Petition 20-08 In the Matter of Amending Supreme Court Rule 72.01 (intro), (1), (8), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (17g), (18), (19), (20), (20g), (24), (24a), (24m), (26), (26m), (29), (32), (38), (42), (42m), (47) and 72.03(4), Renumbering
On December 10, 2020, the Honorable Kevin Martens, on behalf of
the Director of State Courts' Records Management Retention Subcommittee (Committee), filed this rule petition, asking the court to amend sections of Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 72.01 and SCR 72.03 to alter certain retention periods for various types of records.
Order Issued: April 13, 2021
Disposition: Petition granted
On December 10, 2020, the Honorable Kevin Martens, on behalf of
the Director of State Courts' Records Management Retention Subcommittee
(Committee), filed this rule petition, asking the court to amend
sections of Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 72.01 and SCR 72.03 to alter
certain retention periods for various types of records.
Consistent with standard practice, the court voted to solicit
written comments and schedule a public hearing. Letters were sent to
interested persons on February 1, 2021. The court received comments
from Kathleen A. Brost, President, State Bar of Wisconsin, advising the
court that the State Bar Board of Governors voted unanimously to support
the petition. The court also received a written comment from Legal
Action of Wisconsin, Inc.: Deedee Peterson, Executive Director;
Attorney Susan Lund, Employment Priority Coordinator; and Attorney
Korey Lundin. Legal Action supports the petition's recommendation to No. 20-08
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retain records according to disposition, and requested modifications
relating to small claims case file retention rules. The petitioner
filed a response to these comments.
The court conducted a public hearing on April 7, 2021, via
videoconference. The Honorable Kevin Martens presented the petition to
the court on behalf of the Wisconsin Records Management Committee.
Attorney Susan Lund and Attorney Korey Lundin, both of Legal Action of
Wisconsin provided testimony consistent with Legal Action's written
statement.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative
conference following the public hearing and voted to grant the petition,
as drafted. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2021:
SECTION 1. Supreme Court Rule 72.01 (intro) is amended to read:
Except as provided in SCR 72.03 to 72.05, the original paper
records of any court shall be retained in the custody of the court for
the following minimum time periods:
SECTION 2. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(1) is amended to read:
(1) Civil case files. All papers documents deposited with the
clerk of circuit court in every proceeding commenced under chs. 801 to
847, stats.: 20 years after entry of final order.
SECTION 3. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(8) is amended to read:
(8) Small claims case files. All papers documents deposited with
the clerk of circuit court in every proceeding commenced under ch. 799,
stats.: 20 years after entry of final order or judgment for all cases,
including contested cases, stipulated dismissals and default judgments;
except 2 years from date of entry of judgment for cases dismissed No. 20-08
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because issue was not joined and the case was not disposed of by judgment
or stipulation within 6 months from the original return date.
SECTION 4. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(11)(a) and (b) are amended to
read:
(11) Family case files. All papers documents deposited with the
clerk of circuit court in every proceeding commenced under ch. 767,
stats.:
(a) 30 40 years after entry of judgment of divorce, legal
separation, annulment, or paternity, or entry of a final order, except
that after 30 years, for any case file for which related support or
maintenance payments are continuing to be made, 7 years after final
payment or after an order terminating maintenance is filed.
(b) 5 2 years after entry of judgment or entry of a final order
for dismissed divorces, legal separations, and annulments, and
paternity cases.
SECTION 5. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(12)(a) and (b) are amended to
read:
(12) Family court record. A history and index of proceedings:
(a) 30 40 years after entry of judgment of divorce, legal
separation, annulment, or paternity, or entry of a final order, except
that after 30 years, for any court record for which related support or
maintenance payments are continuing to be made, 7 years after final
payment or after an order terminating maintenance is filed.
(b) 5 2 years after entry of judgment or entry of a final order
for dismissed divorces, legal separations, and annulments, and
paternity cases. No. 20-08
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SECTION 6. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(13)(a) and (b) are amended to
read:
(13) Family court minute record. A brief statement of in-court
proceedings commenced under ch. 767, stats., generally maintained in
the case file:
(a) 30 40 years after entry of judgment of divorce, legal
separation, annulment, or paternity, or entry of a final order, except
that after 30 years, for any court minutes for which related support or
maintenance payments are continuing to be made, 7 years after final
payment or after an order terminating maintenance is filed.
(b) 5 2 years after entry of judgment or entry of a final order
for dismissed divorces, legal separations, and annulments, and
paternity cases.
SECTION 7. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(14) is amended to read:
(14) Maintenance and support payment records. Records of
maintenance and support payments received by the clerk of circuit court:
30 40 years after entry of judgment of divorce, legal separation,
annulment, or paternity, or entry of final order, except that after 30
years, for any payment records for which related support or maintenance
payments are continuing to be made, 7 years after final payment or after
an order terminating maintenance is filed.
SECTION 8. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(15) is amended to read:
(15) Felony case files. All papers documents deposited with the
clerk of circuit court in proceedings commenced disposed as felonies:
50 years after entry of final judgment; for Class A felonies, 75 years
after entry of final judgment. If the proceeding results in a dismissal No. 20-08
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or acquittal of all charges, documents retained under this section shall
be retained as if the proceeding was disposed as a felony.
SECTION 9. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(16) is amended to read:
(16) Felony court record. A history and index of proceedings
commenced disposed as felonies: 50 years after entry of final judgment;
except for Class A felonies, 75 years after entry of final judgment.
If the proceeding results in a dismissal or acquittal of all charges,
the history and index retained under this section shall be retained as
if the proceeding was disposed as a felony.
SECTION 10. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(17) is amended to read:
(17) Felony minute record. A brief statement of in-court
proceedings commenced disposed as felonies, generally maintained in the
case file: 50 years after entry of final judgment; except for Class A
felonies, 75 years after entry of final judgment. If the proceeding
results in a dismissal or acquittal of all charges, the record retained
under this section shall be retained as if the proceeding was disposed
as a felony.
SECTION 11. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(17g) is amended to read:
(17g) Sexually violent person commitments. All papers documents
deposited with the clerk of circuit court for the commitment of an
inmate under ch. 980, stats.: 75 years after entry of final judgment.
SECTION 12. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(18) is amended to read:
(18) Misdemeanor case files. All papers documents deposited with
the clerk of circuit court in proceedings commenced disposed as
misdemeanors, including criminal traffic offenses: 20 years after entry
of final judgment. If the proceeding results in a dismissal or No. 20-08
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acquittal of all charges, the documents retained under this section
shall be retained as if the proceeding was disposed as a misdemeanor.
SECTION 13. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(19) is amended to read:
(19) Misdemeanor court record. A history and index of proceedings
commenced disposed as misdemeanors, including criminal traffic
offenses: 20 years after entry of final judgment. If the proceeding
results in a dismissal or acquittal of all charges, the history and
index retained under this section shall be retained as if the proceeding
was disposed as a misdemeanor.
SECTION 14. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(20) is amended to read:
(20) Misdemeanor minute record. A brief statement of in-court
proceedings commenced disposed as misdemeanors, including criminal
traffic offenses, generally maintained in the case file: 20 years after
entry of final judgment. If the proceeding results in a dismissal or
acquittal of all charges, the record retained under this section shall
be retained as if the proceeding was disposed as a misdemeanor.
SECTION 15. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(20g) is amended to read:
(20g) Complex forfeitures. All papers documents deposited with
the clerk of circuit court in proceedings commenced as complex
forfeitures: 20 years after entry of final judgment.
SECTION 16. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(24) is amended to read:
(24) Traffic forfeiture, conservation forfeiture and ordinance
violation case files. All papers documents deposited with the clerk of
circuit court in proceedings commenced disposed as traffic forfeitures,
conservation forfeitures, or ordinance violations, including juvenile
ordinance violations: 5 years after entry of final judgment. If the
proceeding results in a dismissal or acquittal of all charges, the No. 20-08
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documents retained under this section shall be retained as if the
proceeding was disposed as a traffic forfeiture, conservation
forfeiture, or ordinance violation.
SECTION 17. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(24a) is amended to read:
(24a) Traffic forfeiture, conservation forfeiture, and ordinance
violation court record. A history and index of proceedings commenced
disposed as traffic forfeitures, conservation forfeitures, or ordinance
violations, including juvenile ordinance violations: 5 years after
entry of final judgment. If the proceeding results in a dismissal or
acquittal of all charges, the record retained under this section shall
be retained as if the proceeding was disposed as a traffic forfeiture,
conservation forfeiture, or ordinance violation.
SECTION 18. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(24m) is amended to read:
(24m) Traffic forfeiture, conservation forfeiture, and ordinance
violation minute record. A brief statement of in-court proceedings in
actions commenced disposed as traffic forfeitures, conservation
forfeitures, or ordinance violations, including juvenile ordinance
violations, generally maintained in the case file: 5 years after entry
of final judgment. If the proceeding results in a dismissal or
acquittal of all charges, the record retained under this section shall
be retained as if the proceeding was disposed as a traffic forfeiture,
conservation forfeiture, or ordinance violation.
SECTION 19. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(26) is amended to read:
(26) Records of John Doe proceedings. All papers documents
deposited with the clerk of circuit court in proceedings commenced as
John Doe actions: 75 years after date of final proceeding.
SECTION 20. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(26m) is amended to read: No. 20-08
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(26m) Records of proceedings commenced under s. 968.02(3), stats.
All papers documents deposited with the clerk of circuit court in
proceedings commenced under s. 968.02(3), stats.: 75 years after date
of final proceeding.
SECTION 21. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(28) is amended to read:
(28) Records of grand jury proceedings. All papers documents
deposited with the clerk of circuit court in proceedings commenced under
s. 756.10, 1995 stats., or s. 968.40, stats.: 75 years after the date
of final proceedings.
SECTION 22. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(29) is amended to read:
(29) Probate case files. All papers documents deposited with the
register in probate in proceedings commenced under chs. 851 to 879,
stats.: 75 years after entry of final judgment or order or an order
discharging the personal representative or trustee.
SECTION 23. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(32)(a) and (b) are amended
to read:
(32) Guardianship case files. (a) All papers documents deposited
with the register in probate in adult guardianship proceedings commenced
under chs. 54 or 55, stats., or ch. 880, 2003 stats.: 7 years after
termination of guardianship; except 75 years after termination of
guardianship if there was a firearm restriction ordered; and except 7
years after death of the ward if there was a firearm restriction
ordered.
(b) All papers documents in juvenile guardianship proceedings
commenced under chs. 48 or 54, stats., or ch. 880, 2003 stats.: 7 years
after the juvenile's 18th birthday; except 75 years after termination
of guardianship if there was a firearm restriction ordered; and except No. 20-08
9
7 years after death of the ward if there was a firearm restriction
ordered.
SECTION 24. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(33)(a) and (b) are amended to
read:
(33) Guardianship court record. (a) A history and index for adult
guardianship proceedings commenced under chs. 54 or 55, stats., or ch.
880, 2003 stats.: 7 years after termination of guardianship; except 75
years after termination of guardianship if there was a firearm
restriction ordered; and except 7 years after death of the ward if there
was a firearm restriction ordered.
(b) A history and index for juvenile guardianship proceedings
commenced under chs. 48 or 54, stats., or ch. 880, 2003 stats.: 7 years
after the juvenile's 18th birthday; except 75 years after termination
of guardianship if there was a firearm restriction ordered; and except
7 years after death of the ward if there was a firearm restriction
ordered.
SECTION 25. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(34)(a) and (b) are amended to
read:
(34) Guardianship minute record. (a) A brief statement of in
court proceedings for adult guardianships commenced under chs. 54 or
55, stats., or ch. 880, 2003 stats., generally maintained in the case
file: 7 years after termination of guardianship; except 75 years after
318 termination of guardianship if there was a firearm restriction
ordered; and except 7 years after death of the ward if there was a
firearm restriction ordered.
(b) A brief statement of in-court proceedings for juvenile
guardianships commenced under chs. 48 or 54, stats., or ch. 880, 2003No. 20-08
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stats.: 7 years after the juvenile's 18th birthday; except 75 years
after termination of guardianship if there was a firearm restriction
ordered; and except 7 years after death of the ward if there was a
firearm restriction ordered.
SECTION 26. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(38) is amended to read:
(38) Mental health case files. All papers documents deposited
with the clerk of circuit court or register in probate in proceedings
commenced under ch. 51, stats.: 7 years after entry of final order;
except 75 years after termination of commitment if there was a firearm
restriction ordered.
SECTION 27. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(42) is amended to read:
(42) Termination of parental rights and adoption case files. All
papers documents deposited with the clerk of circuit court, register in
probate or clerk of court for juvenile matters in every termination of
parental rights and adoption proceeding: permanent 150 years.
SECTION 28. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(42m) is amended to read:
(42m) Juvenile delinquency, juveniles in need of protection and
services and children in need of protection and services case files.
Except as provided in sub. (24), all papers documents deposited with
the clerk of circuit court, register in probate, or clerk of court for
juvenile matters in proceedings commenced under ch. 48 or 938, stats.:
4 years after the 18th birthday of the juvenile or child; except 75
years after the adjudication of the juvenile or child if he or she was
adjudicated delinquent for committing an act that would be punishable
as a felony if committed by an adult; except 75 years after the
adjudication of the juvenile or child if he or she was adjudicated
delinquent for committing an act that would be punishable as a No. 20-08
11
misdemeanor if committed by an adult and there was a firearm restriction
ordered or there was a requirement that the juvenile or child register
with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry.
SECTION 29. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(46) is renumbered to Supreme
Court Rule 72.01(46)(a) and amended to read:
(46)(a) Criminal and juvenile delinquency Felony case exhibits,
paper, and non-paper. Twenty The later of twenty years after entry of
final judgment or until every person in custody as a result of the
action or proceeding has reached his or her discharge date, provided
that return of the exhibit has been offered to the proffering party.
SECTION 30. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(46)(b) is created to read:
(46)(b) Misdemeanor case exhibits, paper, and non-paper. Ten
years after entry of final judgment, provided that return of the exhibit
has been offered to the proffering party.
SECTION 31. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(46)(c) is created to read:
(46)(c) Juvenile delinquency case exhibits, paper, and non-paper.
Four years after the 18th birthday of the juvenile or child, provided
that return of the exhibit has been offered to the proffering party.
SECTION 32. Supreme Court Rule 72.01(47) is amended to read:
(47) Court reporter notes. Verbatim stenographic, shorthand,
audio or video notes produced by a court reporter or any other verbatim
record of in-court proceedings:. The verbatim record, created as
authorized under SCR 71.01(3): 10 years after the hearing.
SECTION 33. Supreme Court Rule 72.03(3) is renumbered Supreme Court
Rule 72.03(3)(a) and amended to read:
(3)(a) Any Except as provided in par. (b) or in sub. (4), any
record of a court that has been electronically or optically stored and No. 20-08
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preserved in accordance with SCR 72.05 may be destroyed in accordance
with SCR 72.02(1) and (2) 48 hours after the record has been
electronically or optically stored. A clerk of circuit court is not
required to provide notice of destruction to the State Historical
Society of Wisconsin when the record has been electronically or
optically stored. Notice of destruction to the State Historical Society
of Wisconsin is required when the electronically or optically stored
record will be destroyed once the retention period under SCR 72.01 has
expired.
SECTION 34. Supreme Court Rule 72.03(3)(b) is created to read:
(3)(b) An original will deposited by a testator with the register
in probate of the court of the county where the testator resides,
pursuant to s. 856.03, stats., may be electronically or optically stored
after notice of the testator's death is received and such will is opened
by court, but may not be destroyed until the expiration of the
applicable retention period established in SCR 72.01(35). An original
will deposited after the death of a testator, pursuant to s. 856.05,
stats., where there is no estate to probate may also be electronically
or optically stored but may not be destroyed until the expiration of
the applicable retention period established in SCR 72.01(36). An
original will deposited with the register in probate and admitted to
probate, pursuant to s. 856.19, stats., may be electronically or
optically stored. Such will may be destroyed two years after case
closure, provided it is electronically or optically stored.
SECTION 35. Supreme Court Rule 72.03(4) is amended to read:
(4) Exhibits specified in SCR 72.01(45) and , (46), and (46r) of
a documentary nature that are electronically or optically stored may be No. 20-08
13
destroyed after 48 hours if the exhibit submitted to the court is a
copy and not the original document. If the exhibit the court has
received is an original document, the exhibit may be destroyed 180 days
after entry of a final order or judgment, provided that it has been
offered to the proffering party, unless the time for appeal has been
extended under ss. 809.107, 809.30, or 809.32, stats. In the event of
an extension, the exhibit may be destroyed 30 days after the posttermination or post-conviction deadline has expired.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's web
site. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 13th day of April, 2021.
Petition 20-05 In the Matter of the Proposed Amendment of Wisconsin Statute § 809.85, Relating to the Pro Hac Vice Admission, Substitution, and Withdrawal of Retained Counsel in Appellate Court Proceedings
On October 14, 2020, the Wisconsin Judicial Council, by its Chair
and Acting Secretary, Attorney William C. Gleisner, III, filed a rule
petition asking the court to amend Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.85 to
establish a procedure to govern pro hac vice admission, substitution,
and withdrawal of retained counsel in appellate court proceedings.
Order Issued: March 9, 2021
Disposition: Adopted as amended
On October 14, 2020, the Wisconsin Judicial Council, by its Chair
and Acting Secretary, Attorney William C. Gleisner, III, filed a rule
petition asking the court to amend Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.85 to
establish a procedure to govern pro hac vice admission, substitution,
and withdrawal of retained counsel in appellate court proceedings.
The court discussed the rule petition on December 17, 2020 in a
closed administrative rule conference. The court voted to solicit
written comments and schedule a public hearing. Letters were sent to
interested persons on December 22, 2020. Kathleen A. Brost, President,
State Bar of Wisconsin, filed a comment advising the court that the
Board of Governors voted unanimously to support the petition. The court
conducted a public hearing on February 24, 2021, via videoconference.
Attorney William Gleisner and the Honorable Thomas Hruz presented the
petition to the court on behalf of the Wisconsin Judicial Council. No. 20-05
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The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative
conference and voted to grant the petition.
IT IS ORDERED that, effective July 1, 2021, Wis. Stat. § (Rule)
809.85 is amended to read:
SECTION 1. 809.85 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:
809.85 Rule (Counsel to continue Continuation, appearance,
substitution or withdrawal of counsel).
SECTION 2. 809.85 of the statutes is renumbered 809.85(1) and
amended to read:
809.85(1) APPOINTED COUNSEL TO CONTINUE. An attorney appointed by a
lower court in a case or proceeding appealed to the court shall continue
to act in the same capacity in the court until the court relieves the
attorney or as allowed under subs. (3), (4), or (5)(b).
SECTION 3. 809.85(2) of the statutes is created to read:
809.85(2) NONADMITTED COUNSEL. (a) Counsel not admitted to
practice law in Wisconsin but admitted pro hac vice in the circuit court
case shall provide the clerk with a copy of the circuit court's order
admitting counsel pro hac vice and then may appear before the court in
association with counsel admitted to practice law and in good standing
in Wisconsin. Wisconsin counsel shall sign every document filed in the
court and shall be present in person in all proceedings unless excused
by the court.
(b) Counsel not admitted to practice law in Wisconsin may move
the court for pro hac vice admission and shall state by affidavit that
counsel is admitted to practice law and is in good standing to practice
law in another jurisdiction and that counsel has complied with
SCR 10.03(4). If the motion is granted, counsel may appear before the No. 20-05
3
court in association with counsel admitted to practice law and in good
standing in Wisconsin. Wisconsin counsel shall sign every document
filed in the court and shall be present in person in all proceedings
unless excused by the court.
(c) For good cause the court may revoke the privilege granted
herein of any counsel admitted pro hac vice to appear in any proceeding.
SECTION 4. 809.85(3) of the statutes is created to read:
809.85(3) NOTICE OF LIMITED APPEARANCE. If an attorney's scope of
representation is limited, notices under s. 802.045 of limited
appearance and of termination of limited appearance shall be filed with
the court and served on the client and all parties. Upon the filing of
the notice of termination of limited appearance, the clerk shall enter
the withdrawal of counsel on the court docket without a court order.
SECTION 5. 809.85(4) is created to read:
809.85(4) SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL. (a) Applicability. This
subsection does not apply to counsel appointed for a person under
ss. 809.107, 809.30(2)(e) or ch. 977 or by the circuit court for
postconviction, postcommitment, or postdisposition proceedings under
ss. 809.107, 809.30 or 809.32.
(b) Substitution by mutual consent.
1. An attorney for a party to an appeal or other appellate court
proceeding may withdraw upon the party's consent by filing a notice of
withdrawal signed by the party and withdrawing counsel and accompanied
by a notice of substitution of counsel signed by substitute counsel.
The notice of substitution of counsel must provide the substitute
attorney's name, mailing address, electronic mail address, if any, and
telephone number. Upon the filing of a notice of withdrawal and notice No. 20-05
4
of substitution of counsel, the clerk shall enter the substitution on
the court docket without a court order.
2. Substitution of counsel without the signature of withdrawing
counsel may be allowed for good cause shown and upon such terms as shall
be just.
(c) Entry of appearance by members or employees of law firms,
professional corporations, legal assistance clinics, and agencies. The
entry of an appearance as attorney of record by an attorney who is a
member or an employee of a law firm, professional corporation, legal
assistance clinic, or agency representing a party to the appeal or other
appellate court proceeding shall relieve other members or employees of
the same law firm, professional corporation, legal assistance clinic,
or agency from the necessity of filing a notice of withdrawal and
substitution of counsel. Upon entry of such appearance, the clerk shall
enter the substitution of counsel on the court docket without a court
order unless the entry of appearance indicates that the attorneys will
serve as co-counsel.
SECTION 6. 809.85(5) is created to read:
809.85(5) WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL. (a) Applicability. This
subsection does not apply to counsel appointed for a person under
ss. 809.107, 809.30(2)(e) or ch. 977 or by the circuit court for
postconviction, postcommitment, or postdisposition proceedings under
ss. 809.107, 809.30 or 809.32.
(b) Withdrawal by consent. Other than in an appeal under
ss. 809.107 or 809.30, an attorney for a party to an appeal or other
appellate court proceeding may withdraw as counsel of record upon the
party's consent by filing a notice of withdrawal signed by the party No. 20-05
5
indicating consent. The notice shall indicate the party's last known
address unless disclosure of the address would violate a standard of
professional responsibility. Upon the filing of a notice of withdrawal
indicating the party's consent, the clerk shall enter the withdrawal on
the court docket without a court order.
(c) Withdrawal by motion. An attorney desiring to withdraw as
counsel of record for a party to an appeal or other appellate court
proceeding who is unable to obtain the party's consent under sub.
(5)(b), or in an appeal under ss. 809.107 or 809.30, must file a motion
to withdraw. The motion shall be filed in the court in which the appeal
or other appellate court proceeding is pending.
(d) Referral for appointment of counsel by the state public
defender. If the appeal or other appellate court proceeding is one in
which the client may be eligible for the appointment of counsel under
ss. 809.107, 809.30(2)(e) or ch. 977, and if the client requests
representation by the state public defender, the attorney shall serve
a copy of the motion to withdraw on the appellate division intake unit
in the Madison appellate office of the state public defender and refer
the client to the appellate division intake office for indigency
determination and the possible appointment of counsel. When a client
is referred to the state public defender, within 20 days after receipt
of a motion to withdraw filed and served under par. (e), the state
public defender shall notify the court in which the motion was filed of
the status of the determination of the client's indigency and whether
the state public defender will appoint counsel.
(e) Content of motion to withdraw as counsel. A motion to
withdraw as counsel must include all of the following items: No. 20-05
6
1. The client's name and last known address, unless disclosure of
the address would violate a standard of professional responsibility.
2. A statement that at least 14 days before the motion was filed
the client was notified in person, by mail, by electronic mail, or by
phone of all of the following information:
a. Counsel's intent to withdraw.
b. Of the right to object to the motion within 11 days after
service of the motion.
c. That unless the client retains or obtains new counsel, the
client is personally responsible for keeping the court and the other
parties informed where notices, briefs, or other papers may be served
and complying with all court orders and time limitations established by
the rules of appellate procedure or by court order, and that if the
client fails or refuses to comply with court orders and established
time limitations, the client may suffer possible dismissal, default or
other penalty.
d. The date of any pending deadline or required filing in the
appeal or other appellate proceeding.
e. If the client is not a natural person, that the client must be
represented by counsel unless the appeal is taken from a small claims
case.
3. When referral to the state public defender is required under
par. (d), a statement that the referral was made and the date it was
made.
4. A statement that the motion was served on the client, all
parties to the appeal, and the appellate division intake unit in the No. 20-05
7
Madison appellate office of the state public defender when referral to
the state public defender is required under par. (d).
5. If counsel was unable to give the client the notice required
under subd. 2., a statement that attempts to give notice have failed
and an explanation of what good faith efforts counsel made to satisfy
the notice requirement.
6. The reasons for withdrawal under SCR 20:1.16 and the facts
relevant to the reasons or factors in the withdrawal determination under
par. (f), unless an explanation of the reasons and facts would violate
a standard of professional responsibility.
