 in Milwaukee County. Attorneys and high-volume filing agents will be required to e-file court documents in civil, small claims, family, paternity, criminal, traffic, and ordinance-forfeiture cases.

Lawyers need not have computer science or engineering expertise, says Dean Dietrich. But the ethics rules do expect an understanding of technology and its benefits and risks.

Tison Rhine identifies two products that aren’t marketed specifically to lawyers but could be great for legal productivity.

How can lawyers leverage technology and competitive disruption to be valued counselors to clients demanding innovative solutions? Jeff Glazer and Erin Ogden join Tom Watson in an interview at last week’s Annual Meeting & Conference.

Need to keep current with the ever-changing landscape of e-discovery? Here are a few resources, including several blogs worth monitoring.

Protect yourself from unwelcome contacts while not losing the benefits of online marketing and communication. Tison Rhine tells you how.

Learn more about e-filing website enhancements, which counties are rolling out mandatory e-filing this spring, and other developments on the horizon.

Tell us about the people and ideas that are changing Wisconsin’s legal landscape. Nominate a Wisconsin Legal Innovator who breaks with tradition to do it better.

Statements on State Bar of Wisconsin membership dues and Wisconsin Supreme Court assessments will be mailed in May. New this year: online payment option.

Advances in assistive reproductive technology are giving new options for parentage to individuals who are in same-sex marriages, are dealing with infertility, or both. But Wisconsin law is not keeping pace. To resolve disputes when a surrogacy agreement falls apart and grant parent status, the author proposes that Wisconsin courts use an “intended-parent” test.

Tison Rhine says differences between the two mobile operating systems are fewer than their similarities, but if the distinctions matter to you, read about them here.

From using technologies in a new way to embracing the changing model of how to practice law, young lawyers are in the best position to drive where the future of the legal system is headed, says Chad Burton, a keynote speaker at the recent 2017 Young Lawyers Conference and Young Lawyers Leadership Summit.

Tomorrow’s law firm “engine room” is not comprised of collected lawyers, but of collected legal expertise, applied to client needs through the innovative use of systems, processes, technology, and expert professionals.

George Brown says technological and social developments might take today’s lawyers on previously unanticipated professional paths.

Tison Rhine presents the easiest ways to bring e-signing to your law practice.

Blogging helps lawyers showcase expertise while marketing to current and potential clients. Check out who is on InsideTrack’s third annual “Wisconsin Law Blogs” list.

Are you apathetic about social media as a way to generate business and gain exposure? You aren’t alone. But Spencer X. Smith, a digital marketing expert, says lawyers who aren’t using social media should consider testing the waters.

Frustrated that his generic keyboard didn’t support his “legal” writing needs, Brian Potts invented the LegalBoard just for lawyers.

Artificial intelligence is emerging in legal practice, from legal research to predictive analysis. But what is it, and what does it mean for solo and small-firm practitioners?

The Wisconsin Court System recently released an enhancement to its eFile system that makes the process more efficient for law office staff – and the lawyers they work for.

Treat your inbox like an emergency room: If you don't prioritize those needing immediate attention, “someone is going to die.” Productivity expert Michael Linenberger shares simple rules to help get your email under control.

Tison Rhine describes the most well-known smartphone models and some lesser-known rivals competing for consumers’ attention.

The holidays can be a tough time for non-placement parents who don’t live close to minor children, not to mention the children. In this article, Brandon Carlin explains the benefits and pitfalls of “virtual visitation,” also known as “virtual parent-time.”

In the constantly changing and evolving world of apps, finding one that you enjoy and that works for you can be frustrating. Give these apps a try. An app that saves you time and makes your professional or personal life easier is worth its weight in gold.

At this time of year, many lawyers think about buying gifts for others … and themselves. This guide to the coolest gifts lists high- and low-tech things you need – or ones you just really, really want.

Do you have hundreds or thousands of emails sitting in your inbox? Does a constant flow of incoming email interrupt your day? This article, from an email management expert, explains a simple system to clear the clutter, and take control of your workday.

Brands (including law firms) can use hashtags to launch campaigns, engage directly with consumers, build loyalty, and gather real-time data for market research. This article explains some of the legal issues that can arise when using hashtags on social media.

Lawyers can find social media success by focusing on helping others get what they want, says Kevin O'Keefe, founder and CEO of LexBlog a company which works with lawyers develop their presence on the Web.

Lawyers could get continuing legal education (CLE) credit for attending courses that enhance awareness about substance abuse, mental illness, and stress management, under a proposal recently filed by the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE).

Who are Wisconsin’s innovators? Meet these movers and shakers – and learn what drove them to put new ideas to work to solve problems and improve the delivery of legal services..

Reading on a computer screen differs from paper reading. Laura Lavey and Chad Baruch present ideas for creating more effective motions and briefs in the e-filing environment.

Technology innovations may help lawyers reduce administrative errors, but Tom Watson says if lawyers’ record-keeping is sloppy, a malpractice claim might be near.