(f) Factors in withdrawal determination. The court may approve
withdrawal under appropriate terms and conditions. The court may
consider the following factors in deciding the attorney's motion to
withdraw:
1. Whether the client has been given reasonable notice and
opportunity to obtain substitute counsel.
2. Complexity of the case, the length of time the attorney has
served as counsel of record, and preparatory work completed.
3. The amount of fees paid or owed.
4. Whether the request is made to manipulate the appellate
process.
5. Whether the attorney-client relationship is irrevocably
broken.
6. Prejudice to any party.
7. Delay caused by the withdrawal of counsel of record.
8. Whether the office of the state public defender will appoint
counsel.No. 20-05
8
9. Such other factors as the court may determine to be relevant.
(g) Time tolled. The filing of a motion to withdraw under this
section automatically tolls the time for performing an act required by
the rules of appellate procedure or court order from the date the motion
was filed until the date motion is disposed of by order. The time for
filing a petition for review under s. 808.10 is not tolled.
(h) Motion not necessary. Upon the filing of a petition for
review by a self-represented person or new counsel, the clerk shall
enter the withdrawal of counsel or substitution of counsel on the court
docket without a court order.
SECTION 7. 809.85(6) of the statutes is created to read:
809.85(6) CLIENT'S FILE. The withdrawing attorney shall surrender
to the client or successor counsel the papers and property to which the
client is entitled within 14 days of counsel's receipt of the client's
or successor counsel's request, unless the court orders otherwise.
SECTION 8. Judicial Council Note to 809.85 of the statutes is
created to read:
JUDICIAL COUNCIL NOTE
Subsection (5)(a) is not intended to supersede Rule 809.30(4),
which governs the withdrawal of appointed counsel. Subsection (6) is
consistent with SCR 20:1.16(d) and only adds a time limit in which
counsel must act. Subsection (6) allows the court to defer the
surrender of papers and property to the client when the appointment of
new counsel is anticipated.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Judicial Council Note to Wis. Stat.
§ 809.85 is not adopted but will be published and may be consulted for
guidance in interpreting and applying the rule.No. 20-05
9
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's web
site. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 9th day of March, 2021.
Petition 19-25 In the Matter of the Petition to Amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 12.07(2)(a), Relating to the Annual Assessment of Attorneys for the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
On December 23, 2019, Attorney Benjamin T. Kurten, on behalf of
the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection ("the Fund"), filed
a rule petition asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule
(SCR) 12.07(2)(a) to increase the annual assessment of attorneys for
the Fund to provide sufficient income for payment of eligible claims.
Order Issued: March 8, 2021
Disposition: Adopted as amended
On December 23, 2019, Attorney Benjamin T. Kurten, on behalf of
the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection ("the Fund"), filed
a rule petition asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule
(SCR) 12.07(2)(a) to increase the annual assessment of attorneys for
the Fund to provide sufficient income for payment of eligible claims.
The court voted to seek written comments and schedule a public
hearing. A letter soliciting comments was sent to interested persons
on January 29, 2020. The court received two comments, from the State
Bar of Wisconsin and from Attorney William Weigel, both supporting
the petition.
A public hearing notice issued on September 4, 2020 and the
court conducted a public hearing via videoconference on October 6,No. 19-25
2
2020.1 Attorney Benjamin T. Kurten, presented the petition to the
court on behalf of the Fund. Mr. Denis Donohue and Attorney Peter
Sorce, members of the Board of Administrative Oversight, spoke in
favor of the petition.
At an ensuing closed administrative rules conference, the court
voted to grant the petition and to revise the rule as requested.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2021:
SECTION 1. Supreme Court Rule 12.07(2)(a) is amended to read:
(2)(a) Annual assessments. Commencing with the state bar's
2013 2022 fiscal year, every attorney shall pay to the fund an annual
assessment of $20 25. An attorney whose annual state bar membership
dues are waived for hardship shall be excused from the payment of the
annual assessment for that year. An attorney shall be excused from
the payment of the annual assessment for the fiscal year during which
he or she is admitted to practice in Wisconsin
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be
given by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this
order.
REBECCA GRASSL BRADLEY and BRIAN HAGEDORN, JJ., dissent.
Petition 19-23 In re Amendment of SCR 60.04, Relating to Performing the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially and Diligently. (Amendment of SCR 60.04)
On November 25, 2019 the Honorable D. Todd Ehlers, on behalf of
the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee (JCAC) filed this rule petition
proposing changes to the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme
Court Rule (SCR) 60.04. The petition was filed at the behest of the
Committee of Chief Judges Municipal Court Subcommittee, which was tasked with conducting a review of the statutes and SCRs related to municipal courts and the role of chief judges and district court administrators in the administration of municipal courts.1
Order Issued: March 3, 2021
Disposition: Petition denied
On November 25, 2019 the Honorable D. Todd Ehlers, on behalf of
the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee (JCAC) filed this rule petition
proposing changes to the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme
Court Rule (SCR) 60.04. The petition was filed at the behest of the
Committee of Chief Judges Municipal Court Subcommittee, which was tasked
with conducting a review of the statutes and SCRs related to municipal
courts and the role of chief judges and district court administrators
in the administration of municipal courts.1
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative rules
conference on January 17, 2020. It voted to seek written comments.
1 On August 14, 2019, the Committee of Chief Judges sent a
letter to the JCAC proposing three amendments to the Code of
Judicial Conduct to bring these rules into conformity with the ABA
Model Code of Judicial Conduct. Recognizing that changes to the
Code of Judicial Conduct would impact not only municipal judges,
but the entire judiciary, the Committee of Chief Judges requested
that the JCAC review the suggested changes to determine whether
they would improve the integrity of the entire judiciary. After
reviewing the suggested changes, the JCAC voted to file this rule
petition.
No. 19-23
2
The court issued its standard interested persons letter on January 24,
2020. The court received responses from the Honorable Robert Kupfer,
President, on behalf of the Wisconsin Municipal Judges Association, and
the Honorable Barbara H. Key, Chief Judge, Fourth Judicial
Administrative District, both supporting the petition.
The court discussed the matter again at a closed administrative
rules conference on May 28, 2020 and voted to schedule a public hearing.
The court conducted the public hearing on October 6, 2020. The
Honorable D. Todd Ehlers, presented the petition to the court on behalf
of the JCAC. Chief Judge Key also spoke in support of the petition,
and submitted a follow-up letter dated October 16, 2020, stating
additional reasons for the proposal to create an anti-retaliation clause
in Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct. The court discussed the petition
in closed administrative conferences following the public hearing and
voted to deny the petition.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that rule petition 19-23 is denied.
ANN WALSH BRADLEY and REBECCA FRANK DALLET, JJ., dissent.
JILL J. KAROFSKY, J., dissents in part to denying Sections 1 and
3, (amend SCR 60.04(1)(d) and create SCR 60.04(9), to extend a judge's
duty of courtesy to include staff and court officials); and Section 4,
(create SCR 60.04(10) to add an anti-retaliation clause).
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 3rd day of March, 2021.
Petition 20-04 In the Matter of the Petition to Repeal and Recreate Supreme Court Rule (SCR) Chapter 50, Regarding the Practical Training of Law Students (Student Practice Petition)
On July 28, 2020, Attorney Daniel J. Hoff, President, Wisconsin
Access to Justice Commission (WATJC), filed a rule petition asking the
court to repeal and recreate Supreme Court Rule (SCR) Chapter 50
relating to the practical training of law students.
Order Issued: March 2, 2021
Disposition: Supreme Court Rule Chapter 50 is repealed and recreated
On July 28, 2020, Attorney Daniel J. Hoff, President, Wisconsin
Access to Justice Commission (WATJC), filed a rule petition asking the
court to repeal and recreate Supreme Court Rule (SCR) Chapter 50
relating to the practical training of law students.
The court discussed the rule petition on September 30, 2020 in a
closed administrative rule conference. The court voted to solicit
written comments and schedule a public hearing. Letters were sent to
interested persons on November 3, 2020. A number of comments were
received, all supporting the petition. The court conducted a public
hearing on January 14, 2021, via videoconference. Attorney Daniel J.
Hoff presented the petition to the court on behalf of WATJC. Dean Dan
Tokaji, University of Wisconsin Law School, spoke in support of the
petition; as did Attorney Mitch, Clinical Professor, Director, Economic
Justice Institute and Neighborhood Law Clinic, University of Wisconsin
Law School; and Sarah Davis, JD, MPA, Clinical Professor, Co-Director,
No. 20-04
2
Center for Patient Partnerships, University of Wisconsin Law School.
The court was also advised that Dean Joseph D. Kearney, Marquette
University Law School, has no objection to the petition.
At the public hearing, the court inquired about proposed
SCR 50.02(5), which permits a supervising lawyer to summarily withdraw
a student's practice certification. The court inquired whether this
authority could be misused or have adverse consequences for a student.
The petitioner has explained that withdrawal of a student-practice
certification, while rare, can occur for a variety of reasons, including
family, health, or educational reasons of the student or of the
supervising attorney, or for other reasons that have no bearing on a
student's character and fitness for admission to the bar. Accordingly,
in the absence of other information, withdrawal of a student-practice
certification should not reflect adversely on a student.
Concerns about possible misuse of this authority by supervising
attorneys are mitigated by the fact that student practitioners receive
mentoring from, and have opportunities to provide feedback to, their
law schools regarding supervising attorneys, and supervising lawyers
must abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys,
SCR ch. 20. Conduct in violation of those rules could subject a
supervising attorney to professional discipline.
At the public hearing the court also noted that the existing rule
contains a provision, SCR 50.08, entitled "compensation" but the
proposed rule has no similar provision. The petitioner explains that
it omitted the compensation provision from the proposed rule because it
was potentially confusing. Some student practitioners may receive
compensation for their work and assisting clients may properly include
No. 20-04
3
counseling clients about legal fees the organization may charge the
client for its services.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative
conference and voted to grant the petition with certain modifications.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that, effective July 1, 2021, Supreme Court Rule
Chapter 50 is repealed and recreated to read:
SCR 50.01 Qualifications to practice as a student.
In order to engage in the activities permitted under SCR 50.04, a
law student:
(1) Shall either:
(a) be regularly enrolled in law school approved by the American
Bar Association, in good standing, and have completed the first-year
curriculum for a full time student, as certified under SCR 50.02; or
(b) have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar
Association, as certified under SCR 50.02, not more than 12 months
before engaging in the activities permitted by these rules and shall
not be admitted to practice before any federal or state court;
(2) Shall work under the supervision of a lawyer, as provided in
SCR 50.03, under the auspices of:
(a) a clinical education program operated or sponsored by a
Wisconsin law school, including externships, practicums, supervised
field placements and experience-based programs operated or sponsored by
a Wisconsin law school;
(b) a qualified pro bono program, as defined in SCR 31.01(12);
No. 20-04
4
(c) a nonprofit legal services organization that receives funding
from the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation or the Legal Services
Corporation; or
(d) a government agency which employs the supervising lawyer; and
(3) If providing legal services to a client under SCR 50.04, shall
obtain the informed consent of the client, as specified in
SCR 20:1.0(f).
SCR 50.02 Law school certification.
(1) A student engaged in activities permitted by SCR 50.04 shall
obtain a written certification from the law school in which the student
is enrolled, or the law school from which the student graduated, on a
form prescribed by the clerk of supreme court.
(2) The student shall obtain the applicable certification form
from the clerk of supreme court, present the certification form to the
law school for its consideration, obtain a completed form from the law
school and carry the form at all times when appearing in court. The
law school shall send a copy of the certification form to the clerk of
the supreme court.
(3) The law school shall certify, as applicable, whether the
student:
(a) is regularly enrolled, is in good standing, and has completed
the first-year curriculum for full time students; or
(b) has graduated, and the certification shall specify the date of
graduation.
(4) The certification shall be valid until:
(a) for students who have not yet graduated, the expiration of 24
months after it is issued or until the student has been admitted to
No. 20-04
5
practice before any federal or state court, whichever is earlier. For
part-time students and students regularly enrolled and pursuing one or
more additional degrees, the certification may be renewed at the
discretion of the law school; or
(b) for students who have graduated but have not yet been admitted
to practice before any federal or state court, the expiration of 12
months after the date of graduation.
(5) The certification shall be withdrawn by the student's law
school if the student ceases to be regularly enrolled in law school
without graduating. The law school shall send notice to the supervising
attorney and the clerk of the supreme court. The certification may be
withdrawn if the supervising attorney notifies the clerk of the supreme
court that supervision of the student will cease. The clerk shall send
notice to the student and the student's law school. The student's law
school may, upon notice to the clerk, issue a modified certification
reflecting the substitution of a new supervising attorney.
(6) The certification may be canceled by the supreme court at any
time, without hearing and without any showing of cause.
SCR 50.03 Supervision.
A supervising lawyer shall:
(1) Be an active member of the State Bar of Wisconsin within the
meaning of SCR 10.03.
(2) Assume personal professional responsibility for any services
performed or undertaken by the student while under the lawyer's
supervision.
No. 20-04
6
(3) Read, approve and personally sign any pleadings or other papers
prepared by the student prior to the filing thereof with a court,
tribunal or public agency.
(4) Read and approve any documents which are prepared by the
student for signing by any other person.
(5) Appear with the student in any proceeding before a court,
tribunal or public agency unless:
(a) the lawyer's presence is not necessary; and
(b) if the student is appearing on behalf of a client, the client
gives informed consent, as specified in SCR 20:1.0(f); and
(c) the judge, panel of judges or presiding officer does not object
to the student appearing without the supervising lawyer present.
(6) Supervise no more than the following numbers of students
concurrently:
(a) ten, if the lawyer spends on average more than 20 hours per
week supervising the clinical education of students;
(b) five, if the lawyer spends on average 20 hours or fewer per
week supervising the clinical education of students;
(c) five, if the lawyer supervises students under the auspices of
a qualified pro bono program, a nonprofit legal services organization
that receives funding from the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, or
as a lawyer employed by a governmental agency.
SCR 50.04 Activities authorized.
A student may engage, under the supervision of a supervising lawyer
in accordance with SCR 50.03, in the following activities:
(1) Appear on behalf of a client or a governmental agency in any
proceeding before a court, tribunal or public agency; except that before
No. 20-04
7
appearing before the supreme court or court of appeals, the supervising
lawyer and the student must request permission by motion filed under
Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.14.
(2) Negotiate on behalf of a client or a governmental agency with
another person or entity.
(3) Counsel and give legal advice to a client or governmental
agency.
SCR 50.05 Students engaged as law clerks. This chapter does not
require certification in accordance with SCR 50.02 or supervision in
accordance with SCR 50.03 of a law student performing acts on behalf of
a lawyer or law firm that are customarily performed by law clerks in
law offices, as long as the acts do not consist of activities specified
in SCR 50.04, except that a lawyer or law firm employing a law clerk
must assume professional responsibility for any acts performed by the
student as a law clerk while in the employment of the lawyer or law
firm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 2nd day of March, 2021.
Petition 20-06 In the Matter of the Emeritus Status, Penalties for Late Payment of Dues and Fees, Technical Corrections, and Continuing Education Requirements
On October 19, 2020, Attorney Kathleen A. Brost, President, State
Bar of Wisconsin, filed a rule petition asking the court to modify
Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 10.03 to clarify who is an active or inactive
emeritus lawyer and to clarify the scope of permitted practice for the
various members. The petition would also modify SCR 31.02 pertaining
to continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for emeritus lawyers.
Order Issued: March 2, 2021
Disposition: Adopted as amended
On October 19, 2020, Attorney Kathleen A. Brost, President, State
Bar of Wisconsin, filed a rule petition asking the court to modify
Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 10.03 to clarify who is an active or inactive
emeritus lawyer and to clarify the scope of permitted practice for the
various members. The petition would also modify SCR 31.02 pertaining
to continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for emeritus lawyers.
The court discussed the rule petition on December 17, 2020 in a
closed administrative rule conference. The court voted to solicit
written comments and schedule a public hearing. Letters were sent to
interested persons on December 22, 2020. Several written comments were
received. Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, Attorney Diane S. Diel, Attorney
Francis W. Deisinger, Attorney Mark G. Petri, and Justice Jon P. Wilcox
all support the petition. The Board of Bar Examiners, by its Director,
Jacquelynn Rothstein, opposes the petition. Mary Jo B. Hunter,
Associate Judge/Judge of the Healing to Wellness Court, Ho-Chunk Nation
No. 20-06
2
Trial Court, expressed concerns about the petition. The State Bar filed
a response to the comments.
The court conducted a public hearing on February 24, 2021, via
videoconference. Past State Bar President Jill Kastner and Attorney
Dean R. Dietrich presented the petition to the court on behalf of the
State Bar. Jacquelynn Rothstein, Director, spoke on behalf of the Board
of Bar Examiners in opposition to the petition.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative
conference and voted to grant the petition with certain minor
modifications. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that, effective July 1, 2021, Supreme Court
Rule 10.03 is amended as follows:
SECTION 1. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(3)(a) is amended to read:
(3) Classes of membership. (a) The members of the state bar are
divided into 4 classes as follows: active members, judicial members,
inactive members and emeritus members.
1. Active Members. The class of active members includes all
members of the state bar, including those designated as senior active
members, except the judicial members and inactive members who are
authorized to engage in the practice of law, either full-time or parttime, salaried or non-salaried, regardless of age. Commencing July 1,
2021, upon attaining age 75, an active member is designated as a "senior
active member" unless a written notice requesting enrollment in a
different membership class is filed.
2. Inactive Members. The class of inactive members includes those
persons members of the state bar who are eligible for active membership
but are not engaged in the practice of law in this state and who have
No. 20-06
3
filed with the secretary of the association state bar written notice
requesting enrollment in the class of inactive members. An inactive
member may not practice law in this state other than pro bono service
as provided in SCR 10.03(3)(am).
3. Judicial Members. The class of judicial members includes the
following persons: supreme court justices, court of appeals judges,
circuit court judges, full-time circuit court commissioners, full-time
municipal court judges, supreme court commissioners, court of appeals
staff attorneys, federal district court judges, federal appellate court
judges, federal bankruptcy judges, federal magistrate judges, federal
administrative law judges, and retired justices and judges who are
eligible for temporary judicial assignment and are not engaged in the
practice of law. Any judicial member may elect to become an active
member with all rights of active membership except to hold office as an
officer or governor or to practice law.
4. Emeritus Members. The class of emeritus members includes those
persons members who are either active or inactive members in good
standing but who are at least 70 years of age who are in good standing
and who have filed with the executive director of the association state
bar a written notice requesting enrollment in the class of emeritus
members. An emeritus member has all the privileges of membership in
the state bar and need not pay membership dues for the years following
the year in which he or she attains the age of 70 may not practice law
in this state other than pro bono service as provided in
SCR 10.03(3)(am). Members who have enrolled in this class of membership
prior to July 1, 2021 retain all the privileges of active membership
including the right to practice law, and need not pay membership dues.
No. 20-06
4
SECTION 2. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(3)(am) is created to read:
(3)(am) Pro bono service by inactive or emeritus members. 1. An
inactive or emeritus member may provide pro bono legal services as
defined in SCR 31.01(11) through a qualified pro bono program as defined
in SCR 31.01(12) subject to the limitations and requirements of this
subsection. A member who is providing only pro bono legal services
under this subsection shall pay no additional dues, fees, or assessments
than those assigned to their membership class. Each such member must
comply with the conditions under 2 through 4 of this section.
2. Supervision and limitations.
a. Supervision by attorney. The member must perform all activities
authorized by this chapter under the general supervision of a qualified
pro bono program.
b. Without fee or expectation of a fee. The pro bono legal
services must be provided without fee or expectation of a fee. The
prohibition against compensation for the attorney contained in this
subsection does not prevent the qualified pro bono program from
reimbursing the attorney for actual expenses incurred while rendering
services under this chapter or from paying continuing legal education
attendance fees on behalf of the attorney. Nothing in this subsection
prevents a qualified pro bono program from receiving court-awarded or
statutory attorneys' fees for pro bono legal services rendered by the
attorney.
3. Certification. Permission for an attorney to perform services
under this subsection is effective upon filing with the state bar of
Wisconsin a certification from a qualified pro bono program and the
attorney stating that the attorney:
No. 20-06
5
a. Is currently associated with the program and that the attorney
will be practicing under the general supervision of the program;
b. Is in good standing, does not have a pending disciplinary
proceeding, and has never been disbarred or had their license to
practice law revoked or suspended in this state or any other
jurisdiction;
c. Will only provide pro bono legal services as defined in
SCR 31.01(11); and
d. Will at all times comply with the Wisconsin supreme court rules
of professional conduct for attorneys set forth in Wisconsin supreme
court rules chapter 20 and the rules and standards for training and
conduct established by the qualified pro bono program provider which
petitioned for the member's pro bono status.
4. Withdrawal of certification.
a. Withdrawal of permission to perform services. Permission to
perform services under this chapter must cease immediately upon the
filing with the state bar of Wisconsin of a notice either from the
qualified pro bono program stating that the attorney has ceased to be
associated with the program, which notice must be filed within 30 days
after such association has ceased, or from the Wisconsin supreme court,
in its discretion, at any time, stating that permission to perform
services under this chapter has been revoked. A copy of such notice
must be mailed to the attorney involved and to the qualified pro bono
program.
b. Notice of withdrawal. If an attorney's certification under
this chapter is withdrawn for any reason, the qualified pro bono program
must immediately file a notice of such action in the official file of
No. 20-06
6
each matter pending before any court or tribunal in which the attorney
appeared.
SECTION 3. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(3)(b) is amended to read:
(3)(b)1. Any inactive or emeritus member in good standing who has
actively practiced law in this state during the last 10 years may change
his or her classification to that of an active member by filing with
the secretary state bar a written request for transfer to the class of
active members and by paying the dues required of active members.
2.a. Any inactive or emeritus member in good standing who has not
actively practiced law in this state during the last 10 years may change
his or her classification to that of an active member by filing with
the secretary state bar a written request for transfer to the class of
active members, paying the dues required of active members, and
obtaining supreme court approval as provided in subd. 2. b.
b. Any inactive or emeritus member described in subd. 2. a. seeking
to change his or her classification to that of an active member shall
file a copy of his or her request for transfer to active membership
with both the board of bar examiners and the office of lawyer
regulation. The member shall pay $200 each to the board of bar examiners
and the office of lawyer regulation, which payment shall accompany the
copy of the request. Within 90 days after receipt of the copy of the
request, the board of bar examiners shall make a determination regarding
compliance with continuing legal education requirements and file its
finding with the clerk of the supreme court. Within 90 days after
receipt of the copy of the request, the director of the office of lawyer
regulation shall investigate the eligibility of the requestor and file
a response with the clerk of the supreme court in support of or in
No. 20-06
7
opposition to the request. Following receipt of the determination of
the board of bar examiners and the response of the office of lawyer
regulation, the supreme court shall consider and approve grant or
disapprove deny the inactive or emeritus member's request for transfer
to active membership.
SECTION 4. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(3)(bf) is amended to read:
(3)(bf) Any judicial member who is no longer serving in a judicial
office may change his or her classification to that of an active member
by filing with the secretary state bar a written request for transfer
to the class of active members and paying the dues required of active
members.
SECTION 5. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(3)(bm) is amended to read:
(3)(bm) Any inactive member in good standing may change his or her
classification to that of an emeritus member if otherwise qualified to
become an emeritus member provided that no inactive member who has not
actively practiced law in this state or in another state during the
last two years may be transferred to emeritus status until the board of
bar examiners certifies that the member has completed the continuing
legal education requirements required for transfer to active status and
the transfer is approved by the supreme court the requirements of such
membership class are met.
SECTION 6. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(3)(c) is amended to read:
(3)(c) No judicial, or inactive, or emeritus member may practice
law in this state or hold office or vote in any election conducted by
the state bar provided however that an inactive or emeritus member may
provide pro bono legal services consistent with SCR 10.03(3)(am). No
Subject to the exception in SCR 10.03(3)(am), no person engaged in the
No. 20-06
8
practice of law in this state in his or her own behalf or as an assistant
or employee of an active member of the state bar, or occupying a
position, the duties of which require the giving of legal advice or
service in this state, may be enrolled as an inactive or emeritus
member.
SECTION 7. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(4)(a) is amended to read:
(4)(a) No individual other than an enrolled active member of the
state bar may practice law in this state or in any manner purported to
be authorized or qualified to practice law provided however, that an
inactive or emeritus member may provide pro bono legal services
consistent with SCR 10.03(3)(am).
SECTION 8. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(5)(a) is amended to read:
(5) Membership dues and reduction of dues for certain activities.
(a) The annual membership dues for state bar operations for an active
member shall be established as provided herein. Other classes of
members shall pay the fraction of the dues of an active member as
follows: Supreme Court Justices, the full amount; judicial members,
two-thirds; senior active members, one-half effective in the year the
member attains the age of 75; inactive members, one-half; judicial
members, two-thirds emeritus members, none; and members admitted to
practice for 3 years or less, one-half. For purposes of determining an
active member's dues status based on the number of years admitted, there
shall be no proration based on the exact month and year of admission.
A fiscal year for which any dues are required to be paid under Bylaw 1,
Section 2 shall count as a full year and a fiscal year for which no
dues payment is required shall not count as a year. A change in the
dues of an active member for state bar operations may be made by the
No. 20-06
9
board of governors or as set forth herein. The state bar shall include
in the dues statement each year the amount necessary to pay the costs
of the Lawyer Regulation System and of office of lawyer regulation, the
continuing legal education functions of the Board of Bar Examiners board
of bar examiners, as approved the Wisconsin lawyers' fund for client
protection, and such other fees as ordered by the Supreme Court supreme
court. Judicial members other than Supreme Court Justices are not
liable to pay the portion for the costs of these boards, as reflected
in the dues statement the office of lawyer regulation and the board of
bar examiners. The state bar shall also include in the dues statement
each year an assessment to support the public interest legal services
fund, as approved by the supreme court. The state bar shall show
separately on its annual dues statement the portion of the total dues
for state bar operations, the assessments for and each of the boards
charges and other assessments imposed by the supreme court referred to
above.
SECTION 9. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(5)(b)1. is amended to read:
(5)(b)1. The State Bar state bar may engage in and fund any
activity that is reasonably intended for the purposes of the association
set forth in SCR 10.02(2). The State Bar state bar may not use the
compulsory dues of any member who objects pursuant to SCR 10.03(5)(b)3.
for activities that are not necessarily or reasonably related to the
purposes of regulating the legal profession or improving the quality of
legal services. Expenditures that are not necessarily or reasonably
related to the purposes of regulating the legal profession or improving
the quality of legal services may be funded only with voluntary dues,
user fees or other sources of revenue.
No. 20-06
10
SECTION 10. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(6m) is amended to read:
(6m) Petition for reinstatement from suspension for nonpayment of
dues or failure to file a trust account certificate. (a) An attorney
whose suspension for nonpayment of annual membership dues for state bar
operations or assessments imposed by the supreme court has been for a
period of less than 3 consecutive years shall be reinstated as a member
by the state bar board of governors if he or she makes full payment of
the amount owing and an additional payment of $20 as a penalty
reinstatement fee plus any penalties imposed by the state bar. The
secretary of the state bar shall certify the reinstatement to the clerk
of the supreme court.
(b) An attorney whose suspension for nonpayment of annual
membership dues for state bar operations or assessments imposed by the
supreme court has been for a period of 3 or more consecutive years may
file a petition for reinstatement with the supreme court. A copy of
the petition shall be served on the board of bar examiners and the
office of lawyer regulation. Separate payments in the amount of $200
each shall be made to the board of bar examiners and the office of
lawyer regulation and shall accompany the petition. Within 90 days
after service of the petition for reinstatement, the board of bar
examiners shall make a determination regarding compliance and file its
finding with the supreme court. Within 90 days after service of the
petition for reinstatement, the director of the office of lawyer
regulation shall investigate the eligibility of the petitioner for
reinstatement and file a response with the supreme court in support of
or in opposition to the petition. Following receipt of the
determination by the board of bar examiners and the response of the
No. 20-06
11
office of lawyer regulation, the supreme court shall consider and
approve grant or disapprove deny the petition for reinstatement.
(c) An attorney suspended from the practice of law for failure to
comply with the trust account certification requirement under
SCR 20:1.15 (g) shall be reinstated as a member by the state bar board
of governors if he or she files the prescribed certificate. The
secretary of the state bar shall certify the reinstatement to the clerk
of the supreme court.
SECTION 11. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(7)(a) is amended to read:
(7)(a) Voluntary resignation of membership. If a member of the
state bar files with the executive director state bar a written notice
of the member's surrender of his or her license to practice law and the
acceptance by the supreme court of his or her resignation in the state
bar, the person shall then cease to be a member of the state bar and
his or her name shall be removed from the membership register. Before
accepting a resignation, the supreme court shall request from the office
of lawyer regulation information concerning whether the attorney is the
subject of any pending grievances, investigations, or proceedings.
SECTION 12. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(7)(b)2. is amended to read:
(7)(b)2. The attorney shall file an original petition for
readmission to the state bar with the clerk of the supreme court and
shall file copies of the petition with the board of bar examiners and
the office of lawyer regulation. The member shall pay $200 each to the
board of bar examiners and the office of lawyer regulation which payment
shall accompany the copy of the petition. Within 90 days after receipt
of the copy of the petition for readmission, the board of bar examiners
shall make a determination regarding the eligibility of the petitioner
No. 20-06
12
for readmission and file its finding with the clerk of the supreme
court. Within 90 days after receipt of the copy of the petition for
readmission, the director of the office of lawyer regulation shall
investigate the eligibility of the petitioner for readmission and file
a response with the clerk of the supreme court in support of or in
opposition to the petition. Following receipt of the determination by
the board of bar examiners and the response of the office of lawyer
regulation, the supreme court shall consider and approve grant or
disapprove deny the petition for readmission.
SECTION 13. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(8) is amended to read:
(8) Avoidance of hardship. The board of governors state bar may,
in any case in which to do otherwise would result in hardship or
injustice, permit the retroactive enrollment of members and waive
penalties prescribed for delinquency in the payment of membership dues.
SECTION 14. Supreme Court Rule 31.02 is amended to read:
(1) A lawyer shall attend a minimum of 30 hours of approved CLE
during each reporting period. A lawyer who is a senior active member
shall attend a minimum of 15 hours of approved CLE during each reporting
period.
(2) A lawyer shall attend a minimum of 3 of the 30 hours required
under sub. (1) on the subject of legal ethics and professional
responsibility in every reporting period.
(3) A lawyer may attend a maximum of six (6) hours of the 30 hours
required under sub. (1) on subjects designed to enhance a lawyer's
awareness and understanding of substance abuse/dependence disorders,
mental illness, stress management, and work/life balance relating to
the practice of law.
No. 20-06
13
(4) A lawyer may attend a maximum of six (6) hours of the 30 hours
required under sub. (1) on the subject of law practice management, which
may include topics such as client communications, trust accounting,
record keeping, applications of technology, and other subjects
essential to the practice of law. Courses or portions of courses dealing
primarily with profit enhancement or marketing of services will be
denied credit.
(5) A lawyer may not claim credit for attending the same course
more than one time during a reporting cycle.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 2nd day of March, 2021.
Petition 20-08 In re the Matter of Amending Supreme Court Rule 72.01 (intro), (1), (8), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (17g), (18), (19), (20), (20g), (24), (24a), (24m), (26), (26m), (29), (32), (38), (42), (42m), (47) and 72.03(4), Renumberin
On December 10, 2020, Honorable Kevin Martens, on behalf of the
Director of State Courts' Records Management Retention Subcommittee, filed a rule petition asking the court to amend sections of Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 72.01 and SCR 72.03 to alter certain retention periods for various types of records.
Order Issued: February 26, 2021
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Wedneday, April 7, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
On December 10, 2020, Honorable Kevin Martens, on behalf of the
Director of State Courts' Records Management Retention Subcommittee,
filed a rule petition asking the court to amend sections of Supreme
Court Rule (SCR) 72.01 and SCR 72.03 to alter certain retention periods
for various types of records.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, commencing at 9:30 a.m. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted via
video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court Hearing Room will not be
open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and for
providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2008.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
No. 20-08
2
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 26th day of February, 2021.
Petition 20-09 In re Amendment of SCR 70.19, Wis. Stat. §§ 753.24, 753.26, 757.12, 757.14, 757.70, 807.14, 885.52, 885.54, 885.56, 885.58, 885.60, 967.09, and 971.04 Relating to the Location of Court and the Use of Videoconferencing Technology
On December 11, 2020, Honorable Randy Koschnick, Director of State
Courts filed a rule petition asking the court to amend the above Supreme Court Rule and Wisconsin statutes pertaining to the location of court and to the use of videoconferencing technology.
Order Issued: February 26, 2021
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Wedneday, April 7, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
On December 11, 2020, Honorable Randy Koschnick, Director of State
Courts filed a rule petition asking the court to amend the above Supreme
Court Rule and Wisconsin statutes pertaining to the location of court
and to the use of videoconferencing technology.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, commencing at 9:30 a.m. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted via
video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court Hearing Room will not be
open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and for
providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2009.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
No. 20-09
2
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 26th day of February, 2021.
Petition 20-07 In re Petition for the Creation of Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court and Amendments to Circuit Court Electronic Filings
On November 11, 2020, Sheila T. Reiff, Clerk of Supreme Court and
Court of Appeals, on behalf of the Appellate eFiling Committee, filed
a rule petition asking the court to approve the use of an expanded
electronic filing system for the appellate courts and to amend the rules
of appellate procedure in order to implement the system.
Order Issued: February 5, 2021
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
On November 11, 2020, Sheila T. Reiff, Clerk of Supreme Court and
Court of Appeals, on behalf of the Appellate eFiling Committee, filed
a rule petition asking the court to approve the use of an expanded
electronic filing system for the appellate courts and to amend the rules
of appellate procedure in order to implement the system.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, commencing at 9:30 a.m. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted via
video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court Hearing Room will not be
open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and for
providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2007.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
No. 20-07
2
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 5th day of February, 2021.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
Petition 20-05 In the Matter of the Proposed Amendment of Wisconsin Statute § 809.85, Relating to the Pro Hac Vice Admission, Substitution, and Withdrawal of Retained Counsel in Appellate Court Proceedings
On July 28, 2020 Attorney William C. Gleisner, III, Acting
Secretary, on behalf of the Wisconsin Judicial Council, filed a rule
petition asking the court to amend the Rules of Appellate Procedure,
Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.85 to establish procedures for pro hac vice
admission, substitution, and withdrawal of retained counsel in
appellate court proceedings.
Order Issued: January 11, 2021
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, commencing at 1:30 p.m.
On July 28, 2020 Attorney William C. Gleisner, III, Acting
Secretary, on behalf of the Wisconsin Judicial Council, filed a rule
petition asking the court to amend the Rules of Appellate Procedure,
Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.85 to establish procedures for pro hac vice
admission, substitution, and withdrawal of retained counsel in
appellate court proceedings.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, commencing at 1:30 p.m. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted
via video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court hearing room will not
be open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and
for providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2005.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
No. 20-05
2
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 11th day of January, 2021.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
Petition 20-06 In the Matter of the Emeritus Status, Penalties for Late Payment of Dues and Fees, Technical Corrections, and Continuing Education Requirements
On October 19, 2020 by Attorney Kathleen A. Brost, President, State
Bar of Wisconsin filed a rule petition asking the court to amend
SCR 10.03(6m) to clarify who is an active or inactive emeritus lawyer
and to clarify the scope of permitted practice for the various members.
Order Issued: January 11, 2021
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, commencing at 1:30 p.m.
On October 19, 2020 by Attorney Kathleen A. Brost, President, State
Bar of Wisconsin filed a rule petition asking the court to amend
SCR 10.03(6m) to clarify who is an active or inactive emeritus lawyer
and to clarify the scope of permitted practice for the various members.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, commencing at 1:30 p.m. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted
via video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court hearing room will not
be open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and
for providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2006.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
No. 20-06
2
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 11th day of January, 2021.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Cour
Petition 20-03 In re Petition for Proposed Rule to Amend Wis. Stat. § 809.70 (Relating to Redistricting)
On June 3, 2020, by Attorney Rick Esenberg, on behalf of Scott
Jensen and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) filed a
rule petition asking the court to amend the "original action" rule (Wis.
Stat. § 809.70) to create a mechanism for the court to consider
anticipated legal challenges to redistricting plans.
Order Issued: December 9, 2020
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
On June 3, 2020, by Attorney Rick Esenberg, on behalf of Scott
Jensen and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) filed a
rule petition asking the court to amend the "original action" rule (Wis.
Stat. § 809.70) to create a mechanism for the court to consider
anticipated legal challenges to redistricting plans.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Thursday, January 14, 2021, commencing at 9:30 a.m. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted
via video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court hearing room will not
be open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and
for providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2003.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
No. 20-03
2
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 9th day of December, 2020.
Petition 20-04 In the Matter of the Petition to Repeal and Recreate Supreme Court Rule (SCR) Chapter 50, Regarding the Practical Training of Law Students (Student Practice Petition)
On July 28, 2020 Attorney Daniel J. Hoff, President, Wisconsin
Access to Justice Commission, filed a rule petition asking the court to
repeal and recreate Supreme Court Rule (SCR) ch. 50 relating to the
practical training of law students.
Order Issued: December 9, 2020
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.
On July 28, 2020 Attorney Daniel J. Hoff, President, Wisconsin
Access to Justice Commission, filed a rule petition asking the court to
repeal and recreate Supreme Court Rule (SCR) ch. 50 relating to the
practical training of law students.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Thursday, January 14, 2021, commencing at 9:30 a.m. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted
via video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court hearing room will not
be open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and
for providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending/2004.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
No. 20-04
2
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 9th day of December, 2020.
IN RE THE MATTER OF CDC EVICTION MORATORIUM COMPLIANCE FOR EVICTION FILINGS
You are hereby notified that the court has issued the following order:
On September 1, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") issued an order entitled "Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19." ("CDC Order"). The CDC Order was published on September 4, 2020 and remains in effect until
December 31, 2020.
Order Issued: October 21, 2020
Disposition: Denied
You are hereby notified that the court has issued the following order:
On September 1, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") issued an order entitled
"Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19." ("CDC
Order"). The CDC Order was published on September 4, 2020 and remains in effect until
December 31, 2020.
On September 21, 2020, Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Judicare ("Legal
Action") filed a request for an "Emergency Order in the Matter of CDC Eviction Moratorium
Compliance for Eviction Filings." On September 23, 2020, the court received a letter from
Attorney Heiner Giese, on behalf of the Wisconsin Apartment Association (WAA) and the
Apartment Association of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc. (AASEW). The WAA/AASEW also seek
court guidance regarding the CDC Order, albeit regarding different aspects of the CDC Order. On
October 2, 2020, the court received a supplemental filing submitted on behalf of WAA/AASEW
requesting the court provide certain specific direction to circuit courts presiding over eviction
proceedings, as relating to the CDC Order. On October 12, 2020, the court received a response
from Legal Action responding to the WAA/AASEW.
The court is mindful of the economic challenges faced by many landlords and tenants
during the current health crisis as well as the importance of mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
However, we decline to adopt the proposed Emergency Order as proposed by Legal Action or with
Page 2 October 21, 2020 In the Matter of CDC Eviction Moratorium Compliance for Eviction Filings
the additions proposed by WAA/AASEW. The proposed Emergency Order and the
recommendations of WAA/AASEW would impose certain directives on all circuit court judges
with respect to the manner in which they preside over eviction proceedings during the pendency
of the CDC Order. Some of those directives reflect legal interpretations of the CDC Order, a
matter that has not yet come before this court. Some of the concerns identified by WAA/AASEW
appear to have arisen in the context of pending cases or controversies that may be subject to review,
including, potentially, review by this court. See SCR 60.04(1)(j) ("[a] judge may not, while a
proceeding is pending or impending in any court, make any public comment that may reasonably
be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of the proceeding."). This is an
administrative rules proceeding, not a case or controversy and the court does not render advisory
opinions. See Grotenrath v. Grotenrath, 215 Wis. 381, 384, 254 N.W. 631 (1934) ("[C]ourts will
not ordinarily render advisory opinions where the questions propounded have not arisen and may
never arise."). Our decision to deny the request of Legal Action and WAA/AASEW does not
preclude an individual circuit court judge presiding over an existing case from making reasonable
efforts to facilitate the ability of all litigants, including self-represented litigants, to be fairly heard,
consistent with a judge's obligation to perform all judicial duties fairly and impartially. See
SCR 60.04(1)(hm) and accompanying Comment.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Judicare's request for an
"Emergency Order in the Matter of CDC Eviction Moratorium Compliance for Eviction Filings"
is denied; and
Page 3 October 21, 2020 In the Matter of CDC Eviction Moratorium Compliance for Eviction Filings
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that no action will be taken on the correspondence filed on
behalf of the Wisconsin Apartment Association (WAA) and the Apartment Association of
Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc. (AASEW), namely a September 23, 2020 letter submitted by
Attorney Heiner Giese as supplemented by an October 2, 2020 letter submitted by Attorney Robert
S. Driscoll; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that consistent with the court's usual practice in
administrative rules matters, all filings in this matter, including a copy of the CDC Order, are
public. They are available on the court's website at https://www.wicourts.gov/covid19.htm.
Petition 19-23 In re Amendment of SCR 60.04, Relating to Performing the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially and Diligently
On November 25, 2019, the Honorable D. Todd Ehlers, on behalf of the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee (JCAC) filed a rule petition asking the court to amend the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme Court Rule (SCR), Chapter 60 pertaining to performing the duties of judicial office.
Order Issued: September 4, 2020
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 9:30 a.m.
On November 25, 2019, the Honorable D. Todd Ehlers, on behalf of
the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee (JCAC) filed a rule petition
asking the court to amend the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct,
Supreme Court Rule (SCR), Chapter 60 pertaining to performing the duties
of judicial office.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing
on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, commencing at 9:30 a.m. Due to the COVID
19 pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted via
video/audio conferencing. The Supreme Court hearing room will not be
open to the public. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and for
providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public
Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at
https://www.wicourts.gov/
scrules/1923.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
No. 19-23
2
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 4th day of September, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff Clerk of Supreme Court
Petition 19-25 In the Matter of the Petition to Amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 12.07(2)(a), Relating to the Annual Assessment of Attorneys for the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
On December 23, 2019, Attorney Benjamin T. Kurten, on behalf of the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (the "Fund"), filed a rule petition asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 12.07(2)(a) to increase the annual assessment of attorneys for the Fund to provide sufficient income for payment of eligible claims.
Order Issued: September 4, 2020
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
On December 23, 2019, Attorney Benjamin T. Kurten, on behalf of the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (the "Fund"), filed a rule petition asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 12.07(2)(a) to increase the annual assessment of attorneys for the Fund to provide sufficient income for payment of eligible claims.
By order dated February 25, 2020, the court scheduled a public hearing for April 2, 2020, in the above matter. By order dated March 17, 2020, the public hearing on rule petition 19-25 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
IT IS ORDERED that the Supreme Court will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, commencing at 9:30 a.m. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the public hearing before the court will be conducted via video/audio conferencing. Procedures for viewing the public hearing and for providing comment on the petition are set forth on the Public Administrative Rules Hearing Instruction sheet which can be accessed at https://www.wicourts.gov/
scrules/1925.htm.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of hearing be given by a publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules, including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme court. See www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 4th day of September, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
IN RE THE MATTER OF WAIVER OF IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE FOR STATE BAR OF WISCONSIN BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETINGS - SUPPLEMENTAL ORDER FISCAL YEAR 2021
On July 8, 2020, the President and the Chair of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin requested the court extend the temporary waiver of State Bar of Wisconsin Bylaw Article III, Section 11(b) due to circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, through Fiscal Year 2021, ending on June 30, 2021.1 This request relates to in-person attendance and voting requirements for regular meetings of the Board of Governors.
Order Issued: August 5, 2020
Disposition: Granted
On July 8, 2020, the President and the Chair of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin requested the court extend the temporary waiver of State Bar of Wisconsin Bylaw Article III, Section 11(b) due to circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, through Fiscal Year 2021, ending on June 30, 2021.1 This request relates to in-person attendance and voting requirements for regular meetings of the Board of Governors. The petition states that it is the State Bar's intention to resume in-person meetings of the Board of Governors as soon as practicable, but explains the State Bar must also be able to address changing requirements of local governments and ensure the safety of the State Bar’s leadership, while continuing to conduct the business of the organization. IT IS ORDERED that the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin President and the Chair of the Board of Governors is granted, and requirements for in-person attendance and voting requirements for regular meetings of the Board of Governors are waived for the fiscal year 2021 to end on June 30, 2021; and IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the State Bar of Wisconsin shall take all reasonable steps to notify its members of the contents of this order.
1 By temporary administrative order dated May 15, 2020, the court granted the State Bar's request for a temporary waiver of the requirements for an annual meeting of the members, requirements associated with that annual meeting and requirements for in-person voting at regular meetings of the Board of Governors for the balance of fiscal year ending on June 30, 2020.
IN RE THE MATTER OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM EDUCATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On July 20, 2020, this court issued an administrative rule order effective January 1, 2021, increasing the educational requirements for guardians ad litem appointed in family court cases and requiring education on the topic of the dynamics and impact of family violence. S. Ct. Order 19-13, 2020 WI 72 (issued July 20, 2020, eff. Jan. 1, 2021), (Rebecca Grassl Bradley, J., dissenting, joined by Daniel Kelly and Brian Hagedorn, J.J.).
Order Issued: July 21, 2020
Disposition: Ordered
You are hereby notified that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued the following order:
On July 20, 2020, this court issued an administrative rule order effective January 1, 2021, increasing the educational requirements for guardians ad litem appointed in family court cases and requiring education on the topic of the dynamics and impact of family violence. S. Ct. Order 19-13, 2020 WI 72 (issued July 20, 2020, eff. Jan. 1, 2021), (Rebecca Grassl Bradley, J., dissenting, joined by Daniel Kelly and Brian Hagedorn, J.J.).
However, the Court recognizes that the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 may impact lawyers' ability to complete the education required for a lawyer to be eligible to serve as a guardian ad litem under Supreme Court Rule chs. 35 and 36. Many continuing legal education (CLE) seminars have been cancelled or postponed and many lawyers may need to self-isolate or avoid public gatherings because of the risk of acquiring and/or transmitting the virus.1 Accordingly, the court will temporarily permit lawyers, in their discretion, to fulfil guardian ad litem educational requirements from repeated on-demand programs through December 31, 2020.2 Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective immediately and until December 31, 2020, lawyers may use on-demand programs to satisfy educational requirements needed as a prerequisite to accept an appointment as a guardian ad litem under Supreme Court Rule (SCR) chs. 35 or 36, provided those guardian ad litem educational requirements are completed on or before December 31, 2020.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that because this temporary measure is effective immediately, there may be a delay before the board of bar examiner’s electronic filing system can accept electronic reports documenting attendance of on-demand courses in satisfaction of guardian ad litem educational requirements. In this event, lawyers are directed to submit a statement of their request for continuing legal education credit in writing, together with documentation of the on-demand course(s) for which credit is claimed.
1 By order dated March 17, 2020, the court, at the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin, elected to temporarily increase the number of credits from on-demand programs that lawyers may use to satisfy the requirements of SCR 31.02. See S. Ct. Order 20-01, 2020 WI 30 (issued March 17, 2020). See also In the Matter of Judicial Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic, S. Ct. Order (issued Apr. 3, 2020) (modifying judicial education requirements).
2 "Repeated on-demand program" means an on-line program delivered over the Internet, consisting of a program previously approved by the board of bar examiners. SCR 31.01(6m).
Page 2 July 21, 2020 In re the Matter of Guardian ad Litem Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
2
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the State Bar of Wisconsin shall take all reasonable steps to notify its members of the contents of this order.
Petition 19-13In the Matter of the Petition to Amend Supreme Court Rule 35.015 (intro.) and (1), Relating to Qualifications for Appointment as a Guardian ad Litem in an Action Affecting the Family (GAL Qualifications)
On April 9, 2019, Senator Roger Roth and Representative Robert
Brooks, on behalf of the Joint Legislative Council Study Committee on
Child Placement and Support ("Study Committee"), filed a rule petition
asking this court to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 35.015 pertaining to the educational requirements for guardian ad litem appointments under ch. 767. The petition asks the court to require all guardians ad litem appointed in family court cases to receive education on the dynamics and impact of family violence.
Order Issued: July 20, 2020
Disposition: Amended
On April 9, 2019, Senator Roger Roth and Representative Robert
Brooks, on behalf of the Joint Legislative Council Study Committee on
Child Placement and Support ("Study Committee"), filed a rule petition
asking this court to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 35.015 pertaining
to the educational requirements for guardian ad litem appointments under
ch. 767. The petition asks the court to require all guardians ad litem
appointed in family court cases to receive education on the dynamics
and impact of family violence.
At a closed administrative rules conference on June 6, 2019, the
court voted to solicit written comments and schedule a public hearing.
On August 14, 2019, a letter was sent to the standard interested persons
list and to the Wisconsin Family Court Commissioners Association,
inviting comment on the proposed changes. The court received written
comments in support of the petition from: Korey C. Lundin, Family Law
Priority Coordinator, and Deedee D. Peterson, Executive Director, Legal
No. 19-13
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Action of Wisconsin; Delores Bomrad, Judicial Court Commissioner,
Washington County Circuit Court; and Mark Fremgen, Circuit Court
Commissioner, Dane County Circuit Court. The court received comments
opposing the petition from: Tony Bickel, President, Wisconsin Fathers
for Children and Families; Kay A. Johnson, Executive Director, the
National Alliance for Targeted Parents; and Professor Gretchen G. Viney,
University of Wisconsin Law School, together with Attorney Tiffany L.