Think of your Outlook email inbox like a hospital emergency room that you are managing. If you have 400 or 4,000 people milling around with different health problems needing different levels of attention, somebody is going to die.

Cyberattacks are inevitable. Setting up effective preventive measures need not be either prohibitively expensive or time consuming, even for lawyers practicing on their own or in small firms, if you know the basics concerning ethical responsibilities and the most common types of attacks.

Several Rules of Professional Responsibility are implicated by a lawyer’s use of technology. The authors summarize the rules and discuss lawyers’ requirement to provide “reasonable” efforts to protect client information from unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure.

Here’s a checklist of reasonable ways lawyers can increase their cybersecurity and reduce their vulnerability to both external and internal threats.

Editorial board member Douglas Frazer says this special focus issue gives you the information and tools to prevent, detect, and respond to a data breach.

Jeff Krause discusses why encryption matters to lawyers and provides info on email encryption tools that are readily available, affordable, and easy to use.

Jen Rathburn’s practice in health care law now focuses on data management, data breach and privacy, and security issues to help business clients.

Tom Watson says planning what you’ll do if cyber criminals attack your firm will also reduce the likelihood of being hacked in the first place.

We all understand the need to secure data, but Kevin Palmersheim laments a poor memory when it comes to passwords.

Bill Brousseau provides this adaptable framework as a simple-to-follow approach to security practices for law firms.

Are you using a Mac from Apple or a Windows-based computer for your law practice? In this article, attorney and technology guru Mark Metzger explains why he uses a Mac in his practice.

On Sept. 15, La Crosse and Florence counties became the latest counties to implement mandatory e-filing in civil, small claims, family, and paternity cases. Under the new mandatory e-filing rule, Wis. Stat. section 801.18, attorneys and high-volume filers, such as collections agencies, are required to file electronically.

The e-filing system will not serve the garnishment on the debtor even if the debtor has opted to e-file. The creditor continues to be responsible for service.

Learn how social media can help your case, and what attorneys must do to find it, obtain it, and use it to their advantage.

If you don’t own Microsoft Word but need to comply with the Wisconsin court system’s new e-filing requirements, Tison Rhine lists free software options to consider.

Infographics can serve as an important marketing tool – they can brand a firm as competent, caring, and knowledgeable. Learn how to add data visualization to your arsenal of communication tools.

Aug. 3, 2016 – This year, it's all about giving you more – more CLE, more resources, more time to network, more fun, more of the hottest trends – at the 2016 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 20-22, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

Aug. 3, 2016 – Are you a solo practitioner or a small-firm attorney? You may be eligible to apply for a scholarship to the 2016 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 20-22, in Wisconsin Dells.

Tison Rhine gives you the steps to remove potentially embarrassing, or worse, metadata from your Word files.

July 20, 2016 – WisDocs Estate Planning is a mobile document assembly system accessible wherever you have an internet connection. It is a quality product best suited for attorneys who use Eckhardt’s Workbook for Wisconsin Estate Planners, writes attorney Brent Hoeft.

Do you know a risk taker? A trailblazer? The State Bar wants to hear about the innovators and the ideas that are bringing positive change to Wisconsin’s legal landscape. Nominate a Wisconsin Legal Innovator who breaks with tradition to do it better, differently.

Cyber thieves are increasingly targeting lawyers with fraudulent emails that purport to be from bar associations, lawyer disciplinary boards, or other official entities that lawyers may interact with in their capacity as legal professionals.

The rollout for mandatory e-filing will start July 1, 2016. That means more judges may read briefs on computer screens or mobile devices. In this article, Milwaukee attorney Diane Slomowitz explains how e-filing may change the way attorneys write briefs.

Use the conference app to stay connected while you learn and relax at the 2016 State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference in Green Bay.

Need information on an individual person? Here’s a list of resources to help you get the information you need.

Think differently. Don’t worry about push back. Invest in change. Listen to your clients. Get management buy-in. Last year’s Wisconsin Legal Innovators tell it like it is.

The ubiquity of computers, tablets, and smartphones in workplaces can make it easy for individuals changing employment to take an employer’s electronic assets with them. The federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act provides criminal and civil remedies for these security breaches.

Businesses that use automated telephone dialing must examine their dialing systems and customer-intake processes to ensure they comport with federal regulations and to shield themselves from potentially major liability.

Mandatory e-filing in Wisconsin circuit courts begins July 1 in some counties and in all counties by the end of 2017. This article discusses when mandatory e-filing will affect lawyers in the various legal practice areas, how much it will cost, and what lawyers must do now to prepare for e-filing.

Tison Rhine says investing in the best document assembly program for your practice will pay off down the road in increased profits and more satisfied clients.

Cyber criminals are here to stay, says Tom Watson, so lawyers and law firms must learn how to protect their firms and electronic assets from scammers and hackers.