Highstrom, Stafford Rosenbaum, LLP.
The court conducted a public hearing on October 22, 2019.
Representative Robert Brooks, Chair of the Study Committee, presented
the petition to the court along with Attorney Maureen Atwell, a member
of the Study Committee. Professor Gretchen G. Viney, University of
Wisconsin Law School, and Kay A. Johnson, Executive Director, the
National Alliance for Targeted Parents, spoke in opposition to the
petition. Several citizens appeared in support of the petition, sharing
personal testimony about challenges they faced navigating the family
court system as survivors of domestic violence: Ms. Amy Berens; Ms.
Jennifer Mauston; Ms. Megan Paulson; and Ms. Carrie Patzer. Korey C.
Lundin, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc., Jenna Gormal, Public Policy
Coordinator, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin; and Sue Moen, Safe Harbor of
Sheboygan County; also spoke in support of the petition.
The court discussed the petition in a closed administrative
conference following the public hearing and again on May 14, 2020, and
voted to grant the petition, with the modifications described herein.
A guardian ad litem may be appointed in family court proceedings
to serve as an advocate for the best interests of a minor child. Wis.
Stat. § 767.407(4). To fulfill this critically important role, the
No. 19-13
3
guardian ad litem must be informed on a myriad of important issues that
may affect a family. See Wis. Stat. § 767.407(4) (outlining the
responsibilities of a guardian ad litem for minor children in ch. 767
cases). Indeed, a family court guardian ad litem must consider
numerous factors that will bear on the court's determination of
custody and placement for the minor children. See Wis. Stat.
§ 767.41(5)(am).
The array of issues arising in family court cases is reflected
in our current educational requirements for guardians ad litem under
ch. 767. Our current rule requires completion of six "guardian ad
litem" education credits, approved by the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE).
At least three of those six hours must be approved "family court
guardian ad litem education" on any of the following subjects:
1. Proceedings under chapter 767 of the statutes; 2. Child development
and the effects of conflict and divorce on children; 3. Mental health
issues in divorcing families; 4. The dynamics and impact of family
violence; and 5. Sensitivity to various religious backgrounds, racial
and ethnic heritages, and issues of cultural and socioeconomic
diversity. SCR 35.03(1m)(a).
At the public hearing, Professor Viney favored continuing to give
guardians ad litem discretion to select the educational opportunities
best suited for their practice. The petitioners acknowledged that a
guardian ad litem should be informed on a myriad of issues. Informed
by the recommendations of the Study Committee, however, the
petitioners maintain that all guardians ad litem in family cases should
be required to have some training and education pertaining to family
violence. They emphasized that when family violence exists, the
No. 19-13
4
consequences pervade many aspects of a family court proceeding. For
example, a finding of interspousal battery as defined in Wis. Stat.
§ 940.19 or Wis. Stat. § 940.20(1m), or domestic abuse as defined in
Wis. Stat. § 813.12(1)(am), is highly relevant to the legal standards
applicable to a court's determination of appropriate custody,
placement, and visitation. See, e.g., Wis. Stat. § 767.41(2).
The petition proposes that for a lawyer to be eligible to accept
an appointment as a guardian ad litem for a minor in a family law
action, the lawyer must have taken at least three hours of education
specifically addressing the dynamics and impact of family violence.
For subsequent appointments, at least one of six required education
hours should be on the topic of the dynamics and impact of family
violence.
We are persuaded that additional education on the topic of family
violence is appropriate to better ensure that guardians ad litem
appointed in family law cases are prepared to advocate for the best
interests of the child. We opt to increase, by three credit hours, the
requirements for accepting an initial appointment as a guardian ad litem
under ch. 767, and to require that these three additional credit hours
address the topic of family violence. SCR 35.03(1m)(a)4. Therefore,
for guardian ad litem appointment orders issued after January 1, 2021,
before the lawyer accepts the appointment the lawyer must have completed
at least nine "guardian ad litem" education credits, approved by the
BBE. Of these nine credit hours three must be approved education on
the topic of family violence, and three more of these credit hours must
be approved "family court guardian ad litem education" on any of the
topics in SCR 35.03(1m)(a). The final three credit hours can be any
No. 19-13
5
type of approved "guardian ad litem" or "family court guardian ad litem"
education.
After the lawyer has met this nine credit threshold educational
requirement, thereafter, on the date a lawyer accepts a subsequent
family court guardian ad litem appointment the lawyer must have
completed at least six approved hours of guardian ad litem education
during the applicable reporting period. Of these, at least one credit
must be approved education on the topic of family violence, and at least
two additional credits must be approved family court guardian ad litem
education on any of the subjects identified in SCR 35.03(1m). The
remaining hours can be any approved "guardian ad litem" or "family court
guardian ad litem" education.
The existing provisions in SCRs 35.01(3) and 35.015(2), permitting
an appointing court to deem a lawyer "otherwise qualified by experience
or expertise" to represent the best interests of a minor, remain
unchanged. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that, effective January 1, 2021:
SECTION 1. Supreme Court Rule 35.01 (title) and (intro.) is amended
to read:
SCR 35.01 Eligibility to accept an appointment under chapter 48 or
938. Commencing on July 1, 1999, a A lawyer may not accept an appointment
by a court as a guardian ad litem for a minor in an action or proceeding
under chapter 48 or 938 of the statutes unless one of the following
conditions has been met:
SECTION 2. A Comment to SCR 35.01 is created to read:
Continuing legal education approved under SCR 35.03(1m) may be
used to satisfy the educational requirements of SCR 35.01.
No. 19-13
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SECTION 3. Supreme Court Rule 35.015 (title) and (intro.) is amended
to read:
SCR 35.015 Eligibility to accept an appointment under chapter
767. Commencing on July 1, 2003 For guardian ad litem appointment orders
issued after January 1, 2021, a lawyer may not accept an appointment by
a court as a guardian ad litem for a minor in an action or proceeding
under chapter 767 of the statutes unless one or more of the following
conditions has been met:
SECTION 4. Supreme Court Rule 35.015(1) is amended to read:
(1) For a lawyer's first appointment commencing on or after January
1, 2021, The the lawyer has attended at least 6 9 hours of guardian ad
litem education approved under SCR 35.03 during the combined current
reporting period specified in SCR 31.01(7) at the time he or she accepts
an appointment and the immediately preceding reporting period. At least
3 of the 6 hours shall be family court guardian ad litem education
approved under SCR 35.03(1m). The 9 hours shall be allocated as follows:
(a) At least 3 of the 9 hours shall be approved education
addressing the topic of family violence.
(b) In addition to the requirement of (1)(a), at least 3 of the 9
hours shall be approved education on any topic identified in
SCR 35.03(1m)(a).
(c) The remaining 3 hours may be any type of approved "guardian ad
litem" or "family court guardian ad litem" education.
SECTION 5. Supreme Court Rule 35.015(1m) is created to read:
(1m) After a lawyer has satisfied the initial 9 credit threshold
in 35.015(1) and for any subsequent appointments, the lawyer has
No. 19-13
7
attended at least 6 hours of guardian ad litem education approved under
SCR 35.03 during the combined current reporting period specified in
SCR 31.01(7) and the immediately preceding reporting period. The 6
hours shall be allocated as follows:
(a) At least one of the 6 hours shall be approved education on the
topic of family violence.
(b) In addition to the requirement of SCR 35.015(1m)(a), at least
2 more of the required 6 hours shall be approved education on any of
the topics identified in SCR 35.03(1m)(a).
(c) The remaining hours can be any type of approved "guardian ad
litem" or "family court guardian ad litem" education.
SECTION 6. Supreme Court Rule 35.02 is amended to read:
A lawyer's acceptance of appointment as a guardian ad litem for a
minor in an action or proceeding under chapter 48, 767, or 938 of the
statutes constitutes the lawyer's representation to the appointing
court that the lawyer is eligible to accept the appointment under
SCR 35.01 or 25.015 35.015, whichever is applicable, and is governed by
SCR 20:3.3.
SECTION 7. Supreme Court Rule 35.03(1m)(a)2. is amended to read:
Child development and the effects of conflict and divorce on
children.
SECTION 8. Supreme Court Rule 35.03(1m)(a)2m. is created to read:
The effects of conflict and divorce on children.
SECTION 9. Supreme Court Rule 35.03(2) is amended to read:
The board of bar examiners shall designate, under SCR 31.05(3) and
31.07 the number of hours applicable to SCR 35.01(1) and (2) and
No. 19-13
8
35.015(1) and (1m) for each approved course of instruction and
continuing legal education activity.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's web
site. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 20th day of July, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff Clerk of Supreme Court
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
0
¶1 REBECCA GRASSL BRADLEY, J. (dissenting). In many
actions affecting the family, the court must appoint a guardian ad
litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of a minor child. The
law requires the GAL to consider 17 statutory factors in advocating
for the child's best interests. Wis. Stat. § 767.407(4). Those
17 factors are:
1. The wishes of the child's parent or parents, as shown by any stipulation between the parties, any proposed parenting plan or any legal custody or physical placement proposal submitted to the court at trial.
2. The wishes of the child, which may be communicated by the child or through the child's guardian ad litem or other appropriate professional.
3. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parent or parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interest.
4. The amount and quality of time that each parent has spent with the child in the past, any necessary changes to the parents' custodial roles and any reasonable lifestyle changes that a parent proposes to make to be able to spend time with the child in the future.
5. The child's adjustment to the home, school, religion and community.
6. The age of the child and the child's developmental and educational needs at different ages.
7. Whether the mental or physical health of a party, minor child, or other person living in a proposed custodial household negatively affects the child's intellectual, physical, or emotional well-being.
8. The need for regularly occurring and meaningful periods of physical placement to provide predictability and stability for the child.
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
1
9. The availability of public or private child care services.
10. The cooperation and communication between the parties and whether either party unreasonably refuses to cooperate or communicate with the other party.
11. Whether each party can support the other party's relationship with the child, including encouraging and facilitating frequent and continuing contact with the child, or whether one party is likely to unreasonably interfere with the child's continuing relationship with the other party.
12. Whether there is evidence that a party engaged in abuse, as defined in s. 813.122 (1) (a), of the child, as defined in s. 813.122 (1) (b).
12m. Whether any of the following has a criminal record and whether there is evidence that any of the following has engaged in abuse, as defined in s. 813.122 (1) (a), of the child or any other child or neglected the child or any other child:
a. A person with whom a parent of the child has a dating relationship, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (ag).
b. A person who resides, has resided, or will reside regularly or intermittently in a proposed custodial household.
13. Whether there is evidence of interspousal battery as described under s. 940.19 or 940.20 (1m) or domestic abuse as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (am).
14. Whether either party has or had a significant problem with alcohol or drug abuse.
15. The reports of appropriate professionals if admitted into evidence.
16. Such other factors as the court may in each individual case determine to be relevant.
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
2
Wis. Stat. § 767.41(5)(am). As this comprehensive list
illustrates, a GAL undertakes a heavy responsibility to explore
the complexities of a child's family relationships and every facet
of a child's life and circumstances impacting the child's well
being, and after investigating all of that, to synthesize, digest
and draw conclusions from innumerable details in order to construct
a recommendation for the court regarding the best interests of the
child.
¶2 As a prerequisite for a GAL to serve in this
consequential capacity, this court wisely requires a minimum
amount of education in topics pertinent to the GAL's
responsibilities. Until now, each GAL retained the discretion to
select from a number of relevant subject matters. While I support
the majority's decision to increase the mandatory minimum number
of education credits from six to nine (it should be even higher),
the court errs in now requiring GALs to devote one-third of those
hours to "family violence." Doing so places a disproportionate
emphasis on one factor that certainly impacts some cases, at the
expense of the GAL's instruction on a myriad of other
considerations the GAL is statutorily required to investigate and
weigh in advocating for children's best interests.
¶3 The law recognizes the seriousness of family violence
issues in chapter 767 cases. As a former Milwaukee circuit court
judge presiding in children's court, I too recognize that family
violence is a significant problem for some families in Wisconsin.
I appreciate the concerns motivating the recommendation of the
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
3
Study Committee on Child Placement and Support, which prompted the
filing of this rule petition by the Joint Legislative Council.
Requiring more education for Wisconsin GALs is a sensible idea
given the monumentally important responsibility these attorneys
undertake to advocate for the best interests of children who must
adjust to the dissolution of their families. With respect to GALs
who encounter family violence as an issue in their caseloads, I
trust those attorneys will pursue education designed to assist
them in meeting their obligations to the children whose interests
they represent. Forcing every Wisconsin GAL to take initial and
continuing courses on "family violence," however, will not produce
the beneficial change Rule 19-13's proponents desire. Instead, it
will hinder the ability of GALs to obtain the education necessary
to meet all of their statutory obligations. The law requires GALs
to be well-versed in a multitude of complex areas in order to act
as effective advocates for the best interests of children. Because
I would continue to afford these professionals the discretion to
select those courses most pertinent to their practices, I
respectfully dissent.
¶4 Wisconsin Stat. § 767.407(4) describes the
responsibilities of a GAL as follows:
The guardian ad litem shall be an advocate for the best interests of a minor child as to paternity, legal custody, physical placement, and support. The guardian ad litem shall function independently, in the same manner as an attorney for a party to the action, and shall consider, but shall not be bound by, the wishes of the minor child or the positions of others as to the best interests of the minor child. The guardian ad litem shall consider the factors under s. 767.41 (5) (am),
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
4
subject to s. 767.41 (5) (bm), and custody studies under s. 767.405 (14). The guardian ad litem shall investigate whether there is evidence that either parent has engaged in interspousal battery, as described in s. 940.19 or 940.20 (1m), or domestic abuse, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (am), and shall report to the court on the results of the investigation. The guardian ad litem shall review and comment to the court on any mediation agreement and stipulation made under s. 767.405 (12) and on any parenting plan filed under s. 767.41 (1m). Unless the child otherwise requests, the guardian ad litem shall communicate to the court the wishes of the child as to the child's legal custody or physical placement under s. 767.41 (5) (am) 2. The guardian ad litem has none of the rights or duties of a general guardian.
Under the previous GAL educational rule,1 an attorney was eligible
to accept a court appointment to serve "as a guardian ad litem for
a minor in an action or proceeding under chapter 767" if one of
the following two conditions were met:
(1) The lawyer has attended 6 hours of guardian ad litem education approved under SCR 35.03 during the combined current reporting period specified in SCR 31.01(7) at the time he or she accepts an appointment and the immediately preceding reporting period. At least 3 of the 6 hours shall be family court guardian ad litem education approved under SCR 35.03(1m).
(2) The appointing court has made a finding in writing or on the record that the action or proceeding presents exceptional or unusual circumstances for which the lawyer is otherwise qualified by experience or expertise to represent the best interests of the minor.
SCR 35.015 (emphasis added). Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule
35.03(1m)(a) directs the Board of Bar examiners to "approve, as
1 This matter addresses only GAL appointments in ch. 767 cases. SCR 35.01 covers GAL appointments in chs. 48 and 938 cases. See SCR 35.01.
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
5
family court guardian ad litem education, courses of
instruction . . . on any of the following subject matters:" "Proceedings under chapter 767"; "Child development and the effects of conflict and divorce
on children"; "Mental health issues in divorcing families"; "The dynamics and impact of family violence"; "Sensitivity to various religious backgrounds"; "Racial and ethnic heritages"; and "[I]ssues of cultural and socioeconomic diversity."
SCR 35.03(1m)(a). Until the court granted this rule petition, the
court's GAL education requirement afforded GALs the discretion to
choose training on whichever topics the GAL perceived to be
particularly relevant to the GAL's practice and cases.
¶5 Under Rule 19-13, the court substantially alters the
requirements. Instead of six hours of GAL education with at least
three of the six hours falling under any of the "family court"
topics listed in SCR 35.03(1m), a GAL taking chapter 767
appointments must now complete a total of nine hours with: (1) at
least three hours on "family violence," (2) at least three hours
on "family court" approved topics listed in SCR 35.03(1m), and (3)
the remaining three hours covering any court-approved education.
This increases the initial GAL-required education hourly credits
by 33 percent, with 100 percent of the increase dedicated to
"family violence education." Rule 19-13's requirements continue
in perpetuity, with one of the six maintenance credits for every
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
6
succeeding reporting period committed to the topic of family
violence.
¶6 The court received three letters objecting to this
educational rule change. One letter was jointly submitted by two
lawyers: Tiffany L. Highstrom, a practitioner and member of the
2018 Legislative Council Study Committee on Child Placement and
Support; and Gretchen Viney, a professor at the University of
Wisconsin Law School who teaches a course on "Guardian ad Litem
Practice in Wisconsin." Attorney Highstrom and Professor Viney
strongly opposed the imposition of additional course-specific
requirements, pointing out that doing so would eliminate a GAL's
ability to "choose the topics of greatest interest or need" from
the many listed in Wis. Stat. § 767.407(4) and SCR 35.03(1m)(a).
Attorney Highstrom and Professor Viney identified other problems
with imposing additional mandatory family violence credits,
including the difficulties GALs will have in finding topic
specific seminars to satisfy the new training requirements.
Attorney Highstrom and Professor Viney expressed further concerns
about mandating family violence education because this directive
reduces a GAL's opportunity to become educated on the many other
topics a GAL needs to learn.
¶7 Importantly, Attorney Highstrom and Professor Viney
explain that the new mandatory training in family violence is not
tied to the statutory provisions for "interspousal battery" or
"domestic abuse" found in one of the 17 factors, each of which are
narrowly defined compared to the much broader concept of "family
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
7
violence"——a term the court elects to leave undefined. It is,
after all, the obligation of the GAL to address the factors set
forth in the statute, as defined by the law. Finally, these
objectors remind us that a GAL is an attorney, "not a social
worker, private investigator, or law enforcement officer" and
"certainly, the [GAL] is not an expert witness." I agree with
Attorney Highstrom and Professor Viney that "[w]e may make better
use of training time to teach guardians ad litem how to be
litigators, not witnesses." The legally prescribed role of the
GAL is to be an advocate for the best interests of a child, not an
expert on family violence.
¶8 Tony Bickel, the President of Wisconsin Fathers for
Children and Families (WFCF) and a member of the Legislative Study
Committee, also opposed the GAL educational rule change. He
asserted that requiring three hours of family violence training is
disproportionate to the overall training GALs must undergo in order
to perform their roles effectively, and would detract from a GAL's
ability to receive education on the many other factors used in
determining the best interest of a child. While noting that
domestic violence "is a significant factor in a relatively small
percentage of family courts decisions," WFCF is "very much in favor
of providing WI GALs with additional training in all of the factors
that define a child's best interests." I agree, but imposing too
many educational requirements on GALs "could have the unintended
effect of dissuading guardians ad litem from taking appointments"
given the costs associated with continuing legal education and in
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
8
light of the relatively low county pay rates, as Attorney Highstrom
and Professor Viney mentioned.
¶9 Kay Johnson submitted the third letter opposing the
petition. She commented on her own experience as well as the
experiences of five other parents who went through "high-conflict"
divorces with a GAL. Ms. Johnson asserted that three hours of
additional family violence training will not improve GAL
performance because the statutes already reflect the importance of
family violence, most GALs already have attended three or more
hours of training in family violence, and the issues in these cases
are much broader than what can be taught in a three-hour class.
Johnson advocates that the solution is not more mandatory training
for GALs but instead the involvement of advocates "whose primary
profession already includes education in child development and
trauma on children who are exposed to the common adversities seen
in family court such as parental conflict, parental mental health,
loyalty binds, dysfunctional family dynamics and family violence."
Emphasizing the importance of the GAL as "the one person who can
alert the court to concerns that impact the mental and physical
well-being of the child," Ms. Johnson notes that the GAL's role
"absolutely includes domestic violence, but it includes much
more."
¶10 I agree with the objectors. Requiring three family
violence credits as a prerequisite for appointment as a GAL and
then requiring one family violence credit every reporting period
thereafter may be detrimental to children in many cases. Requiring
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
9
a significant portion of initial and maintenance credits on a
single topic will prevent GALs from securing education in the other
topic areas they must master, which may be more prevalent in their
practices and in which they may need more training. Mandating
family violence education representing one-third of all education
requirements removes the discretion GALs need to properly educate
themselves with classes relevant to their caseload, thereby
impeding their ability to effectively advocate for the best
interests of the children they are appointed to serve. While
family violence is undoubtedly a serious problem in some chapter
767 cases, requiring every GAL to obtain these additional hours
will hinder a GAL's ability to obtain education on the many other
topics necessary to advocate for the best interests of the child.
As Attorney Highstrom and Professor Viney put it, "[m]andatory
domestic abuse training, while important, should not be required
at the expense of a guardian ad litem's training in other areas,
such as child development, mental health, and other legal skills
such as negotiation and rules of evidence."
¶11 The proposal and the resultant rule are undoubtedly
well-intentioned. Family violence is a serious societal problem
warranting attention in family court proceedings. Nonetheless,
the additional mandatory family violence credits imposed by Rule
19-13 will not solve issues with family violence in chapter 767
matters. The rule change will weaken the overall legal proficiency
of GALs in Wisconsin by preventing them from broadening and
expanding the knowledge they need to competently serve the children
No. Rule 19-13.rgb
10
Petitions 19-06 through 19-12: In the Matter of Amending Supreme Court Rules Pertaining to Attorney Disciplinary Proceedings in Regard to Supreme Court Rules, chapters 10, 20, 21, 22, and 31 (OLR Procedure Review Committee)
In 2016, the Wisconsin Supreme Court established the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure Review Committee ("Committee"). The Committee was charged with examining the OLR procedures and structure and reporting to this court recommendations intended to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of the OLR process. On March 13, 2019, the Committee filed nine administrative rule petitions asking the court to amend certain Supreme Court Rules (SCR) in furtherance of the Committee's mission.
Order Issued: June 30, 2020
Disposition: Amended
In 2016, the Wisconsin Supreme Court established the Office of
Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure Review Committee ("Committee").1 The
Committee was charged with examining the OLR procedures and structure
and reporting to this court recommendations intended to increase the
efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of the OLR process. On
March 13, 2019, the Committee filed nine administrative rule petitions
asking the court to amend certain Supreme Court Rules (SCR) in
furtherance of the Committee's mission.
1 The Honorable Gerald P. Ptacek was appointed as the Committee's
chair. The Committee included: Attorney Michael Apfeld, Mr. Mark
Baker, Attorney Rick Esenberg, Attorney Ed Hannan, Attorney Amy
Jahnke, Attorney Terry Johnson, Attorney Catherine LaFleur, Attorney
Frank Lo Coco, University of Wisconsin Law School Professor Marsha
Mansfield, Attorney David Meany, Attorney Jennifer Nashold, Attorney
Joseph Ranney, Attorney Rod Rogahn, Attorney Jacquelynn Rothstein,
the Honorable Carrie Schneider, Attorney Paul Schwarzenbart, Attorney
Christopher Sobic, the Honorable David Wambach, and the Honorable
Michael Waterman.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
2
In addition to the extensive work of the Committee, the court
benefitted from comments and testimony offered at the public hearings
by Attorney Michael Ablan; Attorney Michael B. Apfeld; Mr. Mark Baker;
Attorney Donald J. Christl, Board of Administrative Oversight; Attorney
Dean R. Dietrich, on his own behalf and on behalf of the State Bar of
Wisconsin Board of Governors; Ms. Elizabeth Esser; Attorney Stephen E.
Kravit; Attorney Joseph M. Russell, Chair, Board of Administrative
Oversight; Dr. Majid Sarmadi; Attorney Paul W. Schwarzenbart; Attorney
Raymond E. Schrank, II; Attorney John Nicholas Schweitzer; Attorney
David C. Rashid; and the OLR Director, Keith Sellen.
Rule Petitions 19-04 and 19-05
On June 26, 2019, following a June 6, 2019 public hearing and a
closed administrative rules conference, the court issued an order
granting Rule Petition 19-04 (Referee Training).2 S. Ct. Order 19-04,
2019 WI 77 (issued June 26, 2019, eff. Jan. 1, 2020). The court opted
to hold Rule Petition 19-05 (Referee Authority) in abeyance until
further order of the court. S. Ct. Order 19-05 (issued June 26, 2019).3
Rule Petitions 19-06 and 19-07
On September 16, 2019, at a closed administrative rules conference
following a public hearing, the court approved, in part, Rule Petition
2 The Referee Training Subcommittee was chaired by Attorney
Jacquelynn Rothstein.
3 The Referee Authority Subcommittee was chaired by the Honorable
Gerald Ptacek. The court will revisit rule petition 19-05 after it has
had an opportunity to evaluate the work of the new referee panel
established and trained pursuant to rule petition 19-04.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
3
19-06 (Reinstatements)4 and Rule Petition 19-07 (OLR Confidentiality).5
S. Ct. Order 19-06 (issued Oct. 10, 2019); S. Ct. Order 19-07, (issued
Oct. 10, 2019).
Rule Petitions 19-08, 19-09, 19-10
On October 29, 2019, at a closed administrative rules conference
following a public hearing, the court voted to approve, in part, two
more of the Committee's proposals: Rule Petition 19-08 (OLR Process)6
and Rule Petition 19-09 (Enforcement of Orders)7. S. Ct. Order 19-08
(issued Dec. 18, 2019); S. Ct. Order 19-09 (issued Dec. 18, 2019). The
court voted to deny Rule Petition 19-10 (Permanent Revocation), but
voted to add a comment to clarify that revocation under SCR 21.16 is
not permanent in Wisconsin.8 S. Ct. Order 19-10 (issued Dec. 18, 2019,
Ziegler, J., dissenting). A working draft of the amendments was posted
to the court's rules website.
Rule Petitions 19-11 and 19-12
On December 9, 2019, at a closed administrative rules conference
following a public hearing, the court approved, in part, the final two
4 The OLR Reinstatement Subcommittee was chaired by Attorney
Jacquelynn Rothstein.
5 The OLR Confidentiality Subcommittee was chaired by Attorney
Joseph Ranney.
6 The OLR Process Subcommittee was chaired by Professor Marsha
Mansfield.
7 The OLR Enforcement Subcommittee was chaired by Attorney Paul
Schwarzenbart.
8 The Permanent Revocation Subcommittee was chaired by Attorney
Jacquelynn Rothstein.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
4
rule petitions: Rule Petition 19-11 (OLR Charging Process)9 and Rule
Petition 19-12 (Reporting Misconduct).10 S. Ct. Order 19-11 (issued
Dec. 18, 2019); S. Ct. Order 19-12 (issued Dec. 18, 2019). An updated
working draft of the amendments was posted to the court's rules website.
At several closed administrative rules conferences in the spring
of 2020, the court resolved certain outstanding questions regarding the
various petitions. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective January 1, 2021:
SECTION 1. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-06, a Comment to Supreme Court Rule 10.03(6m) is
created to read:
WISCONSIN COMMENT
Costs regarding the petition for reinstatement under subsection
(6m)(b) may be assessed against the petitioner, as provided in
SCR 22.24.
SECTION 2. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-06, a Comment to Supreme Court Rule 10.03(7) is created
to read:
WISCONSIN COMMENT
Costs regarding the petition for readmission under subsection
(7)(b) may be assessed against the petitioner, as provided in SCR 22.24.
SECTION 3. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-12, Supreme Court Rule 20:1.8(h)(3) is amended to read:
9 The OLR Charging Process Subcommittee was chaired by Attorney
Paul Schwarzenbart.
10 The OLR Reporting Misconduct Subcommittee was chaired by the
Honorable Gerald Ptacek.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
5
(3) make an agreement limiting the client's a person's right to
report the lawyer's conduct to disciplinary authorities.
SECTION 4. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-12, the Comment to Supreme Court Rule 20:1.8(h)(3) is
amended to read:
WISCONSIN COMMENT
This rule differs from the Model Rule in four respects. Paragraph
(c) incorporates the decisions in State v. Collentine, 39 Wis. 2d 325,
159 N.W.2d 50 (1968), and State v. Beaudry, 53 Wis. 2d 148, 191
N.W.2d 842 (1971). Paragraph (f) adds a reference to an attorney
retained at government expense and retains the "insurance defense"
exception from prior Wisconsin law. But see SCR 20:1.2(e). Paragraph
(h) prohibits a lawyer from making an agreement limiting the client's
a person's right to report the lawyer's conduct to disciplinary
authorities. Paragraph (j)(2) includes language from ABA Comment [19].
SECTION 5. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-12, the Comment to Supreme Court Rule 20:8.3 is amended
to read:
WISCONSIN COMMENT
The change from "having knowledge" to "who knows" in SCR 20:8.3(a)
and (b) reflects the adoption of the language used in the ABA Model
Rule. See also SCR 20:1.0(g) defining "knows." The requirement under
paragraph (c) that the lawyer consult with the client is not expressly
included in the Model Rule. A lawyer who consults with a client pursuant
to subsection (c) should not discourage a client from consenting to
reporting a violation unless the lawyer believes there is a reasonable
possibility that it would compromise the attorney-client privilege or
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
6
otherwise prejudice the client. Lawyers should also be mindful of the
obligation not to use the threat of a report as a bargaining chip (see
Wisconsin Ethics Opinion E-01-01) and the obligation not to seek to
contractually limit a person from reporting professional misconduct.
See SCR 20:1.8(h)(3).
SECTION 6. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-08, Supreme Court Rule 21.01(1)(bg) is created to read:
(1)(bg) Special investigators and the special preliminary review
panel, provided in SCR 22.25.
SECTION 7. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-07, Supreme Court Rule 21.18(1) is amended to read:
(1) Information, an inquiry, or a grievance concerning the conduct
of an attorney shall be communicated to the director within 10 six years
after the person communicating the information, inquiry or grievance
knew or reasonably should have known of the conduct, whichever is later
earlier, or shall be barred from proceedings under this chapter and
SCR chapter 22.
SECTION 8. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-07, Supreme Court Rule 21.18(2) is amended to read:
(2) The time during which a person who knew or should have known
of the attorney's conduct is under a disability as provided in Wis.
Stat. § 893.16 (1997-98) and the time during which the attorney acted
to conceal the conduct from or mislead the person who knew or should
have known of the conduct regarding the conduct are not part of the
time specified in sub. (1).
SECTION 9. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-07, Supreme Court Rule 21.19 is amended to read:
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
7
SCR 21.19 Privileges, immunity. Communications with the
director, staff of the office of lawyer regulation, a district
committee, a special investigator, retained counsel, the preliminary
review committee, and a special preliminary review panel alleging
attorney misconduct or medical incapacity and testimony given in an
investigation or proceeding under SCR ch. 22 are privileged, except as
provided under SCRs 22.03, 22.21, 22.34 and 22.40. No lawsuit
predicated on these communications any privileged or non-privileged
communications referenced in this section may be instituted against any
grievant or witness. The director, staff of the office of lawyer
regulation, members of a district committee, special investigators,
retained counsel, members of the preliminary review committee, members
of a special preliminary review panel, referees, members of the board
of administrative oversight, and persons designated by the director to
monitor compliance with diversion agreements or with conditions imposed
on the attorney's practice of law, shall be immune from suit for any
conduct in the course of their official duties.
SECTION 10. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-08, Supreme Court Rule 22.02(2)(d) is amended to read:
(2)(d) Refer the matter to the director with a recommendation that
the matter be investigated by staff, or diverted, or resolved by a
consensual reprimand.
SECTION 11. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.02(4) is amended to read:
(4) The staff shall notify the grievant in writing that the
grievant may obtain review by the director of the staff's closure of a
matter under sub. (2)(c) by submitting to the director a written
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
8
request. The request for review must be received by the director within
30 days after the date of the letter notifying the grievant of the
closure. The director may, upon a timely request by the grievant for
additional time, extend the time for submission of additional
information relating to the request for review. If the director affirms
the closure, the director shall provide to the grievant a brief written
statement of reasons for affirmation. The decision of the director
affirming the closure or referring the matter to staff for further
evaluation is final, and there shall be no review of the director's
decision.
SECTION 12. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.02(6)(a) is amended to read:
(6)(a) Close the matter for lack of an allegation of possible
misconduct or medical incapacity or lack of sufficient information of
cause to proceed. The director shall notify provide to the grievant
written notice of the decision to close, accompanied by a brief written
statement of reasons for the director's decision. The notice shall
inform the grievant in writing that the grievant may obtain review by
a preliminary review panel of the director's closure by submitting a
written request to the director. The request for review must be
received by the director within 30 days after the date of the letter
notifying the grievant of the closure. The director shall send the
request for review to the chairperson of the preliminary review
committee, who shall assign it to a preliminary review panel. Upon a
timely request by the grievant for additional time, the director shall
report the request to the chairperson of the preliminary review
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
9
committee, who may extend the time for submission of additional
information relating to the request for review.
SECTION 13. Consistent with the court's decisions in the matter of
rule petitions 19-08 and 19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.02(6)(d) is
created to read:
(6)(d) Obtain the respondent's consent to the imposition of a
public or private reprimand and proceed under SCR 22.09.
SECTION 14. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-08, Supreme Court Rule 22.03(4) is repealed and
recreated to read:
(4)(a) If respondent fails fully and fairly to disclose all facts
and circumstances pertaining to the alleged misconduct within the
deadline established pursuant to par. (2), including any extension
granted by the director or special investigator, or fails to cooperate
in other respects with an investigation, the director or special
investigator shall notify respondent by personal service that
respondent's license to practice law will be automatically suspended
unless, within 20 days after receiving such personal service,
respondent:
1. Fully and fairly discloses all facts and circumstances
pertaining to the alleged misconduct or otherwise cooperates with the
investigation, to the reasonable satisfaction of the director or special
investigator; or,
2. Submits evidence to the director or special investigator
demonstrating, to the reasonable satisfaction of the director or special
investigator, respondent's inability to disclose the facts and
circumstances or otherwise cooperate with the investigation; or,
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
10
3. Files a motion with the supreme court showing cause why
respondent's license to practice should not be suspended for willful
failure to respond or cooperate with the investigation.
(b)1. If respondent satisfies the condition of par. (a) 1., the
director or special investigator shall proceed with the investigation.
2. If respondent satisfies the condition of par. (a) 2., the
director or special investigator may establish a new deadline for
respondent to disclose fully and fairly all facts and circumstances or
otherwise cooperate with the investigation. If respondent fails to
disclose fully and fairly all facts and circumstances or otherwise
cooperate with the investigation, to the reasonable satisfaction of the
director or special investigator, before expiration of the deadline
established pursuant to this par. 2, respondent's license to practice
law is automatically suspended.
3. If respondent files a motion with the supreme court pursuant to
par. (a) 3., the supreme court shall act upon respondent's motion,
following its own procedures. All papers, files, transcripts,
communications, and proceedings on the motion are confidential until
the supreme court has acted upon the motion. If the supreme court
grants respondent's motion, the record shall remain confidential. If
the supreme court denies respondent's motion, the record shall become
public information unless the supreme court, upon its discretion and
for cause shown, directs otherwise.
(c)1. If respondent fails to satisfy any of par. (a) 1., 2., or
3., or fails to meet a deadline established pursuant to par. (b) 2., or
if the supreme court rejects respondent's motion submitted pursuant to
par. (b) 3., respondent's license is suspended and the director shall
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
11
promptly notify the state bar of Wisconsin, and all judges in the state
of the suspension.
2. SCR 22.26(2) applies immediately upon suspension to a
respondent whose license to practice law is suspended pursuant to this
rule. If respondent's suspension hereunder extends beyond 30 days,
SCR 22.26 in its entirety applies to the respondent beginning on the
31st day.
(d)1. Notwithstanding SCR 22.28, if, within 18 months of the date
of suspension pursuant to SCR 22.03(4), a respondent whose license was
suspended for failure to satisfy a condition of par. (a) 1. to 3., or
failure to meet a deadline established pursuant to par. (b) 2.,
discloses fully and fairly all facts and circumstances pertaining to
the alleged misconduct, or otherwise cooperates with the investigation,
to the reasonable satisfaction of the director or special investigator,
respondent's license to practice law shall be automatically reinstated.
Upon reinstatement of a license pursuant to this subsection, the
director or special investigator shall promptly notify all judges in
the state of such reinstatement.
2. Respondent, following suspension of respondent's license
pursuant to par. (4) and whose license was not automatically reinstated
pursuant to par. (d) 1. above, may apply for reinstatement pursuant to
SCR 22.28(3).
SECTION 15. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.03(5)(c) is created to read:
(5)(c) The director may, in the director's discretion, provide the
respondent a copy of the grievance and of any information supplied by
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
12
the grievant that is not included in the grievance. In exercising such
discretion, the director shall consider:
1. The grievant's interest in privacy.
2. The respondent's interest in being fully informed of the basis
for the grievance and of any proceedings taken against him or her
pursuant to the grievance.
3. Any effect that supplying or withholding a copy of the grievance
and information supplied by the grievant may have upon the public
interest.
SECTION 16. Supreme Court Rule 22.03(6) is amended to correct a
typographical error to read:
(6) In the course of the investigation, the respondent's willful
failure to provide relevant information, to answer questions fully, or
to furnish documents and the respondent's misrepresentation in a
disclosure are misconduct, regardless of the merits of the matters
asserted in the grievance.
SECTION 17. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.05(1)(e) is created to read:
(1)(e) With the mutual consent of the attorney and the director to
waive presentation of the matter to the preliminary review committee,
proceed in any manner authorized by SCR 22.08(2).
SECTION 18. Consistent with the court's decision in the matter of
rule petition 19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.05(2) is amended to read:
(2) The If the director dismisses the matter under sub. (1), the
director shall notify provide to the grievant in writing written notice
of the decision to dismiss, accompanied by a brief written statement of
reasons for the director's decision. The notice shall inform the
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
13
grievant that the grievant may obtain review by a preliminary review
panel of the director's dismissal of a matter under sub. (1) by
submitting to the director a written request. The request for review
must be received by the director within 30 days after the date of the
letter notifying the grievant of the dismissal. The director shall
send the request to the chairperson of the preliminary review committee,
who shall assign it to a preliminary review panel. Upon a timely
request by the grievant for additional time, the director shall report
the request to the chairperson of the preliminary review committee, who
may extend the time for submission of additional information relating
to the request for review.
SECTION 19. Consistent with the court's decision in a closed
administrative rules conference on January 22, 2020, Supreme Court Rule
22.09(2) is amended to read:
(2) The director shall request the appointment of a referee by
providing in confidence to the clerk of the supreme court the names of
the grievant and respondent, the address of the respondent's principal
office, and the date of the consent agreement. The clerk or deputy
clerk of the supreme court shall select an available referee shall be
selected from the panel provided in SCR 21.08, based on the location of
the respondent's principal office. The chief justice or, in his or her
absence, the chief justice's delegee shall appoint the referee selected
by the clerk or deputy clerk. The director shall submit the agreement,
accompanied by the respondent's public and private disciplinary
history, to the appointed referee for review and approval. The director
shall send a copy of the agreement to the grievant. The grievant may
submit a written response to the director within 30 days after being
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
14
notified of the agreement, and the director shall submit the response
to the referee. The respondent and the director may submit comments to
the referee regarding the grievant's response. The agreement, the
grievant's response, and the comments of the respondent and director
shall be considered by the referee in confidence.
SECTION 20. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.10(4) is amended to read:
(4) Diversion agreement. If the attorney agrees to diversion to
an alternatives to discipline program, the terms of the diversion shall
be set forth in a written agreement between the attorney and the
director. The agreement shall specify the program to which the attorney
is diverted, the general purpose of the diversion, the manner in which
the attorney's compliance with the program is to be monitored, and the
requirement, if any, for payment of restitution or costs. If the
diversion agreement is entered into after the director has reported the
matter to the preliminary review committee, pursuant to SCR 22.06(1),
the agreement shall be submitted for approval to the preliminary review
panel to which the matter has been assigned. If the preliminary review
panel rejects the agreement, the matter shall proceed as otherwise
provided in this chapter.
SECTION 21. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.10(7) is amended to read:
(7) Breach of a diversion agreement. (a) If the director has reason
to believe that the attorney has breached a diversion agreement entered
into prior to a report of the matter to the preliminary review
committee, pursuant to SCR 22.06(1), the attorney shall be given the
opportunity to respond, and the director parties may modify the
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
15
diversion agreement or the director may, in the director's sole
discretion, terminate the diversion agreement and proceed with the
matter as otherwise provided in this chapter.
SECTION 22. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.10(7)(b) and (c) are repealed.
SECTION 23. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-11, Supreme Court Rule 22.11(2) is renumbered 22.11(2)(a) and amended
to read:
(2)(a) The Except as provided in sub. (b) or (c), the complaint
shall set forth only those facts and misconduct allegations for which
the preliminary review panel determined there was cause to proceed. and
The complaint may set forth the discipline or other disposition sought.
Facts and misconduct allegations arising under SCR 22.20 and SCR 22.22
may be set forth in a complaint without a preliminary review panel
finding of cause to proceed.
SECTION 24. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-11, SCR 22.11(2)(b) and (c) are created to read:
(b) A complaint may set forth facts and misconduct allegations
arising under SCR 22.20 and SCR 22.22 without a preliminary review panel
finding of cause to proceed.
(c) A complaint may set forth facts and misconduct allegations
without a preliminary review panel finding of cause to proceed if
presentation to the preliminary review committee is waived under
SCR 22.05(1)(e).
SECTION 25. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, Supreme Court Rule 22.12(1) is amended to read:
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
16
(1) The director may file with the complaint a stipulation of the
director and the respondent to the facts, conclusions of law regarding
misconduct, and discipline to be imposed, together with a memorandum in
support of the stipulation. The respondent may file a response to the
director's memorandum within 14 days of the date of filing of the
stipulation. The supreme court may consider the complaint and
stipulation without the appointment of a referee, in which case the
supreme court may approve the stipulation, reject the stipulation, or
direct the parties to consider specific modifications to the
stipulation.
SECTION 26. Consistent with the court's decision in a closed
administrative rules conference on January 22, 2020, Supreme Court Rule
22.13(3) is amended to read:
(3) Except as provided in SCR 22.12, upon receipt of proof of
service of the complaint, the clerk or deputy clerk of the supreme court
shall select an available referee shall be selected from the panel
provided in SCR 21.08, based on the location of the respondent's
principal office. The chief justice or, in his or her absence, the
chief justice's delegee shall issue an order appointing the referee
selected by the clerk or deputy clerk to conduct a hearing on the
complaint.
SECTION 27. Consistent with an amendment to Supreme Court Rule,
Chapter 71, S. Ct. Order 19-01, 2019 WI 44 (issued April 22, 2019, eff.
July 1, 2019), Supreme Court Rule 22.16(1) is amended to read:
(1) The referee has the powers of a judge trying a civil action
and shall conduct the hearing as the trial of a civil action to the
court. The rules of civil procedure and evidence shall be followed.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
17
The referee shall obtain the services of a court reporter to make a
verbatim record of the proceedings, as provided in SCR, 71.01 to 71.03
Chapter 71.
SECTION 28. A Comment to Supreme Court Rule 22.16 is created to
read:
COMMENT
Wis. Stat. ch. 785 defines "contempt" and provides that a "court
of record" may find a person in contempt and impose sanctions. A
referee presiding over a lawyer disciplinary proceeding is not a "court
of record." See also In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Strasburg,
217 Wis. 2d 318, 577 N.W.2d 1 (1998) (setting forth procedure to address
contempt scenario in disciplinary proceeding).
SECTION 29. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-09, Supreme Court Rule 22.185 is created to read:
SCR 22.185 Enforcement of Disciplinary Orders.
(1) The supreme court, on its own motion, upon the motion of the
director, or upon the motion of a special investigator acting under
SCR 22.25 filed in the disciplinary proceeding in which an order was
issued, may enforce any disciplinary order where the respondent has
failed to substantially comply with the order.
(2) Upon filing of a motion under sub. (1), the supreme court may
order the respondent to show cause why the relief requested in the
motion should not be granted. Within the time set forth in the order,
the respondent shall have the right to file with the supreme court a
written response to the order to show cause, and respondent shall serve
a copy of such response on the director, or special investigator. The
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
18
director, or special investigator, may file a reply memorandum within
10 days after filing of the response.
(3) The supreme court may decide the motion upon the submissions
of the parties, or may refer the matter to the referee appointed in the
proceeding, who shall promptly conduct a hearing and file a report with
the supreme court containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and
a recommendation for disposition of the motion. Unless otherwise
directed by the supreme court, the referee shall follow the procedures
in SCR 22.15 and SCR 22.16, and may conduct the hearing by telephone.
A report issued by the referee is reviewable under SCR 22.17.
(4) Upon the submissions of the parties, or upon receipt of the
report of the referee, the supreme court shall decide the motion, and
may either deny or dismiss the motion, or issue such orders as are
necessary to enforce the order.
(5) Nothing in this rule shall:
(a) Limit the authority of the director, or a special investigator,
to initiate an investigation or proceeding for misconduct or medical
incapacity under these rules.
(b) Limit the constitutional, statutory, or inherent authority of
the supreme court to enforce an order issued in a disciplinary
proceeding.
SECTION 30. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.21(2) is amended to read:
(2) Before entering an order suspending an attorney's license
under sub. (1), the supreme court shall order the attorney to show cause
why the license to practice law should not be suspended temporarily.
The attorney shall file with the supreme court a written response to
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
19
the order and serve a copy of the response on the director within the
time set forth in the order. The director, or special investigator
acting under SCR 22.25, may file a memorandum in support of or in
opposition to the temporary license suspension within 10 days after the
attorney's response is filed. All Except as provided in sub. (2m) and
(3), SCRs 22.03, 22.34 and 22.40, all papers, files, transcripts,
communications, and proceedings, including those pertaining to
investigations, shall be confidential and shall remain are confidential
until the supreme court has issued an order to show cause.
SECTION 31. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.21(2m) is created to read:
(2m) Following the issuance of the order to show cause under sub.
(2), the motion under sub. (1), and the order to show cause are public
information, except as follows:
(a) The name of the special investigator or any person alleging
that the attorney committed an act of misconduct.
(b) Medical information regarding the attorney who is the subject
of the order to show cause.
(c) Financial information regarding the attorney who is the
subject of the order to show cause, or of any person alleging the
attorney committed an act of misconduct, if the financial information
is unrelated to the order to show cause.
(d) Information that is subject to legal privilege, including the
attorney-client privilege, unless such privilege is waived in writing
by the person or persons holding such privilege.
(e) As otherwise expressly provided in this chapter or by law or
by order of the supreme court.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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SECTION 32. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.21(3) is amended to read:
(3) Filing of complaint. The director, or a special investigator
acting under SCR 22.25, shall file the complaint in the disciplinary
proceeding within 4 months of the effective date of the temporary
suspension imposed under this section, or shall show cause why the
temporary suspension should continue. The respondent attorney may file
a response with the supreme court within 10 days of service. The
statement of cause to continue the temporary suspension and the
attorney's response are public information, subject to the same
exceptions set forth in sub. (2m) (a) to (e). Reinstatement under this
section shall not terminate any misconduct investigation or
disciplinary proceeding pending against the attorney.
SECTION 33. Supreme Court Rule 22.23(2) is amended to read:
(2) The director shall send notice of a public reprimand or a
license suspension or revocation to the state bar of Wisconsin and to
a newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the attorney
maintained an office for the practice of law.
SECTION 34. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-09, Supreme Court Rule 22.24(1) is amended to read:
(1) The supreme court may assess against the respondent all or a
portion of the costs of a disciplinary proceeding in which misconduct
is found, a medical incapacity proceeding in which it finds a medical
incapacity, or a reinstatement proceeding, or a motion to enforce an
order issued in a disciplinary proceeding, and may enter a judgment for
costs. The director may assess all or a portion of the costs of an
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
21
investigation when discipline is imposed under SCR 22.09. Costs are
payable to the office of lawyer regulation.
SECTION 35. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-08, Supreme Court Rule 22.25(3) is amended to read:
(3) If the special investigator determines that there is not
sufficient information to support a possible finding of cause to proceed
an allegation of possible misconduct, the special investigator may close
the matter. The special investigator shall notify the grievant in
writing that the grievant may obtain review by the special preliminary
review panel of the closure by submitting a written request to the
special investigator. The request for review must be received by the
special investigator within 30 days after the date of the letter
notifying the grievant of the closure. The special investigator shall
send the request for review to the special preliminary review panel
consisting of 4 lawyers and 3 public members appointed by the supreme
court and having a quorum of 4 members. Members of the special
preliminary review panel serve staggered 3-year terms, as described in
sub. (3m). A member may serve not more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms.
Upon a timely request by the grievant for additional time, the special
investigator shall report the request to the chairperson of the special
preliminary review panel, who may extend the time for submission of
additional information relating to the request for review. If the panel
affirms the investigator's determination, the special preliminary
review panel shall inform the grievant. The panel's decision affirming
closure of the matter is final. If the panel does not concur in the
investigator's determination, it shall direct the investigator to
initiate an investigation of the matter.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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SECTION 36. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-08, Supreme Court Rule 22.25(3m) is created to read:
(3m) The special preliminary review panel consists of 4 lawyers
and 3 public members, appointed by the supreme court and having a quorum
of 4 members. Members of the special preliminary review panel serve
staggered 3-year terms. A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive
3-year terms.