Register by June 24 for the best rates at the 11th Annual Door County Intellectual Property Academy, presented by the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

In this article, attorney Kenneth Barczak highlights a new Wisconsin law addressing a fiduciary’s right to access a user’s digital property and online accounts.

Upcoming free webinars in May, June, and July will teach you how to use the new WisDocs Estate Planning Document Assembly Program from the State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE.

Stuck in a research rut? Bored with Google or Fastcase? Not finding what you need? Here are some tips to help you conduct your research more effectively.

It’s time again to recognize those lawyers who are responding creatively to change. George Brown invites your nomination for the 2016 Legal Innovators Awards.

Are you known by more than one name? Now you can designate any combination of names for people to find you on WisBar Lawyer Search.

A new State Bar member benefit gives you a discount on MyCase, an all-in-one, intuitive legal practice management software.

Last year’s Wisconsin Legal Innovators David Simon and John Turlais have a thing or two to say about the legal profession’s need to innovate and how creative problem solving can open doors to new business.

When lawyers blog, they teach themselves about the legal issues they write about. But they also inform current and potential clients, and market expertise. This second annual “Wisconsin law blogs” article includes a list of 64 Wisconsin law blogs.

Compiled from dozens of forms and sample-language provisions from the award-winning Eckhardt’s Workbook for Wisconsin Estate Planners, WisDocs Estate Planning is a powerful, user-friendly, mobile document assembly system accessible wherever you have an Internet connection.

When changes are necessary to better serve their clients, improve access to justice, or simply make their work easier, lawyers can be pretty progressive. These 100 technological, intellectual, and practical innovations have fundamentally changed the way law is practiced.

Dean Dietrich provides advice on which client text messages to save and how to save them.

Tison Rhine says Microsoft’s mobile version of Outlook is probably the best email app for most lawyers, and it’s free.

March 16, 2016 – Do you know a risk taker? A trailblazer? The State Bar wants to hear about the innovators and the ideas that are bringing positive change to Wisconsin’s legal landscape. Nominate a Wisconsin Legal Innovator who breaks with tradition to do it better, differently.

Our state hosts more than 120 breweries. In this highly regulated industry, lawyers ensure that the brewery’s owners can legally mill, mash, boil, ferment, cap, chill, label, and sell the beer. This article looks at the web of laws regulating breweries and and untangles major legal issues confronting startup breweries in Wisconsin.

For players in the ever-expanding food and beverage market, health-related labels, the rise of craft breweries, and new food-safety laws require the assistance of savvy counsel. This article looks at food and beverage laws, giving a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that face this dynamic industry.

Natalie Betz helps lawyers understand the basic science behind modern biotechnology to better serve their biotechnology clients.

Kristin Hardy thrives in the nontraditional legal space that is insider threat, an area that is a major concern for corporations and law firms alike.

Unless a lawyer’s blog deals with nonlaw-related topics, Dean Dietrich says the ethics rules’ advertising requirements apply to the blog.

Joe Kelly says the trade-off for free or low-cost cloud service might be minimal security and loss of control over location and even ownership of data.

Jeffrey Glazer outlines the regulatory framework for beer in Wisconsin; the rules brewers and brewery owners must navigate to get their products from the drawing board to shelves and taps.

Biotech may seem like the sole province of highly credentialed scientists, but like any other industry, it needs lawyers to draft contracts, enforce patents, and ultimately design laws that protect research and prevent abuse.

Jan. 20, 2016 – The ABA TECHSHOW Conference and EXPO is where lawyers, legal professionals, and technology all come together. For three days, attendees learn about the most useful and practical technologies available – get ahead of the game with discounted passes to this Chicago event.

Jan. 20, 2016 – Gain access to the forms you need anywhere you go – on your laptop, tablet, or other mobile device –with no more need for a CD-ROM drive.

Jan. 6, 2016 – The legal profession is central to the growth of the biotech industry, and lawyers are needed. To bring together lawyers, scientists and leaders of the biotech field, the State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® is hosting the inaugural 2016 Biotech and the Law Global Conference and Expo in May.

Tison Rhine compares the features of the most well-known smartphone models and some lesser-known rivals competing for your attention.

At this time of year, many lawyers think about buying gifts for others … and themselves. Tech gadgets make great gifts, and those listed in this guide are some of the very best available this holiday season that you need – or some that you just really, really want.

The ease and efficiency of social media communications make them good business tools but also potential hazards when used inappropriately by employees and employers. To help employers reduce risks associated with social media use, the author provides a sample bring-your-own-device policy.

Nov. 18, 2015 – Legal innovation is about providing better service more efficiently. For criminal defense attorney and legal innovator Syovata Edari, that means helping clients effectively tell their story using multimedia tools.

Nov. 4, 2015 – What does the future of solo and small firm law practice look like? Easy accessibility and flexible service that puts client needs first. Exactly the sort of innovations that lawyers have a history of achieving, says Carolyn Elefant.