SECTION 37. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-08, Supreme Court Rule 22.25(4) is amended to read:
(4) If the special investigator determines that the information
provided is sufficient to support a possible finding of cause to proceed
an allegation of misconduct, the special investigator shall conduct an
investigation of the matter. Upon commencing an investigation, the
special investigator shall notify the respondent of the matter being
investigated unless in the opinion of the special investigator the
investigation of the matter requires otherwise. The respondent shall
fully and fairly disclose all facts and circumstances pertaining to the
alleged misconduct with 20 days after being served by ordinary mail a
request for a written response. The special investigator may allow
additional time to respond. Except in limited circumstances when good
cause is shown and a response summary is more appropriate, the special
investigator shall provide the grievant a copy of the respondent's
response and the opportunity to comment in writing on the respondent's
response. Following receipt of the response, the special investigator
may conduct further investigation and may compel the respondent to
answer questions, furnish documents, and present information deemed
relevant to the investigation. In the course of the investigation, the
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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respondent's willful failure to provide relevant information, to answer
questions fully, or to furnish documents and the respondent's
misrepresentation in a disclosure are misconduct, regardless of the
matters asserted in the grievance. Upon completion of the
investigation, the special investigator shall do one of the following:
SECTION 38. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.26(4) is created to read:
(4) Except as provided in SCRs 22.03, 22.21, 22.34 and 22.40, all
papers, files, transcripts, and communications with the office of lawyer
regulation regarding an attorney's compliance with a suspension or
revocation order are to be held in confidence. The director may
disclose relevant information in a motion for enforcement pursuant to
SCR 22.185, or in reinstatement and readmission proceedings pursuant to
Chapter 10, Chapter 31, or this chapter.
SECTION 39. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-08, a Comment to Supreme Court Rule 22.26 is created to read:
COMMENT
SCR 22.26 has been applied to administrative suspensions. In re
Disciplinary Proceedings Against Scanlan, 2006 WI 38, 290 Wis. 2d 30,
712 N.W.2d 877.
SECTION 40. For purposes of renumbering, Supreme Court Rule
22.29(4m) is renumbered as Supreme Court Rule 22.29(4)(m).
SECTION 41. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, Supreme Court Rule 22.29(4x) is created to read:
(4x) At the time that the petitioner serves a copy of the petition
for reinstatement on the director, the petitioner shall also submit to
the director a completed reinstatement questionnaire.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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SECTION 42. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, a Comment to Supreme Court Rule 22.29(4x) is created to read:
COMMENT
A blank copy of the reinstatement questionnaire may be obtained
from the office of lawyer regulation. The questionnaire is used by the
office of lawyer regulation to assist in its investigation. The
questionnaire is not to be filed with the court.
SECTION 43. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, Supreme Court Rule 22.30 is repealed and recreated to read:
SCR 22.30 Reinstatement Procedure.
(1) Promptly following the filing of the petition for
reinstatement, the director shall publish a notice on the website of
the office of lawyer regulation, and in an official publication of the
state bar of Wisconsin. The director may publish the notice in a
newspaper of general circulation in counties in which the petitioner
resided or maintained an office for the practice of law prior to
suspension or revocation.
(2) The notice shall contain all of the following:
(a) The name of the petitioner, the date on which the petition for
reinstatement was filed, the case number assigned to the petition, a
brief statement of the nature and date of suspension or revocation, and
the matters required to be proved for reinstatement.
(b) The office of lawyer regulation will be investigating the
eligibility of the petitioner for reinstatement.
(c) This notice is the only published notice regarding the petition
for reinstatement.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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(d) Interested persons may submit written comments regarding the
petitioner and the reinstatement petition, the address (physical and
electronic) to which written comments may be submitted, and the deadline
for submitting written comments, which shall be 60 days following the
date on which the petitioner for reinstatement was filed. All formal
written comments regarding the petition shall be forwarded to a referee,
if any, and to the supreme court.
(e) Individuals may request that notice of any reinstatement
hearing regarding the petition be sent to an address they provide to
the office of lawyer regulation.
(f) Individuals who provide their address and ask to have notice
of a reinstatement hearing will have a notice of a reinstatement hearing
sent to them at the address provided.
(g) The office of lawyer regulation may contact individuals who
submit written comments to obtain further information.
(h) Upon completion of the investigation, the director will file
with the court a response to the petition stating either that the
director does not oppose reinstatement and will negotiate a stipulation
with the petitioner, which will be considered by the supreme court
without the appointment of a referee or that the director opposes
reinstatement and a referee will be appointed and a reinstatement
hearing take place.
(i) Information regarding the status of the petition and any
hearing will be available on the website of the office of lawyer
regulation.
(3) Within 75 days after the filing of the petition, the board of
bar examiners shall determine the attendance and reporting requirements
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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of the petitioner, as required by SCR 31.06, and file with the court a
report regarding the petitioner's compliance. Upon motion of the board
of bar examiners or the petitioner for good cause shown, the court may
grant the board of bar examiners an extension of time to complete the
assessment of compliance and file the report regarding compliance.
Failure of the petitioner to prove compliance within the time allowed,
including any extension thereof, may subject the petition to immediate
dismissal.
(4) Within 75 days after the filing of the petition, the director
shall investigate the eligibility of the petitioner for reinstatement
and shall file with the court a response to the petition stating whether
the petitioner has demonstrated to the director satisfaction of all of
the criteria for reinstatement or the director opposes the petition.
Except as provided in SCRs 22.03, 22.21, 22.34 and 22.40, all papers,
files, transcripts, and communications with the office of lawyer
regulation regarding the investigation are to be held in confidence.
Papers filed in the reinstatement proceeding are public, except where
expressly provided otherwise in this chapter, by court order, or by
law. Upon motion of the director or the petitioner for good cause shown,
the court may grant the director an extension of time to complete the
investigation and file the response to the petition.
(5)(a) If the director's response states that the petitioner has
demonstrated to the director satisfaction of all of the criteria for
reinstatement, the director and the petitioner shall prepare and file
a stipulation containing all facts and conclusions of law necessary to
satisfy the standards for reinstatement, identifying all conditions to
be imposed on the petitioner or the petitioner's practice of law
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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following reinstatement, and requesting that the court reinstate the
petitioner's license to practice law in this state. The director shall
also file a memorandum in support of the stipulation, which shall
include a discussion of any material issue potentially adverse to the
petition and an explanation as to why the director concludes that the
issue does not prevent reinstatement. At the time of filing the
stipulation and memorandum, the director shall also file with the court
all formal written comments that have been received regarding the
petition. The petitioner may file a response to the director's
memorandum within 14 days of the date of filing of the stipulation.
(b) The supreme court shall consider the petition and stipulation
without the appointment of a referee. The court may approve the
stipulation, adopt the stipulated facts and conclusions of law, and
reinstate the petitioner's license to practice law in Wisconsin; the
court may reject the stipulation and refer the petition to a referee
for a hearing and consideration under sub. (6) as if no stipulation had
been filed; or the court may direct the parties to consider
modifications to the stipulation.
(c) If the supreme court directs the parties to consider specific
modifications to the stipulation, the parties may, within 20 days of
the date of the order, file a revised stipulation, in which case the
supreme court may approve the revised stipulation, adopt the stipulated
facts and conclusions of law, and reinstate the petitioner's license to
practice law in Wisconsin; or the court may reject the stipulation and
refer the petition to a referee for a hearing and consideration under
sub. (6) as if no stipulation had been filed. If the parties do not
file a revised stipulation within 20 days of the date of the order or
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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if the parties so request in writing, a referee shall be appointed and
the petition shall be referred to the referee for a hearing and
consideration under sub. (6) as if no stipulation had been filed.
(d) A stipulation rejected by the supreme court has no evidentiary
value and is without prejudice to the petitioner's prosecution of the
petition for reinstatement or the director's response to the petition.
(6)(a) If the director opposes the petition for reinstatement, an
available referee shall be selected from the panel provided in
SCR 21.08, based on the location of the petitioner's place of residence.
The chief justice or, in his or her absence, the chief justice's delegee
shall issue an order appointing the referee to conduct a hearing and
prepare a report on the petition for reinstatement.
(b) The referee shall have the powers of a judge trying a civil
action and shall conduct the proceedings regarding the petition pursuant
to the rules of civil procedure, except where these rules provide a
different procedure.
(c) Following the appointment of a referee, the parties shall file
all papers and pleadings with the supreme court and serve a copy on the
referee.
(d) Following the appointment of a referee, the director shall
transfer to the referee all formal written comments regarding or in
response to the petition. The director shall also provide the referee
with a list of all individuals who requested notice of the hearing on
the petition.
(e) The referee shall establish a schedule for proceedings and a
hearing on the petition, which hearing shall be held at the earliest
feasible date.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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(f) At least 20 days prior to the hearing, the director shall
provide written notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing
to all individuals who requested notice of the hearing on the petition.
If the hearing is rescheduled, the director shall provide written notice
of the date, time, and location of the rescheduled hearing to all
individuals who requested notice of the hearing on the petition. The
director shall advise the referee that the director has complied with
this notice requirement.
(g) The reinstatement hearing shall be public.
(h) The referee shall appoint a person to act as the court reporter
to make a verbatim record of the proceedings as provided in SCR,
Chapter 71.
(i) The petitioner and the director or a person designated by the
director shall appear at the hearing. The petitioner may be represented
by counsel.
(j) The referee shall conduct the hearing as the trial of a civil
action to the court. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the
rules of civil procedure, but the rules of evidence shall not apply,
and the referee may consider any relevant information presented. The
director, petitioner, and interested persons may present information in
support of or in opposition to reinstatement.
COMMENT
Wis. Stat. ch. 785 defines "contempt" and provides that a "court
of record" may find a person in contempt and impose sanctions. A
referee presiding over a lawyer disciplinary proceeding is not a "court
of record." See also In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Strasburg,
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
30
217 Wis. 2d 318, 577 N.W.2d 1 (1998) (setting forth procedure to address
contempt scenario in disciplinary proceeding).
SECTION 44. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, Supreme Court Rule 22.31 is repealed.
SECTION 45. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, Supreme Court Rule 22.305 is created to read:
SCR 22.305 Standard for Reinstatement. At all times relevant to
the petition, the petitioner has the burden of demonstrating, by clear,
satisfactory, and convincing evidence, all of the following:
(1) That he or she has the moral character to practice law in
Wisconsin.
(2) That his or her resumption of the practice of law will not be
detrimental to the administration of justice or subversive of the public
interest.
(3) That his or her representations in the petition, including the
representations required by SCR 22.29(4)(a) to (m) and 22.29(5), are
substantiated.
(4) That he or she has complied fully with the terms of the order
of suspension or revocation and with the requirements of SCR 22.26.
SECTION 46. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, a Comment to SCR 22.33 is created to read:
COMMENT
Costs regarding the petition for reinstatement may be assessed
against the petitioner, as provided in SCR 22.24.
SECTION 47. Consistent with the court's decision in a closed
administrative rules conference on January 22, 2020, Supreme Court Rule
22.34(10) is amended to read:
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
31
(10) The petition may be accompanied by a stipulation of the
director and the respondent to a suspension or to the imposition of
conditions on the respondent's practice of law. The supreme court may
consider the petition and stipulation without the appointment of a
referee. If the supreme court approves the stipulation, it shall issue
an order consistent with the stipulation. If the supreme court rejects
the stipulation, the clerk or deputy clerk of the supreme court shall
select an available referee shall be selected from the panel provided
in SCR 21.08, based on the location of the respondent's place of
residence,. The chief justice or, in his or her absence, the chief
justice's delegee shall issue an order appointing the referee selected
by the clerk or deputy clerk, and the matter shall proceed as a petition
filed without a stipulation. A stipulation rejected by the supreme
court has no evidentiary value and is without prejudice to the
respondent's defense of the proceeding or the prosecution of the
petition.
SECTION 48. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.34(12) is amended to read:
(12) All papers, files, transcripts, communications and
proceedings, including those pertaining to investigations, shall be
confidential and shall remain confidential until the supreme court has
issued an order revoking, suspending indefinitely, or imposing
conditions on the attorney's license to practice law, except as provided
in sub. (12m) and except that acknowledgement that a proceeding is
pending and notification to another court before which a similar
petition is pending may be made when considered necessary by the
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
32
director and that any publication the supreme court considers necessary
may be made.
SECTION 49. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.34(12m) is created to read:
(12m) Following the issuance by the supreme court of an order
revoking, suspending indefinitely, or imposing conditions on the
attorney's license to practice law, the petition and all papers relating
to the petition that are filed with the supreme court are public
information, except as expressly provided in this chapter, by court
order, or by law.
SECTION 50. Consistent with the court's decision in a closed
administrative rules conference on January 22, 2020, Supreme Court Rule
22.36(5) is amended to read:
(5) Following the investigation, the petition shall be submitted
to a referee. The clerk or deputy clerk of the supreme court shall
select an available referee shall be selected from the panel provided
in SCR 21.08, based on the location of the respondent's place of
residence, and the chief justice or, in his or her absence, the chief
justice's delegee shall issue an order appointing the referee selected
by the clerk or deputy clerk to review the petition.
SECTION 51. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-09, Supreme Court Rule 22.38 is amended to read:
SCR 22.38 Standard of proof. Allegations of misconduct in a
complaint, allegations of medical incapacity in a petition, allegations
of noncompliance with an order of the supreme court issued in a
disciplinary proceeding, and character and fitness to practice law shall
be established by evidence that is clear, satisfactory and convincing.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
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SECTION 52. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-07, Supreme Court Rule 22.40(1) is amended to read:
(1) Prior to the filing of a misconduct complaint, medical
incapacity petition, or petition for temporary license suspension
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all papers, files,
transcripts, and communications in any matter relating to an allegation
of attorney misconduct, an investigation pursuant to SCR Chapters 10,
22, and 31, and monitoring compliance with conditions, suspension, or
revocation imposed by the supreme court, involving the office of lawyer
regulation are to be held in confidence by the director and staff of
the office of lawyer regulation, the members of the district committees,
special investigators, the members of the special preliminary review
panel, and the members of the preliminary review committee. Following
the filing of a complaint or petition, the proceeding and all papers
filed in it are public, except where expressly provided otherwise in
this chapter, by court order, or by law.
SECTION 53. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, a Comment to SCR 31.11(1m) is created to read:
COMMENT
Costs regarding the petition for reinstatement under subsection
(1m) may be assessed against the petitioner, as provided in SCR 22.24.
SECTION 54. Consistent with the court's decision on rule petition
19-06, a Comment to SCR 31.11(4) is created to read:
COMMENT
Costs regarding the petition for reinstatement under subsection
(4) may be assessed against the petitioner, as provided in SCR 22.24.
Nos. 19-06, 19-07, 19-08, 19-09, 19-10, 19-11, and 19-12
34
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the rules amended pursuant to this order
shall apply to all grievances pending or filed on or after the effective
date of this order; and to disciplinary, medical incapacity,
reinstatement or motion for enforcement proceedings commenced after
January 1, 2021.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Comments to SCRs 10.03(6m)(b),
10.03(7)(b), 22.26, 22.29(4x), 22.305 and 31.11 are not adopted, but
will be published and may be consulted for guidance in interpreting and
applying the rules.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 30th day of June, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
No. 19-08.pdr
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¶1 PATIENCE DRAKE ROGGENSACK, C.J. (dissenting in part to
the court's decision on Rule Petition 19-08). The supreme court
convened the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure Review
Committee to study the structure of the OLR and its procedures and
to make recommendations for improvement. The Review Committee
studied OLR's structure and operations and lawyer disciplinary
structures and operations of other jurisdictions for more than a
year. The Review Committee then made numerous recommendations to
the supreme court as rule petitions. In Rule Petition 19-08, the
Review Committee recommended discontinuance of OLR District
Committees.
¶2 The court discussed this recommendation; had a public
hearing on it; and initially, held its decision in abeyance on
whether to discontinue District Committees.
¶3 On February 19, 2020, a supreme court commissioner sent
a memorandum to the justices identifying the outstanding issues in
regard to the Review Committee's rule petition recommendations.
My judicial assistant created a chart of outstanding issues from
the commissioner's memorandum. I asked the justices to indicate
their positions on those issues, using the chart, in advance of
our court conference scheduled for March 16, 2020. No further
discussion was had on the fate of the District Committees. A
majority of justices voted to retain the OLR District Committees.
¶4 In advance of our March 16 conference, I requested that
Keith Sellen, Director of OLR, attend the conference to facilitate
the court's discussion of OLR matters. Mr. Sellen appeared as
requested.
No. 19-08.pdr
2
¶5 Mr. Sellen explained why he agreed with the Review
Committee's recommendation that the District Committees be
discontinued. First, he said that the OLR had "no meaningful work"
for the District Committees to do. He explained that investigation
of grievances by committee was ineffective and uneven among the
District Committees. OLR currently uses professionals to do
grievance investigations, creating a more even approach to
investigations throughout the state. This change has
significantly reduced the time required to complete
investigations.
¶6 Second, the rules under which OLR operates have changed
significantly since the District Committees were formed. For
example, in 1999, the court decided to institute the Preliminary
Review Committee (PRC). SCR 21.07 established the PRC as a 14-
member committee, consisting of 9 lawyers and 5 public members,
appointed by the supreme court. The PRC reviews investigations of
alleged misconduct or medical incapacity that the Director
presents and makes the initial adjudication on whether there is
cause to proceed.
¶7 Since 2000, the OLR has employed centralized intake,
which has reduced matters that go to formal investigation. During
intake, the use of diversion programs is now available. They
afford increased ethics education and review. The OLR also has a
temporary suspension procedure for attorneys who do not cooperate
in grievance investigations, which was not available when noncooperation was referred to the District Committees. In 2016, the
court enacted a rule that granted OLR discretion to dismiss
No. 19-08.pdr
3
de minimis matters. Very small matters had been referred to
District Committees; there is no need to do that now.
¶8 In addition, the court created the Board of
Administrative Oversight (BAO). It monitors the fairness,
productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency of the OLR. SCR
21.10(2)(a). The BAO has 12 members, 8 lawyers and 4 public
members appointed by the supreme court. The BAO assesses the
public's and the bar's perception of the integrity of the OLR.
SCR 21.10(2)(c). The PRC confers periodically with the BAO about
the operation of the PRC. SCR 21.07(3)(c). As Director Sellen
explained, because of the changes in the structure of the OLR
through supreme court rules, there is no longer "any meaningful
work" for District Committees to do.
¶9 I am opposed to requesting public members and lawyers to
give of their time to committees that have no meaningful work to
do. The supreme court seeks volunteers to maintain its many
committees, most of which are comprised of lawyers and public
members. In the past few years, lawyers and public members who
have volunteered and been chosen to serve on District Committees
and have had no disciplinary matters to address. For example,
RCH, a man whom I recruited to volunteer for service to the court,
was appointed to the District Committee that includes Dane County.
During his entire term of service, the District Committee did not
have one disciplinary matter to investigate or review.
¶10 We rely on volunteers for all our many committees. I am
opposed to the court requesting volunteers for District Committees
that we are not using due to the court's prior changes to the OLR's
No. 19-08.pdr
4
structure. District Committee volunteers start out enthusiastic,
but end up disappointed. Furthermore, the court could use those
volunteers for committees where there is ample work to do and often
too few volunteers to fill all the committee positions.
¶11 Accordingly, I agree with the Review Committee's
recommendation to discontinue OLR District Committees, and I
dissent from the court's decision to retain them.
¶12 I am authorized to state that Justices ANNETTE KINGSLAND
ZIEGLER and BRIAN HAGEDORN join this dissent.
IN RE THE MATTER OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES RELATED TO THE FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT'S TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTION FILINGS
You are hereby notified that the Court has issued the following order.
On May 15, 2020, Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Judicare filed an emergency request for a temporary rule requiring "landlord plaintiffs in residential eviction[] actions to affirmatively allege, and demonstrate through documentary evidence easily obtained by them, that [the] subject property is not a Covered Property" for purposes of the temporary moratorium on eviction filings against residential tenants for nonpayment of rent provided for in the federal
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"). See CARES Act, Public Law No. 116-136, § 4024.
Order Issued: June 5, 2020
Disposition: Denied
You are hereby notified that the Court has issued the following order.
On May 15, 2020, Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Judicare filed an emergency
request for a temporary rule requiring "landlord plaintiffs in residential eviction[] actions to
affirmatively allege, and demonstrate through documentary evidence easily obtained by them, that
[the] subject property is not a Covered Property" for purposes of the temporary moratorium on
eviction filings against residential tenants for nonpayment of rent provided for in the federal
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"). See CARES Act, Public
Law No. 116-136, § 4024.
We decline to impose these requested pleading requirements. While the court is mindful
of the economic challenges faced by many tenants during the current health crisis, the legislature
has set forth the pleading requirements for complaints for eviction. See Wis. Stat. § 799.41. We
will not add language that the legislature did not see fit to write. See, e.g., Dawson v. Town of
Jackson, 2011 WI 77, ¶42, 336 Wis. 2d 318, 801 N.W.2d 316.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that the emergency request by Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin
Judicare is denied.
ANN WALSH BRADLEY, J. (concurring).
The emergency motion filed by the petitioners, Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin
Judicare, seeks to address the imminent concerns of Wisconsin tenants facing eviction for non
Page 2 June 5, 2020 In re the Matter of Emergency Procedures Related to the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act's Temporary Moratorium on Eviction Filings
payment of rent in light of the financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. They
seek an emergency rule adding a temporary pleading requirement in residential eviction actions.
I concur with the majority's denial of the request to add a temporary pleading requirement.1
Nevertheless, I write separately to remind circuit courts of the necessary compliance with the
federal moratorium that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act")
places on residential eviction actions. Without awareness of the CARES Act moratorium and
with the expiration of the statewide moratorium on evictions, we may see an influx of unlawful
evictions in our court system.
I
The request before us arises as the statewide moratorium on residential evictions has
expired.2 Yet, the federal moratorium under the CARES Act remains in force. Awareness of the
Act is important lest unlawful evictions are sought against specific tenants who in fact retain the
federal protections provided by the Act.
On March 27, 2020, the federal "CARES Act" was enacted. See CARES Act, Public Law
No. 116-136, § 4024. The legislation imposed a 120-day moratorium on certain residential
evictions for non-payment of rent as well as a moratorium on fees and penalties for non-payment
1 I acknowledge, however, that the regulation of pleading, practice and procedure represents shared powers between the judicial and legislative branches. "We have consistently recognized that the legislature and the judiciary share the power to regulate practice and procedure in the judicial system." E.B. v. State, 111 Wis. 2d 175, 181, 330 N.W.2d 584 (1983); see also Wis. Stat. § 751.12(1) and (4).
2 The moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expired on May 26, 2020. Temporary Ban on Evictions and Foreclosures, Wis. Emergency Order No. 15 (Mar. 27, 2020), https://evers.wi.gov/Documents/COVID19/EO15BanonEvictionsandForeclosures.pdf.
Page 3 June 5, 2020 In re the Matter of Emergency Procedures Related to the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act's Temporary Moratorium on Eviction Filings
of rent. The federal moratorium under the CARES Act remains in effect through July 25, 2020.
Specifically, CARES Act § 4024(b) prohibits landlords of certain rental "covered dwellings" from
initiating eviction proceedings or "charg[ing] fees, penalties or other charges" against a tenant for
nonpayment of rent. The lengthy definition of "covered dwellings" is set forth in the CARES Act.
See § 4024(a).
The Congressional Research Service has provided a useful summary of what the term
encompasses:
"covered dwellings" . . . are rental units in properties: (1) that participate in federal assistance programs; (2) are subject to a "federally backed mortgage loan"; or (3) are subject to a "federally backed multifamily mortgage loan."
Covered federal assistance programs include most rental assistance and housing grant programs, including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance, rural housing programs, and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.
A "federally backed mortgage loan" is a single-family (1-4 units) residential mortgage owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or insured, guaranteed, or otherwise assisted by the federal government. The term includes mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture's direct and guaranteed loans.
See Congressional Research Service, CARES Act Eviction Moratorium (April 7, 2020),
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11320.
Researchers estimate that roughly 12.3 million rental units have federally backed financing,
representing 28% of renters. Id. Other data show more than 2 million housing vouchers along
with approximately 5 million federally assisted rental units. Id.
Page 4 June 5, 2020 In re the Matter of Emergency Procedures Related to the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act's Temporary Moratorium on Eviction Filings
I fear that a lack of direction about how to handle residential evictions under the CARES
Act will ostensibly shift the burden to our circuit courts to ferret out the necessary information in
order to ensure compliance with the Act. There is a better way.
I suggest that we look to our sister states of Iowa, Michigan and Illinois for a workable
alternative, as well as to other courts that have addressed this COVID-19 generated emergency.
Rather than placing the burden of initial inquiry onto the circuit courts and risking delay of the
case in order to obtain the necessary information, the use of a verification form similar to those
used by other states can be employed. This would place the burden of production on the litigants—
where it belongs.
Attached to this concurrence are the verification forms used in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan
courts.3 Presently, local courts are left on their own to enact their own rules to ensure compliance
with the federal CARES Act moratorium on residential evictions. Hopefully, the attached forms
will provide some assistance.
I am authorized to state that Justice REBECCA FRANK DALLET joins this concurrence.
3 The verification forms can be found as follows: Iowa: CARES Act Landlord Verification Form, https://www.iowacourts.gov/browse/files/ 448a966296ab4d52b25be646c4619aba/download;
Michigan: Verification of Compliance with CARES Act, https://courts.michigan.gov/ Courts/MichiganSupremeCourt/rules/court-rules-admin-matters/Comments%20library%204% 20recvd%20from%20Sept%202017%20and%20beyond/dc504.pdf;
Illinois: "In re: Illinois Courts Response to COVID-19 Emergency", M.R. 30370, (2020) https://courts.illinois.gov/SupremeCourt/Announce/2020/052220.pdf.
APPENDIX A IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ____ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FOR ____________COUNTY, ILLINOIS
_______________________________ ) Plaintiff(s) ) ) v. ) Case. No. ______________
_______________________________ ) Defendant(s) ) PLAINTIFF’S CARES ACT EVICTION CERTIFICATION NOTICE TO PLAINTIFF: Through August 24, 2020, Section 4024 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act prohibits filing certain evictions from “covered dwellings” if those dwellings are in “covered properties.” In general, a “covered property” is any property that receives a federal rental subsidy or has a federally-backed / insured mortgage (such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the FHA). If unsure, read the actual language of the Act before completing this certification. I, [name], hereby state as follows: 1. I am [ ] the named plaintiff (or) [ ] an Agent of the named plaintiff. 2. The filing of this eviction case does not violate the CARES Act because: (check one) A. [ ] The property is not a “covered property;” or B. [ ] The property is a “covered property,” but the eviction is otherwise allowed under the Act. I certify that everything in this certification is true and correct. I understand that making a false statement is perjury and has penalties provided by law under 735 ILCS 5/1-109. Sworn: ___________________________ ____________________________ Plaintiff (or Agent) Plaintiff’s attorney (if any)
CARES Act Landlord Verification Instructions: • This verification provides the court information related to additional temporary requirements imposed by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, 15 U.S.C. section 9058, on certain eviction actions for nonpayment of rent. • This verification must be completed and filed in any eviction action filed from March 27, 2020 until further order of the Iowa Supreme Court. If you do not understand how to use this form, or if you are unsure whether you should use this form, talk to an attorney.
In the Iowa District Court for County County where the case is filed Case no. ________________________________________ CARES Act Landlord Verification If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator (information at www.iowacourts.gov/Administration/Directories/ADA_Access/). Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942). Disability coordinators cannot provide legal advice. ______________________________ Plaintiff Full name of Plaintiff: first, middle, last vs. ______________________________ Defendant Full name of Defendant: first, middle, last I certify the following: Read, complete, and check each item that applies. 1. This eviction is based on a landlord–tenant relationship: Yes No 2. The current tenancy is now or has in the past been subject to either a Section 8 or USDA Housing Choice voucher: Yes No Not applicable 3. The property involved in this matter is subject to the following federal programs: Check each that applies if any. A. Public housing B. Project Based Section 8 housing C. Section 202 elderly housing D. Section 811 housing for people with disabilities E. Section 236 multifamily rental housing F. Section 221 Below Market Rate (BMR) housing G. HOME Investment Partnership Program H. Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program I. McKinney-Vento Act housing J. Section 515 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural housing K. Section 514/516 USDA farm labor housing L. Section 533 USDA housing preservation M. Section 538 USDA multifamily housing N. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program
CARES Act Landlord Verification, continued 4. The property involved in this matter was subject to a mortgage issued or guaranteed by the following federally connected entities: Check each that applies if any. A. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) B. Veterans Administration (VA) C. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) direct loan D. USDA guaranteed loan E. Fannie Mae F. Freddie Mac 5. I received a mortgage forbearance on the property involved in this matter between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020: Complete this section only if you checked a box or boxes in section 4 above. Yes No Not applicable 6. I received a mortgage forbearance on the property involved in this matter between the following dates: Complete this section only if you checked “Yes” in section 5 above.
7. Additional information: Additional information may also be provided to the court at the time of the hearing.
Attorney Help Check one A. An attorney did not help me prepare or fill in this form. B. An attorney helped me prepare or fill in this form. If you check B, you must fill in the following information: ____________________________________________________________________ Name of attorney or organization, if any __________________________________________________________________________________ Business address of attorney or organization
City State ZIP code ( ) Phone number Fax number – optional Email address Additional email address, if applicable
CARES Act Landlord Verification, continued
Oath and signature I, , have read this Verification, and I certify under Print your name penalty of perjury and pursuant to the laws of the State of Iowa that the information I have provided in this Verification is true and correct.
, 20
City State ZIP code ( ) Phone number Email address Additional email address, if applicable *Handwrite your signature on this form. Scan the form after signing it and file it electronically.
IN RE THE MATTER OF THE MODIFICATION OF SUPREME COURT RULE 40.03 DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On April 17, 2020 Paige Papandrea, Corissa Pennow, and Tommy Hansfield ("the Petitioners") filed an "Emergency Request for Modification of Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 40.03 Due to COVID-19." The petitioners anticipated that the July 2020 Wisconsin bar examination might be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They asked the court to approve a mechanism whereby recent qualified law school graduates from law schools outside of Wisconsin
may be fully admitted to the practice of law in Wisconsin after completing 360 hours of supervised work and after taking certain state law education requirements.1 Under the proposed procedure,
applicants would not take a bar exam.
Order Issued: June 1, 2020
Disposition: Dismissed
On April 17, 2020 Paige Papandrea, Corissa Pennow, and Tommy Hansfield ("the
Petitioners") filed an "Emergency Request for Modification of Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 40.03
Due to COVID-19." The petitioners anticipated that the July 2020 Wisconsin bar examination
might be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They asked the court to approve a
mechanism whereby recent qualified law school graduates from law schools outside of Wisconsin
may be fully admitted to the practice of law in Wisconsin after completing 360 hours of supervised
work and after taking certain state law education requirements.1 Under the proposed procedure,
applicants would not take a bar exam.
On April 20, 2020, the court sent a letter directing the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) to
file a response and invited a response from the deans of the Wisconsin law schools and from the
State Bar of Wisconsin. Director Jacquelynn B. Rothstein, BBE; Dean Margaret Raymond,
1 Wisconsin is unique in that qualified graduates of Wisconsin's two law schools may be admitted pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 40.03 (Legal Competence Requirement; Diploma privilege). Applicants who have been licensed to practice law in other jurisdictions and have practiced law for a sufficient period of time may be admitted pursuant to SCR 40.05 (Legal Competence Requirement; Proof of Practice).
However, many applicants to the Wisconsin bar must take and pass a bar examination to satisfy the "legal competence" requirement which is a prerequisite to admission to the practice of law in Wisconsin. SCR 40.04. These applicants include: recent law school graduates from law schools outside Wisconsin; bar applicants who have failed a bar exam; bar applicants who are admitted to practice law in another jurisdiction but cannot satisfy the "proof of practice" requirements for admission under SCR 40.05; and certain graduates of law schools from other nations, SCR 40.055.
Page 2 June 1, 2020 In re the Matter of the Modification of SCR 40.03 Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
University of Wisconsin Law School; Dean Joseph Kearney, Marquette University Law School;
and President Jill M. Kastner, State Bar of Wisconsin, all filed responses, generally expressing
certain concerns about the petition, as drafted. The petitioners filed a reply on April 29, 2020.
On May 28, 2020, this court determined that Wisconsin's July bar examination will
proceed, as scheduled. Accordingly, we dismiss this petition as moot. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that because the court has determined that the Wisconsin Bar
Examination will proceed as scheduled on July 28-29, 2020, the Emergency Request for
Modification of Supreme Court Rule 40.03 Due to COVID-19 Pandemic is dismissed as moot.
Rule 19-22 In the Matter of Amending Supreme Court Rules 32.002, 32.01, 32.04, 32.05, 32.06, 32.07, 32.08(1), 60.05(8), 60.07(2), 75.01, and 75.05(3) Pertaining to Continuing Education for the Wisconsin Judiciary and Circuit Court Commissioners (Judicial
On November 8, 2019, the Honorable Jason Rossell, on behalf of the
Chief Judges' Subcommittee on Judicial Education (the Committee), filed a rule petition asking the court to amend several rules pertaining to continuing education for the Wisconsin judiciary and circuit court
commissioners.
Order Issued: May 18, 2020
Disposition: Granted in part
On November 8, 2019, the Honorable Jason Rossell, on behalf of the
Chief Judges' Subcommittee on Judicial Education (the Committee), filed
a rule petition asking the court to amend several rules pertaining to
continuing education for the Wisconsin judiciary and circuit court
commissioners.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative rules
conference on January 17, 2020. It voted to seek written comments.
The court issued its standard interested persons letter on January 23,
2020 requesting public comment. The Honorable Shelley J. Gaylord and
Jennifer D. Andrews, Chief Staff Attorney, Wisconsin Court of Appeals,
filed comments in support of the petition. The Honorable Juan B. Colás
recommended the court reject the proposal to allow judicial education
credit for serving as a chief judge because Supreme Court Rule (SCR)
70.19(5) already permits a chief judge to adjust caseload to reflect
administrative duties. The petitioner filed a response on March 5,
No. 19-22
2
2020 agreeing with the friendly amendment proposed by Attorney Andrews
and maintaining its request to permit credit for service as a chief
judge.
The court discussed the matter again at a closed administrative
rules conference on April 30, 2020. After discussion, the court
concluded that it would accept the petition in part and deny the
petition in part. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020 the petition is granted,
in part, as follows:
SECTION 1. Consistent with Section 1 of the petition, Supreme Court
Rule 32.002 is amended to read:
32.002 Applicability. The commissioners of the supreme court and
staff attorneys of the court of appeals are subject to the educational
requirements of this chapter in the same manner as judges, are as
defined in SCR 32.001.
SECTION 2. Consistent with Section 3 of the petition, Supreme Court
Rule 32.04 is amended to read:
32.04 Required programs. During each 6-year period, a judge
shall attend at least once the Wisconsin judicial college, the child
welfare law orientation, the criminal law-sentencing institute and the
prison tour. This rule does not apply to commissioners of the supreme
court and staff attorneys of the court of appeals. The requirement to
attend the child welfare law orientation applies only to judges whose
most recent term of office begins on or after August 1, 2020. Credit
earned for attendance at these programs is to be included as part of
the required 60 credits.
No. 19-22
3
SECTION 3. Consistent with Section 4 of the petition, Supreme Court
Rule 32.05 is amended to read:
32.05 Minimum and maximum. A judge shall during each year earn
no less fewer than 5 nor more than 15 credits at an in-state educational
activity. The 15 credit maximum may be waived upon prior approval
granted by the judicial education committee or its designee upon
application of an individual judge. The 15 credit maximum does not
apply to the year the judge attends the Wisconsin judicial college, the
child welfare law orientation, and/or the criminal law-sentencing
institute and prison tour. A trial judge may not earn more than 24
credits for attendance at national educational activities in any 6-year
period. A judge is not required to attend any national educational
activity.
SECTION 4. Consistent with Section 5 of the petition, Supreme Court
Rule 32.06 is amended to read:
32.06 Programs receiving credit. Credit shall be granted for
attendance at all programs for judges sponsored or approved by the
judicial education committee. In addition, credit for other programs
shall be given for that portion of the program addressed to judicial
education and approved by the judicial education committee.
SECTION 5. Consistent with Section 7 of the petition, Supreme Court
Rule 32.08(1) is amended to read:
(1) To be eligible for appointment or reappointment as a reserve
judge to perform judicial assignments, a person otherwise entitled to
appointment shall earn 5 4 credits during the calendar year immediately
preceding appointment or reappointment. The director of state courts
shall determine which judicial education programs may be attended to
No. 19-22
4
earn the required 5 4 credits. One credit is awarded for each half
day of attendance at programs sponsored or approved by the judicial
education committee. Reserve judges are not required to comply with
SCR 32.04.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the following proposals set forth in
the petition are denied: Section 2 (proposing to add the chair of the
committee of chief judges to the judicial education committee); Section
6 (proposing to award a judge 3 credits for each 12-month period the
judge serves as chief judge for the judge's judicial administrative
district, but noting that chief judges may request judicial education
credit for additional educational-related service);1 Section 8
(proposing to amend the Comment to SCR 60.05(8)); Section 9 (proposing
to amend SCR 60.07(2) to increase the hours threshold for part-time
service as a circuit court commissioner); Section 10 (proposing to amend
the Comment to SCR 60.07(2)); and Section 11 (proposing to amend
SCR 75.05(3) to increase the threshold for part-time work as a circuit
court commissioner for purposes of judicial education).2
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the rules amended pursuant to this order
are subject to a temporary administrative order issued by this court on
April 3, 2020, which temporarily modified certain judicial education
1 Kelly and Hagedorn, J.J., dissent from the court's decision on Section 6 of the rule petition. They would permit additional judicial education credit for service as a chief judge.
2 See In the Matter of the Petition to Amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 60.05(8)(b) and SCR 60.07(2), S. Ct. Order 18-06, 2019 WI 18 (issued Feb 25, 2019, eff. Feb. 25, 2019).
No. 19-22
5
requirements and deadlines in response to the public health emergency
caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.3
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 18th day of May, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff Clerk of Supreme Court
In RE: The Matter of Waiver of In-Person Attendance for State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors Meetings and Annual Meeting Requirement
On May 12, 2020, the President and the Chair of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin requested the court authorize the temporary waiver of Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 10.07 (Meetings of the association) and State Bar of Wisconsin Bylaws Article III, Section 11(a) and (b) and Section 13(b) due to circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These sections relate to the annual meeting of the members, meetings associated with the annual meeting, and in-person voting requirements for regular meetings of the Board of Governors.
Order Issued: May 15, 2020
Disposition: Granted
On May 12, 2020, the President and the Chair of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin requested the court authorize the temporary waiver of Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 10.07 (Meetings of the association) and State Bar of Wisconsin Bylaws Article III, Section 11(a) and (b) and Section 13(b) due to circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These sections relate to the annual meeting of the members, meetings associated with the annual meeting, and in-person voting requirements for regular meetings of the Board of Governors. The State Bar has determined that the annual conference scheduled for June 2020 should be cancelled due to safety and health concerns. The State Bar holds its annual meeting, as required under SCR 10.07, as well as its final general meeting of the Board of Governors, concurrently with that conference. The State Bar leadership requests this court temporarily waive the requirements related to these meeting requirements. The State Bar advises the court that it intends to hold one final regular meeting of the Board of Governors in June 2020 via remote technology. However, in order to conduct business, the in-person voting requirement must also be temporarily waived. Accordingly, the State Bar requests this court issue an order waiving these requirements pursuant to its authority over the State Bar of Wisconsin, SCR Chapter 10, and its inherent authority over the legal profession in this state. Wis. Const. Art. VII, §3; In re Kading, 70 Wis. 2d 508, 519-20; 235 N.W.2d 409 (1976). Therefore, IT IS ORDERED that the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin President and the Chair of the Board of Governors is granted, and requirements for an annual meeting of the members, requirements associated with that annual meeting and requirements for in-person voting at regular meetings of the Board of Governors are waived for the remaining fiscal year to end on June 30, 2020; and IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the State Bar of Wisconsin shall take all reasonable steps to notify its members of the contents of this order.
Petition 19-16 In the Matter of Amending Wis. Stat. § 802.05(2m) relating to Ghostwriting, a Form of Limited Scope Representation.
On May 15, 2019, Attorney James E. Goldschmidt, on behalf of
Quarles & Brady, LLP, filed a rule petition asking the court to restore
Wis. Stat. § 802.05(2m) to its previous iteration to permit attorneys
in limited-scope representations to assist otherwise self-represented
persons in drafting a pleading, motion, or other filed document without
disclosing their name or state bar number, a practice referred to as
"ghostwriting."
Order Issued: April 17, 2020
Disposition: Amended
On May 15, 2019, Attorney James E. Goldschmidt, on behalf of
Quarles & Brady, LLP, filed a rule petition asking the court to restore
Wis. Stat. § 802.05(2m) to its previous iteration to permit attorneys
in limited-scope representations to assist otherwise self-represented
persons in drafting a pleading, motion, or other filed document without
disclosing their name or state bar number, a practice referred to as
"ghostwriting."
At a closed administrative rules conference on September 13, 2019,
the court conducted a preliminary discussion and voted to seek written
comments and conduct a public hearing. A letter soliciting comment was
sent to interested persons on November 4, 2019. The court received 28
comments in support of the petition. The court received one comment in
opposition to the petition, which requested the court consider a
No. 19-16
2
different revision to the "ghostwriting" rule. The petitioner responded
to the comments by the court ordered response date of December 16, 2019.
Meanwhile, on January 3, 2020, 2019 Wisconsin Assembly Bill 705
(2019 AB 705) was introduced, proposing a different revision of Wis.
Stat. § 802.05(2m), also intended to address the issue of ghostwriting.
On January 7, 2020, the Committee on Housing and Real Estate conducted
a public hearing on the bill.
On January 17, 2020, the court received a letter from State
Representative Robert Brooks, the principal author of 2019 AB 705,
explaining the goal of the bill and the concerns it was intended to
address. He expressed willingness to work with the petitioner on this
matter. No action was taken on 2019 AB 705.
The court conducted a public hearing on January 17, 2020. Attorney
James E. Goldschmidt on behalf of Quarles & Brady, LLP, presented the
petition to the court. The following people spoke in support of the
petition: Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, Dietrich VanderWaal, S.C.;
Attorney Margaret Niebler-Brown, Legal Action of Wisconsin; Attorney
Elizabeth Anne Groeschel, Legal Action of Wisconsin; Attorney Raphael
F. Ramos, Legal Action of Wisconsin; Attorney Aaron Thomas Olejniczak,
Andrus Intellectual Property Law LLP; Attorney Michael Dwyer, Hansen &
Hildebrand, S.C.; Attorney Kyla N. Motz, Milwaukee Justice Center;
Attorney Rebecca Emily Rapp, Ascendium Educational Group Inc. and
Affiliates; and Attorney Daniel Johann Hoff, Hoff, Bushaw & Matuszak,
LLC. Attorney Heiner Giese, Giese Law Offices, spoke in opposition to
the petition.
At the ensuing closed administrative rules conference, the court
voted to seek supplemental briefing about the respective authority of
No. 19-16
3
the court and the legislature to act in this matter. The court also
requested briefing from the petitioner on the question of how the
petitioner's alternative suggestion, that the court suspend the
existing rule, would be accomplished procedurally. See Wis. Stat.
§ 751.12(2) ("[a]ll statutes relating to pleading, practice, and
procedure may be modified or suspended by rules promulgated under this
section.") The court received supplemental written comments from
Attorney Heiner Giese and from Attorney James Goldschmidt, on behalf of
the petitioner. The court discussed the matter in a subsequent closed
administrative rules conference and voted to grant the petition with
the addition of a comment intended to address the concerns identified
by Representative Brooks and Attorney Giese. Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020:
SECTION 1: 802.05(2m) of the statutes is amended to read:
802.05(2m) An attorney may draft or assist in drafting a pleading,
motion, or document filed by an otherwise self-represented person. The
attorney is not required to sign the pleading, motion, or document.
Any such document must contain a statement immediately adjacent to the
person's signature that "This document was prepared with the assistance
of a lawyer,." followed by the name of the attorney and the attorney's
state bar number. The attorney providing such drafting assistance may
rely on the otherwise self-represented person's representation of
facts, unless the attorney has reason to believe that such
representations are false, or materially insufficient, in which
instance the attorney shall make an independent reasonable inquiry into
the facts.
No. 19-16
4
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a Comment to s. 802.05(2m) is created
to read:
A previous version of s. 802.05(2m) required an attorney to include his
or her name and state bar number on documents prepared under
s. 802.05(2m). This requirement was removed because of its chilling
effect on the effectiveness of limited scope representation. However,
attorneys are reminded that, even in the context of limited scope
representation, all of the rules of professional conduct for attorneys
apply, and limited scope cases should be conducted consistent with the
attorney's professional obligations, including SCR 20:1.1 (competence)
and SCR 20:3.1 (meritorious claims and contentions). Lawyers are
reminded to be wary that the client is not using the lawyer's limited
assistance to assert meritless claims. Providing limited scope
representation will not insulate a lawyer from the potential
disciplinary consequences of violation of applicable rules. Sua sponte
or on motion to the court, a court may order a litigant to disclose the
name of the attorney who assisted with preparation of the document, if
known, and may direct the attorney to appear before the court to respond
to the concerns raised. This comment is intended as a reminder of the
existing ethical obligations imposed on all attorneys and an avenue for
relief if a court is confronted with meritless filings submitted under
this rule.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Comment to Wis. Stat. § 802.05(2m)
is not adopted, but will be published and may be consulted for guidance
in interpreting and applying the rule.
No. 19-16
5
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 17th day of April, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff Clerk of Supreme Court
In re the Matter of Filing of Court Documents in Circuit and Appellate Courts (Temporary Mailbox Rule)
This order pertains to the filing of paper documents in all courts of this state by those unable to access and use the electronic filing system (eFiling). Parties should first consult the appropriate statutes and/or rules, and any previous orders issued by the court in which the action is pending, including general orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. This order does not alter existing rules pertaining to eFiling.
Order Issued: April 13, 2020
Disposition: Administrative Order
This order pertains to the filing of paper documents in all courts of this state by those unable
to access and use the electronic filing system (eFiling). Parties should first consult the appropriate
statutes and/or rules, and any previous orders issued by the court in which the action is pending,
including general orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. This order does not alter existing
rules pertaining to eFiling.
The Supreme Court has administrative and superintending authority over the courts and
judicial system of this state and a duty to promote the efficient and effective operation of the state's
judicial system, Wis. Const. Art. VII, § 3; In re Kading, 70 Wis. 2d 508, 519-20; 235 N.W.2d 409
(1976).
On March 24, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, at the direction of
Governor Evers, issued a "Safer at Home" order requiring Wisconsin residents to stay at home
unless they must perform certain exempted activities. See Emergency Order #12, "Safer at Home."
The Supreme Court has determined that, in light of the existing public health emergency declared
in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, and to protect the health of the public and the
individuals who work for the courts of this state, it is necessary to limit temporarily the number of
individuals who are physically present within the courts of this state and to temporarily modify
certain procedures to ensure that the essential operations of the courts continue in an appropriate
manner during the present public health emergency.
Page 2 April 13, 2020 In re the Matter of Filing of Court Documents in Circuit and Appellate Courts
The offices of the Clerks of Circuit Court and the Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court
of Appeals remain open. However, hand-delivery of any documents to any clerk's office, including
juvenile court clerk offices and registers in probate, is strongly discouraged because of the risk of
transmission of COVID-19 between members of the public and court staff.
The court recognizes that under the current restrictions imposed by COVID-19, individuals
who do not have access to eFiling cannot or should not take the steps litigants typically take to
ensure that the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
receives and stamps their filings to establish the date on which the court received the document.
For those unable to file documents electronically, their control over the filing process is
circumscribed by the current restrictions on travel and access as a result of COVID-19, and there
may be concerns about relying on the "vagaries of the mail." State ex rel. Nichols v. Litscher,
2001 WI 119, ¶28, 247 Wis. 2d 1013, 635 N.W.2d 292. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that to address the concerns about the timely filing of paper documents,
the court, as a temporary measure, hereby creates a "Temporary Mailbox Rule."
Temporary Mailbox Rule.
During the effective dates of this order, a document that has been correctly addressed to
the appropriate clerk of court and deposited in the U.S. mail or tendered to a commercial carrier
(collectively referred to as "Mailing"), with proper postage and with a Statement of Mailing, will
be deemed to have been filed as of the date of the Statement of Mailing, described below.
If the Statement of Mailing, U.S. Postal Service mark, or commercial carrier
documentation does not bear a date on or before the required filing date, the document will not be
Page 3 April 13, 2020 In re the Matter of Filing of Court Documents in Circuit and Appellate Courts
deemed timely filed, regardless of when it was actually deposited in the mail or tendered to a
commercial carrier.
This order does not alter in any way the prison mailbox tolling rule adopted in State ex rel.
Nichols v. Litscher, 2001 WI 119, 247 Wis. 2d 1013, 635 N.W.2d 292.
Filing deadlines for documents that confer jurisdiction.
Litigants may not rely on the Temporary Mailbox Rule if their filing is required to confer
jurisdiction on any Wisconsin court. The filing dates for those documents remain as stated in the
statute or rule that confers jurisdiction. Litigants should ensure that these documents are received
by the appropriate clerk's office by the date required by law.1
Statement of Mailing.
In the event of a challenge to the timely filing of a document, the court in which the
document is filed will have to make a factual determination as to whether the document was timely
filed. Accordingly, individuals filing by mail shall include a Statement of Mailing that: (1) certifies
the document was placed in a U.S. mailbox or tendered to a commercial carrier; and (2) specifies
the name of the individual who placed the document in the mailbox or provided it to the
commercial carrier, a contact address, and the place and date of mailing or tender to a commercial
carrier.
A Statement of Mailing will create a rebuttable presumption that the individual placed the
document for filing in the U.S. Mail receptacle or tendered it to a commercial carrier for delivery
on the particular day stated. A determination of timely filing may also consider the date of the
1 See, e.g., this court's order, In re the Matter of Appellate Court Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic, (S. Ct. Order issued Mar. 17, 2020), https://www.wicourts.gov/news/docs/ covid19coa.pdf.
Page 4 April 13, 2020 In re the Matter of Filing of Court Documents in Circuit and Appellate Courts
U.S. Post Office's postmark, any documentation from a commercial carrier, and/or the date the
document was file stamped as received by the clerk.