Who are Wisconsin’s innovators? Meet these movers and shakers – and learn what drove them to put new ideas to work to solve problems and improve the delivery of legal services to their clients and communities.

Wisconsin’s bioscience industry is booming, creating opportunity, not just for the scientists that conduct bench research, but for lawyers, too. Read how lawyers serving the biotech arena are making an impact, what they’re doing, and how they got to where they are. There are many entry points to the field, and you don’t have to be a scientist to participate.

The problem of shaky or flawed forensic science evidence is about much more than wrongful conviction of the innocent. It also means that the system fails to identify the truly guilty. Criminal cases are increasingly science-dependent, and the traditional forensic sciences have played a critical role in the way we dispense justice. To make forensic science evidence more reliable, a wide range of reforms must take place.

George Brown says the Biotech and the Law Global Conference and Expo will bring three key communities together – science, business, law – to understand their connections, learn their challenges and opportunities, and build relationships.

Confidentiality rules make it hazardous for lawyers to respond to a client’s negative comments, warns Dean Dietrich.

A 2015 ABA survey revealed only 11 percent of responding lawyers said their firms had cyber liability insurance, Tom Watson reports, though significant numbers said their firms had fallen victim to computer viruses or hacking.

Oct. 21, 2015 – With a passion for technology and decades of assisting other lawyers in their practices, William Hess, is the recipient of the 2015 Lederer Award. The award will be presented this week at the 2015 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference in Wisconsin Dells.

Oct. 7, 2015 – The biotechnology industry continues to grow, globally and in Wisconsin. Learn why lawyers are essential in helping biotechnology companies grow and prosper.

Sept. 2, 2015 – Distinctive websites can help law firms target and land potential clients. Even in this day and age, many law firms don’t have websites, or don’t invest enough into them, says one expert. In this article, learn why a good website is important for client development.

Sept. 2, 2015 – Find the answers at any time with mobile apps that bring patent, trademark, and copyright statutes and regulations right to your fingertips – most at little or no cost.

July 15, 2015 – Nominate an individual, group, or organization who exemplifies the leadership, spirit, and dedication of John Lederer.

July 1, 2015 – Whether you are an individual, business, visitor to the state or a researcher, Wisconsin.gov will help you quickly access the resources you need.

Remember the “media” in social media, says Dean Dietrich. If you wouldn’t say something in the newspaper, don’t put it on Facebook, either.

Tison Rhine provides model specifications and recommendations for scanners and shredders.

Do you know a risk taker? A trailblazer? The State Bar wants to hear about the innovators and the ideas that are bringing positive change to Wisconsin’s legal landscape. Nominate a Wisconsin Legal Innovator who breaks with tradition to do it better, differently.

June 17, 2015 – Use the conference app to stay connected, then use Twitter in the Scavenger Hunt during the conference to earn your chance to win admission to the 2016 Annual Meeting & Conference.

June 17, 2015 – The Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual is newly revised for 2015.

June 3, 2015 – HeinOnline contains centuries of legal documents just as they appear and in full text. Learn how to quickly use this legal database available through the Wisconsin State Law Library.

Dean Dietrich says a lawyer’s ethical duty is to be aware of technology risks and to take reasonable steps to secure client information.

Larry Bodine lists things you can do now to transform your website from a billboard into a dynamic business development machine.

Offering good coffee – in a “real” cup – is an inexpensive way to impress clients, says Tison Rhine.

May 20, 2015 – Do you use a computer, tablet, or mobile device to process, transmit, store, or access client information over the Internet? If yes, welcome to the world of cloud computing. A new ethics opinion provides guidance on what lawyer’s must do to ensure their cloud-computing activities are ethically sound.

May 20, 2015 – Last year’s Wisconsin Legal Innovators have a thing or two to say about the legal community’s need to innovate and the positive impact recognition as a Wisconsin Legal Innovator can have on encourging solutions to society’s access to justice problem.

May 6, 2015 – Access to full text law reviews, federal primary sources, and journal indexes from your computer, smartphone, or mobile device at no cost.

May 6, 2015 – New innovations allow attorneys to reach people “who we traditionally have not been able to provide services for because of the … expansion of technology,” says William Hubbard, president of the American Bar Association.

George Brown asks, rather than defend against inevitable competition, wouldn’t our resources be better used creating our own innovations in how legal services are delivered?

ABA President William Hubbard says thinking differently about how lawyers deliver legal services may provide solutions to many of the challenges facing lawyers and people who need, but can’t afford, legal services.

When evaluating the ethics of LinkedIn and similar endorsements, Dean Dietrich says what’s most important is not who knows you, but what you know.

You have a lean operation, so why, Tison Rhine asks, pay a staff’s salary when you have other options?

April 15, 2015 – The Federal Communications Commission has issued an order on “net neutrality,” which keeps the Internet free and open. But what does it mean? In this article, attorneys Mike Varda and Judd Genda explain the order and how it will impact attorneys and their clients. 

June 20, 2018 – Do you know a risk taker? A trailblazer? The State Bar wants to hear about the innovators and the ideas that are bringing positive change to Wisconsin’s legal landscape. Nominate a Wisconsin Legal Innovator who breaks with tradition to do it better, differently.

April 1, 2015 – Wisconsin continues to offer comprehensive coverage of both current and historic legislative materials. The Wisconsin State Legislature website is the link to this material. Clearly organized and user friendly, it is a valuable resource for legal researchers.

No matter your practice area or the number of attorneys in your organization, the 10 legal technology innovations outlined here affect you. No matter the size of your bank account, you can’t afford to ignore them.

George Brown says lawyers who do not confront change and evolve may, in fact, be their own worst enemies.

A vibrant blog increases a law firm’s visibility, bolsters its reputation and brand, and communicates the firm’s expertise. Larry Bodine gives tips to make your blog successful.

There are many ways to share files that are secure, simple, and easy. Tison Rhine walks you through the options.

Innovation is answering the question – what problem are you trying to solve? Kelly Twigger says it’s a question lawyers face every day.

March 4, 2015 – Who is blogging in Wisconsin and why? In this article, learn about the benefits of legal blogging and the Wisconsin lawyers and law firms with an online blogging presence.

March 4, 2015 – Follow developments at the federal level with Congress.gov, which offers sophisticated searching, browsing, and monitoring capabilities, as well as saved searches and email alerts.

Nothing can take the adversariness out of litigation but you can avoid the cat-and-mouse tactics of burying a party in discovery requests. Preparing and using an e-discovery plan can help keep the focus on the underlying legal dispute instead of on wading through unnecessary bytes of data.

Law firms can be particularly vulnerable to computer fraud, says Tom Watson. While there is no magic answer to protect your data, he presents 12 security basics lawyers should know.

Tison Rhine looks at four devices that require neither desk nor lap for you to read or edit documents on the go.

Tison Rhine says some employers may adopt social-networking programs, like Facebook at Work, for use as collaboration and productivity tools.

Jan. 21, 2014 – State Bar of Wisconsin members and their office staff can receive up to a $550 discount for the ABA TECHSHOW 2015®, April 16-18, in Chicago.

Jan. 7, 2015 – We have all had that aggravating experience of clicking on an online link and getting a 404 error message, signaling that the page is no longer there. Link rot, or reference rot, is a serious problem in the legal world, but it can be prevented.

The field of smartphones is so full of thoroughbreds and budget-friendly dark horses alike, it’s hard to know where to put your money. The author describes several safe bets and offers a side-by-side comparison of features that you’ll want track-side when making your next purchase.

Sharon Nelson and John Simek explain this digital currency, including the benefits and risks of accepting bitcoins as legal fees.

Dec. 3, 2014 – Google strives to make the search experience positive and efficient for its users, but many people are not aware of some hidden gems when running a Google search.

Nov. 5, 2014 – The State Bar of Wisconsin offers free Fastcase access as part of your member benefits package. In addition to traditional search, this next-generation legal research service offers advanced search and visualization tools to help you find the citations you need more efficiently. Several recent updates have made Fastcase even more valuable.

Who are Wisconsin’s innovators? Meet these movers and shakers – and learn what drove them to put new ideas to work to solve problems and improve the delivery of legal services to their clients and communities.

If you understand and use online banking, Tom Burton says you can probably understand the technology needed to operate a virtual law practice.

Dean Dietrich cautions lawyers to never blog information that enables readers to identify specific clients or that criticizes judges.

Nerino Petro and Bryan Sims suggest ways to outfit a new law office with must-have computer hardware and software, on a budget of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000.

Oct. 24, 2014 – Financial personalities and money was just one topic at the 2014 Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference in Wisconsin Dells – which started yesterday and ends tomorrow – where more than 300 participants gathered to network, learn, and relax.

Circuit court e-filing provides an easy and efficient way to conduct business with the courts. Jean Bousquet and Marcia Vandercook explain how to do it.

Jean Bousquet and Marcia Vandercook explain the proposal to require electronic filing in Wisconsin’s circuit courts.

All court filings must be filed electronically, under a proposal by the Committee of Chief Judges, which voted unanimously in June to move forward on a plan to implement mandatory e-filing beginning in 2016.

Sept. 17, 2014 – The next time you attend a State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE CLE program you won’t have to carry a heavy binder. As of today, all CLE course materials for State Bar programs will be in electronic format.

Sept. 3, 2014 – All court filings must be filed electronically, under a proposal by the Committee of Chief Judges, which voted unanimously in June to move forward on a plan to implement mandatory e-filing beginning in 2016.

Sept. 3, 2014 – Whether you are starting out or upgrading your current system, there are some things you need to know before you make your purchase. In this video, Jeff Krause talks about choosing the software and hardware that’s right for your firm.

Sept. 3, 2014 – Protecting the information on your mobile device is easy. Password protection is the first step toward security. A variety of apps also are available.

July 2, 2014 – Increasing productivity and efficiency is high on just about everyone’s list. Apps are a great way to organize yourself, increase your productivity, and even read the news. There are many to choose from – some free, some not.

June 18, 2014 – In this article, gain insight on so-called “patent trolls” as well as a new Wisconsin law that gives businesses and individuals more protection from threats or assertions that they are infringing a patent or pending patent.

June 18, 2014 – A huge segment of the legal market, 85 percent, is untapped and lawyers need to move quickly before this segment is gobbled up by nonlawyer online legal service providers. In this video, futurist Jordan Furlong talks about this virtually untapped audience.

June 18, 2014 – If you are attending the 2014 Annual Meeting & Conference in Lake Geneva next week you can download a free app right now.

May 7, 2014 – In this video, Nerino Petro, State Bar practice management advisor, explains why law firms should consider going paperless. Petro tells you how to make the conversion efficiently and effectively.

Nerino Petro says tablet devices are now ready for primetime use by lawyers.

April 16, 2014 – The practice of law is undergoing historic change. To survive and thrive, law firms must find ways to innovate with the purpose to improve an outcome. The State Bar seeks nominations of innovators who are bringing positive change to Wisconsin’s legal landscape. Watch this video; you may find you are the innovator, or know one. Nominations are due June 30, 2014.

March 5, 2014 – The State Bar Practice411™ Breakfast & Business: Eggs, Ethics, and Answers program, in Eau Claire on April 4, focuses on what should lawyers know about computer security, backups, and metadata to protect their clients and alternative fee arrangements.

March 5, 2014 – There are several online crime and criminal resource websites, including guides, statistics, and crime data, that you may want to visit the next time you are conducting criminal law research.

March 5, 2014 – Access more than 1,000 Wisconsin practice, court, state, and federal forms that are centrally located on WisBar. Visit Practice411 on Wisbar for a complete listing broken out by category and agency.

Reducing your firm’s paper storage requires initial investments of money and effort. But, Nerino Petro says, you’ll realize the benefits in terms of dollars and time saved and available for billable client work.

Feb. 5, 2014 – In this article, Milwaukee lawyer Joseph Russell explains potential changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. He notes that any amendments at the federal level would likely be adopted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the near future.

Feb. 5, 2014 – Many reliable Internet sites are a click away when you seek information public companies and state organizations. Basic financial information, locations, comparison rankings, background, and historical information are fairly easy to find.

Jan. 15, 2014 – In this video, Nerino Petro, State Bar practice management advisor, discusses features of the Apple and Android to consider when purchasing a Smartphone.

Jan. 2, 2014 – The 2014 ABA TECHSHOW offers 16 tracks and more than 50 sessions that bring lawyers and technology together. The three-day conference is in Chicago from March 27 to 29. Register by Feb. 10 for discounts.

Jan. 2, 2014 – There are numerous law-related apps available for the Android and the iPad. This article briefly describes some of them. More information is available through the U.W. Law School Library.

The Wisconsin Rules of Evidence remain the guideposts for admitting electronically stored information at summary judgment and trial. This article addresses threshold questions of relevance, authenticity, and the application of the hearsay doctrine tocomputer systems.

Nerino Petro compares features of the two top smart phone platforms, Apple’s iOS 7 and Google’s Android 4.x.

Sharon Nelson and John Simek warn the information lurking beneath the surface of a digital image can be among the most valuable and dangerous facets of the picture.

State Bar Practice Management Advisor Nerino Petro discusses differences between Apple and Android smart phones and suggests what users should look for when buying a phone.

Dec. 4, 2013 – The State Bar Practice411™ Breakfast & Business: Eggs, Ethics, and Answers series begins its annual trek across the state in Appleton this month. Future stops include Milwaukee, West Bend, Eau Claire, and Madison. The first seminar focuses on alternative fee arrangements and billing options, limited-scope representation, and virtual law practice trends.

Dec. 4, 2013 – Google is far more than a search engine, it is a way to communicate, organize, and learn. Google recently entered the social media scene with Google+ and now offers expert advice with Google Helpouts.

David Ries and John Simek provide some easy-to-use encryption options to protect client information.

Nov. 20, 2013 – If you are a regular webcast, OnDemand, or telephone seminar attendee, you are already familiar with myMedia on WisBar, your personal library of all of your State Bar electronic purchases. Here you also will find your Books UnBound and Forms Library subscriptions. You can easily track all of your electronic State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE^® purchases in the myMedia section of myStateBar.

Nov. 6, 2013 – In this video, risk management expert Todd C. Scott highlights the latest trends in malpractice and shares advice on the habits and systems firms should use to keep client matters on track and avoid malpractice claims.

Nerino Petro – Lawyers can accept credit card payments for some purposes, compares features of some mobile payment solutions.

Oct. 25, 2013 – Did you know a free, comprehensive handbook will soon be available to help Wisconsin solo lawyers plan for death, disability, or incapacitation? It’s one of the many tips lawyers are learning at the 2013 Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference.

Oct. 2, 2013 – Early last year, the judiciary’s Public Access to Court Electronic Documents (PACER) implemented RSS feeds to more easily track case activity in federal courts. This features eases what was for many PACER users a headache.

Oct. 2, 2013 – Some employers and colleges have reportedly screened and monitored the social media activity of employees and students by requiring access to personal accounts. However, a proposed state bill would halt that practice, landlords included.

In this bizarre online world, even people who have no desire to enter the digital frontier are being forced there, with little understanding of the digital property they own and even less understanding of what may happen to those assets if they die or become incapacitated. Planning is crucial. You can even schedule Facebook, LinkedIn, and tweets to post after you die. Think about it.

Sept. 18, 2013 – To stay competitive in this post-recession world, solo and small firms would be wise to explore new law firm models, says one law firm consultant. Meanwhile, a managing partner at Quarles & Brady discusses change at larger firms.

Sept. 4, 2013 – Use social media to build your practice – learn the habits and systems that help avoid malpractice claims – explore limited-scope representation – blueprint your success. These are just a few of the ideas and techniques covered in six plenary sessions at in the eighth annual State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference from Oct. 24 to 26 in Wisconsin Dells.

Sept. 4, 2013 – Receive breaking legal news and in-depth analyses of legal trends and developments in the practice of law directly to your desktop, iPhone, Android, iPad, or other electronic device. The State Bar of Wisconsin offers six RSS feeds. Choose the WisBar page or pages that interest you most.

Sept. 4, 2013 – In the age of social media and viral videos, evidence of employee conduct (or misconduct) can quickly become widespread, and use of social media may cause an employer to take disciplinary action. In this video, Madison attorney Wade Harrison discusses why employers should pay close attention to this evolving area of the law.

Matthew Lynch says two 2013 Wisconsin cases exemplify the types of lawsuits plaintiffs will increasingly bring, and the pressures legislators may face to enact statutory protections for associational privacy on the Internet.

Aug. 7, 2013 – Whether you are practicing on your own or in a small firm, attending the eighth annual State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference can help you build your business and improve your life. The Oct. 24-26 conference in Wisconsin Dells offers more than 14.5 CLE and 11.0 EPR credits.

Aug. 7, 2013 – The State Bar recently implemented CAPTCHA to block Internet pests from harvesting information from WisBar’s Lawyer Search. Members and their staff can bypass CAPTCHA by logging in to WisBar before conducting searches.

Aug. 7, 2013 – State Bar member benefit, Clio, recently added several new features, including increased security, to its billing processes. Clio is a comprehensive cloud-based practice management, time and billing, and client collaboration platform specifically designed for small- and mid-sized law firms.

Wisconsin privacy law and intellectual property law protect against the use of an individual’s name for trade or advertising purposes. However, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in Habush v. Cannon found that such protections did not prevent a law firm from using two competing attorneys’ names to generate advertising on Internet search engines.

Four lawyers and a law firm IT professional share what they learned at the 2013 ABA Techshow.

June 5, 2013 – The recently released beta version of the Wisconsin Statutes eBook is a useful source for Wisconsin statutes research, especially when you cannot access a print copy or do not have an Internet or a Wi-Fi connection available.

June 5, 2013 – Lawyers face unique document production challenges, from the filing requirement of courts and other governmental agencies to the need to maintain confidentiality of client information and prevent unauthorized changes to documents. In this video, Nerino Petro, State Bar practice management advisor, talks about the basic PDF features all lawyers should have in their offices.

The State Bar’s Law Office Management advisor reviews four PDF products with law-firm-appropriate features and describes their highlights and drawbacks. Don’t miss the helpful chart ranking the products in different categories.

The State Bar’s Law Office Management advisor reviews four PDF products with law-firm-appropriate features and describes their highlights and drawbacks. Don’t miss the helpful chart ranking the products in different categories.

May 15, 2013 – This article outlines the process when searching for briefs that are filed electronically, and those that are not filed electronically, with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

May 15, 2013 – The State Bar Practice411™ Breakfast & Business: Eggs, Ethics, and Answers June 5 program in Green Bay focuses on what lawyers need to know about technology and managing malpractice risks.

May 1, 2013 – Fastcase has enhanced its Authority Check feature to flag cases that courts have reversed or overruled. The Bluebook requires that courts indicate negative history of cases cited within opinions. Bad Law Bot uses algorithms to find negative citation history; it flags those cases and provides links to them. Fastcase is a State Bar member benefit.

In the April issue of Wisconsin Lawyer magazine, available online and in mailboxes soon, two Madison-based lawyers explain how federal immigration policy may impact the estimated 8,900 undocumented children living in Wisconsin.

April 3, 2013 – While most individuals researching labor and employment law issues visit the tried and true websites, there are many websites, databases, and blogs worth reviewing. This article highlights a few specialized websites.

Sharon Nelson and John Simek say it's vital that lawyers protect smartphone contents.

March 20, 2013 – The State Bar Practice411™ Breakfast & Business: Eggs, Ethics, and Answers program travels to Wausau on April 17. The program, which focuses on what lawyers need to know about technology in their office today and tomorrow, features State Bar Practice Management Advisor Nerino Petro and Professional Ethics Committee member Dean R. Dietrich.

March 20, 2013 – Speech recognition is now a mature technology. Apple and Microsoft even include speech recognition in their desktop operating systems. In this video, Nerino Petro, State Bar practice management advisor, discusses the benefits of speech recognition technology.

A Wisconsin woman who alleged that Googling her name led to ads for drugs treating erectile dysfunction has lost her lawsuit against Google.

Feb. 6, 2013 – Windows 8 gives a new “look and feel” to the experience of using computers and mobile devices. In this video, Nerino Petro, State Bar practice management advisor, discusses three of the most significant changes in Windows 8.

Nerino Petro Jr. looks at Microsoft’s new operating system for all devices.

​In this video, Nerino Petro Jr. demonstrates the features of the Windows 8 operating system.

Jan. 2, 2013 – The Internet has a variety of resources on bankruptcy law, and many of them are targeted to the consumer. However, there are resources valuable for the practitioner, whether you are an experienced bankruptcy attorney or new to this practice.

Jan. 2, 2013 – Lawyers and courts are navigating new waters when dealing with today's legal issues in the world of social media, and the law in this area can be particularly challenging because it is changes quickly. In this video, Jina L. Jonen, Wisconsin Education Association Council – Legal Department, and Judith A. Williams-Killackey, Quarles & Brady LLP, discuss social media from the employer and the employee perspective.

Jan. 2, 2013 – Many websites allow individuals to post reviews about products and services. If those reviews are not true, businesses can sue, and these types of cases are on the rise. This article explains the recent developments in this area with insight from Milwaukee lawyer Donald Daugherty.

Dec. 19, 2012 – The Supreme Court Rules now allow Wisconsin courts to accept electronically filed documents. In this video, Director of State Courts John Voelker discusses the roll out of electronic filing in 18 counties. The court is working to ensure a convenient and efficient system for lawyers, judges, and clerks of court.

Dec. 5, 2012 – The State Bar of Wisconsin has extended its partnership with Fastcase through 2018. This means all Wisconsin lawyers will continue to benefit from this online legal research option.

​Nov. 21, 2012 – If you use Google or cloud-based platforms, you are already part of the virtual law office scenario. In this video, Practice Management Consultant David J. Bilinsky discusses the benefits of the virtual law office, which include building a very strong and loyal virtual team, reaching out to clients, entering new markets, and serving the public interest.

Nov. 7, 2012 – Being technically savvy with the software that's already on your computer can save you time and money. In this video, Nerino Petro State Bar practice management advisor, talks with Ross Kodner, Microlaw Inc., who picks his top three software tools. Kodner recommends exploring what your current software can do before investing in new software.

Nov. 7, 2012 – According to solo practitioner Bryan Sims, there are two keys to achieving a balance between the business of law, the practice of law, and life: Timeshifting and integrating technology. In this article, Sims explains timeshifting and the necessary tools to make it happen.

Nov. 7, 2012 – Nearly 400 lawyers from around the state attended the Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference recently. In this article, five of them highlight some nuggets of information they learned in ethics, substantive law, technology, and practice management.

Oct. 17, 2012 – Discovery of electronically stored information can be expensive and time-consuming. Author Tim Edwards has some advice for attorneys facing these costs.

Oct. 3, 2012 – Best practice recommends that you change your password frequently and that you don't use the same password for every website. In this video, Nerino Petro State Bar Practice Management Advisor discusses passwords, password security, and ways to keep your passwords safe online.

Sept. 19, 2012 – Metadata is the underlying information within electronic documents. Attorneys who send electronic documents can inadvertently disclose confidential information through metadata. A recently released ethics opinion discusses duties relating to sending and receiving documents with metadata.

Sept. 5, 2012 – Virtual law offices give lawyers a new way to deliver legal services and assemble legal teams, according to solo practitioner Brent Hoeft and small firm lawyer Nicole Garton-Jones. In this article, both attorneys explain the benefits, and misconceptions, of virtual law practice.

Aug. 15, 2012 – Since Wisconsin's videoconferencing statute took effect in 2008, more judges are inclined to use it, says former Richland County Circuit Court Judge Edward Leineweber. Courts across the country are embracing videoconferencing technology tools like Skype. Wisconsin is cautious.

Aug. 15, 2012 – A recent survey of Legal Marketing Association members shows the use of social and mobile media tools is catching on across law firms of all sizes, although smaller firms have outpaced their larger counterparts in using social media to generate new business. How does your firm compare?

Aug. 1, 2012 – It seems that everyone is in the app development business. Now, even the federal government is developing apps covering iPhones, iPads, Blackberrys, and Androids.