Copies and Service.
During the duration of this order, the requirement of filing multiple copies is waived. The
original and one copy of the document is sufficient. If the filer wants an authenticated and
conformed copy returned, an additional (3rd) copy should be included together with a self
addressed stamped envelope, however, a delay in returning a paper file-stamped document should
be expected. Service requirements remain in effect. Appellate briefs are exempted from this order.
Wis. Stat. (Rule) s. 809.80(4). The number of copies required by statute for appellate briefs
remains unchanged.
Filing Fee.
The filing fee, if required, may be paid electronically or with a paper check included with
the filing. If that is not an option, the appropriate clerk's office will send an invoice to the sender
upon receipt of the filing, as soon as reasonably practicable. A filer may also seek a waiver of the
fee for reasons of indigency by submitting an affidavit of indigency which can be completed and
returned to the clerk's office.2
Other Considerations.
This Temporary Mailbox Rule will not excuse a person's ultimate failure to pay filing fees,
address the document properly, pay proper postage, or otherwise comply with filing requirements.
2 The circuit court form, CV-410A, Petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs–Affidavit of Indigency, is available at https://www.wicourts.gov/forms/CV-410A.PDF. For filings in the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, the Clerk of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals will provide the form, upon request.
Page 5 April 13, 2020 In re the Matter of Filing of Court Documents in Circuit and Appellate Courts
This order does not transcend other existing legal restrictions on filing. See, e.g., Wis. Stat.
§ 801.02(7)(d) (a circuit court must dismiss an action by a prisoner seeking to waive the
prepayment of filing fees where that prisoner has, on 3 or more prior occasions, while he or she
was incarcerated, imprisoned, confined or detained in a jail or prison, brought an appeal, writ of
error, action or special proceeding, including a petition for a common law writ of certiorari, that
was dismissed by a state or federal court for any of the reasons listed in s. 802.05(4)(b) 1. to 4.)
Clerk's Offices Remain Open; Posting.
In order to protect the public and the staff of the clerk's office, the Clerk of Circuit Court,
subject to the approval of the Chief Judge of the Judicial District, and the Clerk of the Supreme
Court and Court of Appeals, subject to the approval of the Supreme Court, may modify procedures
governing physical access to the office (such as, but not limited to, limiting the number of persons
permitted to enter and/or isolating paper documents).
Notices with appropriate mailing addresses, information about access, information about
proper procedures for emergency filings, locations of drop boxes, and other filing information, as
applicable, will be posted where visible to the public in or proximal to the clerk's office and, if
practicable, will also be posted on the court's website.
If a person wishes to have in-person access to a court file that is currently in the possession
of the clerk of circuit court, the person shall submit a request for such access to the clerk via email,
via telephone call, or via written request mailed to the clerk's office. The clerk shall then make
reasonable arrangements for the person to receive or to view the requested document or file,
consistent with public safety.
Page 6 April 13, 2020 In re the Matter of Filing of Court Documents in Circuit and Appellate Courts
This order is intended to be interpreted broadly for protection of the public, court staff, and
judges from the risks associated with COVID-19.
The provisions of this order shall be subject to further modification or extension by future
orders.
The State Bar of Wisconsin shall take all reasonable steps to notify its members of the
contents of this order.
In RE: The Matter of Appellate Court Operations During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Supplemental Order Regarding Notices of Appearance, Motions, and Responses to Motions
By temporary administrative order dated April 2, 2020, this court extended its March 17, 2020 temporary administrative order modifying certain procedures of the appellate courts of this state to ensure that the essential operations of the appellate courts continue in an appropriate manner during the present public health emergency. As set forth in that order, the appellate courts are expanding remote working capabilities and are reducing the number of employees in the physical offices of the courts. This temporary administrative order supplements the order dated April 2, 2020, and provides an additional method of filing for notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals
Order Issued: April 8, 2020
Disposition: Supplemental Order
By temporary administrative order dated April 2, 2020, this court extended its March 17, 2020 temporary administrative order modifying certain procedures of the appellate courts of this state to ensure that the essential operations of the appellate courts continue in an appropriate manner during the present public health emergency. As set forth in that order, the appellate courts are expanding remote working capabilities and are reducing the number of employees in the physical offices of the courts. This temporary administrative order supplements the order dated April 2, 2020, and provides an additional method of filing for notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that through May 22, 2020 (inclusive), notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions filed in the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court may be filed electronically in pdf format, as attachments to emails directed to clerk@wicourts.gov. Notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions that are filed via email pursuant to this order shall be deemed filed at the time the email is received by the Clerk’s office. (Notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions that are received after 5:00 p.m. shall be deemed filed as of the next business day.) The Clerk’s office will also continue to accept paper copies of notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions that are filed by mail or physically filed at the office of the Clerk. In order to protect the public and the staff of the Clerk’s office, only one person at a time shall be allowed to enter the physical office of the Clerk and the person shall follow the directions of the Clerk’s staff as to the procedure for filing documents. Appellate filings other than notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions shall continue to be filed in the usual manner, subject to this court’s order dated April 2, 2020. Parties are reminded that, consistent with the terms of our prior orders, non-emergency motions to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court on or before May 22, 2020 (inclusive), are discouraged. If a party truly requires immediate emergency relief from the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, the party shall identify their motion with the word "EMERGENCY" on the face of the document and in the subject line of the email to the clerk’s office. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals shall retain discretion to determine whether the motion represents an emergency sufficient to require immediate action by the court; and
During the duration of this order, the requirement of filing multiple paper copies is waived for notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions. For notices of appearance, motions, and responses to motions that are filed via email pursuant to this order, the filing party shall, within three (3) business days of the date of the email, place in the mail addressed to the Clerk’s office or deliver to the Clerk’s office the paper original and one paper copy of the notice of appearance,
Page 2 April 8, 2020 In re the Matter of Appellate Court Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
2
motion, or response to a motion. In addition to placing the case caption and case number at the top of the first page, the paper original and paper copy of any notice of appearance, motion, or response to a motion filed via email shall contain the following clearly visible notation on the top of its first page: “THIS DOCUMENT WAS PREVIOUSLY FILED VIA EMAIL.” If the filer wants an authenticated and conformed copy returned to the filer, an additional copy should be included together with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. However, a delay in returning a paper file-stamped document should be expected. Service requirements remain in effect; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that through May 22, 2020, the appellate courts may serve by only electronic mail (email) orders on circuit court clerks, circuit court judges, counsel of record, or self-represented persons who have provided an electronic mail address; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the provisions of this order shall be subject to further modification or extension by future orders of the Supreme Court. In addition, the Court of Appeals may issue separate orders addressing the handling of matters pending in that court; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the State Bar of Wisconsin shall take all reasonable steps to notify its members of the contents of this order.
In RE: The Matter of Judicial Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recognizes that the public health emergency caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the ability of persons subject to judicial education requirements to complete mandatory judicial education required by Supreme Court Rules, (SCR) Chapters 32, 33, or 75. In a closed administrative conference on March 23, 2020, the court concluded that certain judicial education requirements will be temporarily modified in light of the
cancellation and postponement of several judicial education programs.
Order Issued: April 3, 2020
Disposition: Modified
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recognizes that the public health emergency caused as a
result of the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the ability of persons subject to judicial education
requirements to complete mandatory judicial education required by Supreme Court Rules, (SCR)
Chapters 32, 33, or 75. In a closed administrative conference on March 23, 2020, the court
concluded that certain judicial education requirements will be temporarily modified in light of the
cancellation and postponement of several judicial education programs. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED:
1. Annual Credit Requirements for All Persons Subject to Judicial Education.
Judges, supreme court commissioners, and court of appeals staff attorneys are required to
earn no less than 5 credits at an in-state educational activity each year. SCR 32.05. Municipal
court judges are required to earn at least 4 credits in each calendar year at a municipal judge
orientation institute. SCR 33.04. Circuit court commissioners authorized to perform their duties
on a temporary or occasional basis are required to earn not less than 3 education credits in any year
in which the performance of those duties requires 40 or more hours. SCR 75.05(3).
With the exception of municipal court judges, the annual credit requirements for these
individuals, required to be accrued on or before December 31, 2020, are waived, provided,
however that individuals subject to judicial education requirements are still required to obtain the
Page 2 April 3, 2020 In re the Matter of Judicial Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
full number of required credits by the close of their reporting period (e.g., 60 credits for judges,
circuit court commissioners, supreme court commissioners, and court of appeals staff attorneys).
Extensions of time for municipal court judges to earn their annual 4 judicial credits will be
determined by the Municipal Judge Education Committee for good cause, upon request, on a case
by case basis. Municipal court judges who face difficulty complying with the requirements of
SCR 33.04(1), (2), or (3) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may seek an extension from the
Municipal Judge Education Committee, for good cause, which may be submitted to the Office of
Judicial Education.
2. Expiration of Judicial Education Reporting Period.
The six-year reporting period for completing judicial education requirements may be
expiring for certain persons subject to judicial education requirements. SCRs 32.02(1);
75.05(2)(a). An automatic six-month extension of the reporting period is granted for all whose
judicial education reporting period expires on or before July 31, 2020.
3. Inability to Complete Other Required Judicial Education.
Any person subject to judicial education requirements who is unable to complete required
programs such as the Wisconsin Judicial College, the Criminal Law and Sentencing Institute, or
the prison tour as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, may seek an extension from the Judicial
Education Committee for good cause. SCRs 32.04; 32.09(1). Municipal court judges unable to
complete the mandatory Municipal Judge Orientation Institute when next offered may seek an
extension from the Municipal Judge Education Committee for good cause, which may be
submitted to the Office of Judicial Education. SCRs 33.03; 33.04(1).
Page 3 April 3, 2020 In re the Matter of Judicial Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
4. Reserve Judges.
Reserve judges are required to earn 5 credits during the calendar year immediately
preceding their appointment or reappointment. SCR 32.08. Typically, reserve judges obtain these
credits at the Wisconsin Judicial Conference, which is scheduled to occur on November 4-6, 2020.
If the Judicial Conference is postponed, the court will revisit the question of judicial education for
reserve judges. Reserve judges may, for good cause, request a waiver of their educational
requirements from the director of state courts, which may be submitted to the Office of Judicial
Education. SCR 32.08(3).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this order is intended to be interpreted broadly for
protection of the public, court staff, and judges from the risks associated with COVID-19.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the provisions of this order shall be subject to further
modification or extension by future orders.
Updated: In RE: the matter of Appellate Court operations during the Covid-19 Pandemic
You are hereby notified that the Court has issued the following order, extending the order issued March 17, 2020
Order Issued: April 2, 2020
Disposition: Updated Order
You are hereby notified that the Court has issued the following order, extending the order issued March 17, 2020:
WHEREAS Governor Evers has declared a public health emergency for the State of Wisconsin in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS on March 24, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, at the direction of Governor Evers, issued a "Safer at Home" order requiring Wisconsin residents to stay at home unless they must perform certain exempted activities. See Emergency Order #12, "Safer at Home."
WHEREAS the Safer at Home Order excepts the performance of "essential activities" by all residents of the state, the operation of "essential businesses and operations," and the operation of "essential governmental functions," which includes the operation of the Wisconsin court system, however. even while performing those exempt activities, the Safer at Home Order requires people "as reasonably possible [to] maintain social distancing of at least six (6) feet from any other person."
WHEREAS the United States Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic recommending, inter alia, that organizations develop and implement flexible attendance policies that allow employees to stay home when sick, to remain home to care for sick household members, or to work from home when possible; and
WHEREAS the Supreme Court has administrative and superintending authority over the courts and judicial system of this state and a duty to promote the efficient and effective operation of the state's judicial system, Wis. Const. Art. VII, § 3; In re Kading, 70 Wis. 2d 508, 519-20; 235 N.W.2d 409 (1976); and
WHEREAS the Supreme Court has determined that, in light of the existing public health emergency and to protect the health of the public and the individuals who work for the appellate courts of this state, it is necessary to limit temporarily the number of individuals who are physically present within the offices of the appellate courts of this state and to modify temporarily certain procedures of the appellate courts of this state to ensure that the essential operations of the appellate courts continue in an appropriate manner during the present public health emergency;
Page 2 April 2, 2020 In re the Matter of Appellate Court Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the essential operations of this court and the Court of Appeals shall continue, but those courts will be expanding remote working capabilities and will be reducing the number of employees in the physical offices of the courts; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals shall remain open to accept filings. Through May 22, 2020 (inclusive), however, the hours that the Clerk's office shall be open shall be modified, and the office shall be open to receive filings between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each business day. During this time period, parties are encouraged, if feasible, to file documents with the Clerk's office by mail using the post office box (P.O. Box 1688, Madison, WI 53701-1688). If necessary, parties may also physically file documents at the office of the Clerk, which is located on the second floor of the Tenney Building, 110 E. Main St., Madison, WI. In order to protect the public and the staff of the Clerk's office, only one person at a time shall be allowed to enter the physical office of the Clerk and the person shall follow the directions of the Clerk's staff as to the procedure for filing documents and obtaining file-stamped copies, if requested; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, if a person wishes to have in-person access to a court file that is currently in the possession of the Clerk of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals, the person shall submit a request for such access to the Clerk via email to clerk@wicourts.gov, via telephone call, or via written request physically filed with the clerk's office in the same manner as set forth above. The Clerk shall then make reasonable arrangements for the person to receive or to view the requested document or file; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, subject to the modifications set forth below, all deadlines in all matters pending in the appellate courts of this state that would expire on or before Friday, May 22, 2020 (inclusive) and all deadlines for the filing in the circuit courts of documents under Wis. Stat. §§ (Rules) 809.107, 809.30, and 809.32 that would expire on or before May 22, 2020 (inclusive), shall be tolled for a period of 21 days, except as provided below. (This means that 21 calendar days should be added to whatever the deadline would otherwise be.) This tolling shall include, but not be limited to, deadlines for briefs, motions, responses to motions, docketing statements, statements on transcripts, etc.; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the tolling set forth in the preceding paragraph shall not apply to the following matters:
1. Deadlines for the filing of any documents in the circuit courts, including the filing of notices of appeal, but the tolling shall apply to deadlines for documents filed under Wis. Stat. §§ (Rules) 809.107, 809.30, and 809.32, as provided above. All deadlines for the filing of notices of appeal in the circuit courts shall not be affected by this order. For circuit court deadlines, parties should consult the appropriate statutes and/or rules, and any orders issued by the circuit court in which the action is pending, including general orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic;
Page 3 April 2, 2020 In re the Matter of Appellate Court Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
2. Deadlines for the filing of petitions for review in the Supreme Court pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 808.10 and 809.62 shall not be extended. Petitions for review must be physically filed in the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court within the time period required under Wis. Stat. § 808.10. However, if the deadline for filing a petition for review falls on or before May 22, 2020 (inclusive), a party may comply with the deadline for filing a petition for review by filing a short statement that the party seeks Supreme Court review of an identified decision of the Court of Appeals, which statement shall be deemed to be a timely petition for review. A party who complies by filing such a short statement shall file a supplemental petition that contains all of the items set forth in Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.62(2) within 21 days after the filing of the short statement. Absent an extension of time granted by the Supreme Court for good cause shown, the failure to file the supplemental petition conforming to Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.62(2) within the 21-day period shall subject the petition for review to dismissal. The time period for responses to petitions for review will begin upon the service of a complete petition for review or the service of a supplemental petition pursuant to the provision allowing supplemental petitions above, and the response time period in either situation will be subject to the 21-day tolling as set forth above; 3. The parties in the following cases which are pending in the Supreme Court have been contacted regarding deadlines for the filing of briefs, motions, or other documents: a. State v. Brooks, No. 2018AP1774-CR; b. Quick Change Kiosk LLC v. Kaul, No. 2018AP947; c. Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Menard, No. 2018AP659-D; d. State v. Dobbs, No. 2018AP319-CR; e. Town of Delafield v. Central Transport Kriewaldt, No. 2017AP2525; f. State v. Muth, No. 2018AP875-CR; g. Bartlett v. Evers, No. 2019AP1376-OA; h. Wisconsin Small Business United, Inc. v. Brennan, No. 2019AP2054-OA; i. Hammer v. Board of Bar Examiners, No. 2019AP1974-BA; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that non-emergency motions to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court on or before May 22, 2020 (inclusive), are discouraged so that court personnel may focus on essential court functions. If non-emergency motions are filed during that time period, the parties may expect that a ruling on those motions may be delayed to some degree. If a party truly requires immediate emergency relief from the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, the party shall identify their motion, petition for leave to file an interlocutory appeal, writ petition, original action petition, or other filing with the word "EMERGENCY" on the face of the document. The party shall also at the beginning of the document state the nature and reason for the emergency, shall specify the date by which the emergency relief is needed, and shall identify with specificity the harm the party will suffer if the emergency relief is not granted by the requested date. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals shall retain discretion to determine whether the filing represents an emergency sufficient to require immediate action by the court; and
Page 2 April 2, 2020 In re the Matter of Appellate Court Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties in the cases originally scheduled for oral argument in the Supreme Court on March 30, 2020, April 1, 2020, and April 20, 2020, have been contacted and arrangements made to reschedule or waive oral argument; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the provisions of this order shall be subject to further modification or extension by future orders of the Supreme Court. In addition, the Court of Appeals may issue separate orders addressing the handling of matters pending in that court; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the State Bar of Wisconsin shall take all reasonable steps to notify its members of the contents of this order.
REBECCA GRASSL BRADLEY, J. (dissenting). The approved extension is longer than necessary. I would make the extension of this order coterminous with the Safer at Home order issued March 24, 2020, by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. See Emergency Order #12, "Safer at Home."
No. 20-02 In the matter of an Interim Rule Re Suspension of Deadlines For Non-Criminal Jury Trials Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Hearing Notice
This order provides notice that the Wisconsin Supreme Court will
conduct a public hearing to consider an Interim Rule adopted by the
court that temporarily suspends statutory deadlines for jury trials in
non-criminal matters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Order Issued: March 31, 2020
Disposition: Public hearing scheduled on May 1, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
This order provides notice that the Wisconsin Supreme Court will
conduct a public hearing to consider an Interim Rule adopted by the
court that temporarily suspends statutory deadlines for jury trials in
non-criminal matters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 24, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, at
the direction of Governor Evers, issued a "Safer at Home" order
requiring Wisconsin residents to stay at home unless they must perform
certain exempted activities. See Emergency Order #12, "Safer at Home."
All non-essential businesses and operations "are required to cease all
activities located within Wisconsin." The Safer at Home Order excepts
the performance of "essential activities" by all residents of the state,
the operation of "essential businesses and operations," and the
operation of "essential governmental functions," which includes the
operation of the Wisconsin court system. Even while performing those
exempt activities, however, the Safer at Home Order requires people "as
reasonably possible [to] maintain social distancing of at least six (6)
feet from any other person."
No. 20-02
2
The Supreme Court has administrative and superintending authority
over the courts and judicial system of this state and a duty to promote
the efficient and effective operation of the state's judicial system.
Wis. Const. Art. VII, § 3; In re Kading, 70 Wis. 2d 508, 519-20; 235
N.W.2d 409 (1976). That authority includes the authority to create,
suspend, and modify rules governing pleading, practice, and procedure
in the courts of this state. This authority has been recognized by the
legislature. Wis. Stat. § 751.12(3). We note, too, that the
legislature has long recognized that in times of public emergency, this
court has the authority to alter statutes and rules governing how the
court system operates. See Wis. Stat. § 757.12 (originally enacted in
1849; stating that, "[w]henever it is deemed unsafe or inexpedient, by
reason of war, pestilence or other public calamity, to hold any court
at the time and place appointed therefor the justices or judges of the
court may appoint any other place within the same county and any other
time for holding court. All proceedings in the court may be continued
at adjourned times and places and be of the same force and effect as if
the court had continued its sessions at the place it was held before
the adjournment.")1
In the exercise of its administrative and superintending
authority, the Supreme Court has determined that, in light of the
existing public health emergency declared in connection with the COVID
19 pandemic, and to protect the health of the public and the individuals
who work for the courts of this state, it is necessary to limit
temporarily the number of individuals who are physically present within
1 We do not decide at this time whether this statute applies to the current public health emergency.
No. 20-02
3
the courts of this state and to temporarily modify certain procedures
to ensure that the essential operations of the courts continue in an
appropriate manner during the present public health emergency.
In accordance with this determination, this court has temporarily
suspended or continued all jury trials that were scheduled to commence
between March 22, 2020, and May 22, 2020. In re the Matter of Jury
Trials During the COVID-19 Pandemic (S. Ct. Order issued March 22,
2020).
Also in accordance with this determination, at a closed
administrative conference on March 25, 2020, the Supreme Court
considered the need to temporarily suspend certain statutory deadlines
for the conduct of non-criminal jury trials. The Supreme Court
concluded that it is necessary to expedite its consideration of this
matter so as to provide prompt guidance to the circuit courts of this
state, which are presently striving to balance deadlines set by statutes
and serious public safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a closed administrative conference on March 27, 2020 the Supreme
Court approved an Interim Rule that suspends the deadlines for non
criminal jury trials, attached as Appendix A to this order, effective
the date of this order and until further order of this court, subject
to pending further review and consideration at a public hearing to be
conducted on May 1, 2020.
Wisconsin Stat. § 751.12 sets forth procedures that the court has
employed for promulgating rules regulating pleading, practice, and
procedure in judicial proceedings in all courts, for the purposes of
simplifying the same and of promoting the speedy determination of
litigation upon its merits. The time-sensitive nature of statutorily
No. 20-02
4
imposed deadlines for jury trials, and the serious public safety risks
associated with conducting a public hearing during the COVID-19 pandemic
require the court to act at this time.
The public hearing on the Interim Rule is duly noticed in
accordance with the deadlines set forth in Wis. Stat. § 751.12
(requiring notice not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days before
the date of hearing).
However, we find good cause to modify the manner in which we
conduct the public hearing. Accordingly, we will proceed as follows:
1. Consistent with our standard administrative rules practice, this
public hearing notice, together with the Interim Rule, will be
distributed to the standard Interested Persons list the court
uses to provide notice of scheduled administrative rules
matters; posted on the court's website; and the State Bar is
directed to provide notice of the hearing and the Interim Rule.
2. Consistent with our standard administrative rules practice, we
invite written comment on the Interim Rule. Written comment
may be submitted by email on or before 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
April 24, 2020 using the procedure set forth below.
3. The Supreme Court will conduct the public hearing on May 1,
2020, commencing at 9:30 a.m. via videoconference or other
remote means that will be streamed for public viewing via
www.wicourts.gov so it may be observed by interested persons.
Details on how to access the public hearing will be posted on
the court's website at: https://www.wicourts.gov/opinions.jsp.
4. Although the Supreme Court cannot permit any member of the
public to appear in person at the public hearing due to the
No. 20-02
5
public safety concerns outlined above, any interested person
may, in addition to providing written comment, submit written
questions to the Supreme Court regarding this matter using the
process set forth below. The Supreme Court will endeavor to
address these questions during the public hearing.
5. Following the public hearing, the Supreme Court will convene in
closed administrative conference to decide whether to continue,
modify, or repeal the Interim Rule and will issue an order
setting forth the Supreme Court's decision on the matter.
Instructions for Providing Comment or Submitting Questions
Public comments and questions for the Supreme Court are due by
5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. They shall be sent by email to:
clerk@wicourts.gov. The subject line shall state: "May 1 public
hearing." The email shall include the full name and contact information
for the person submitting the comment. Comments may also be mailed to
the Clerk of Supreme Court, Attention: Deputy Clerk-Rules, P.O. Box
1688, Madison, WI 53701-1688, however, email is strongly preferred.
The court reserves the right to consolidate duplicative questions and
to screen questions that may not be germane to this proceeding.
We emphasize that the Interim Rule is a temporary rule, required
in response to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19
pandemic. The court uses temporary or interim rules to explore
potential modifications to existing administrative rules and
procedures, such as when the court authorizes a pilot project. The now
mandatory circuit court eFiling program in the state commenced with a
No. 20-02
6
temporary rule.2 When the court commenced its ongoing consideration of
whether to adopt a Statewide Business Court Docket, it adopted an
Interim Rule and convened a public hearing to further consider it.3
Using the procedure described in this order, the court strives to
address the immediate and practical challenges confronting the circuit
courts while complying to the extent possible with the existing
parameters by which it considers administrative rule changes.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that the Interim Non-Criminal Jury Trial rule set
forth in Appendix A, attached hereto, is adopted by the court and shall
apply to cases in the circuit court effective the date of this order
and until further order of the court, subject to further review and
consideration at a May 1, 2020 public hearing.
2 As an example, on September 9, 2004, the Director of State Courts sent the court a memorandum requesting the court approve a temporary rule governing a pilot project for voluntary small claims eFiling. The court met on September 16, 2004 and issued an order approving the pilot project on February 25, 2005. The file in the clerk's office does not indicate that a public hearing was held or that the order was published. An article announcing the pilot project appeared in the April 2005 Wisconsin Lawyer. The temporary order adopted in that matter was renewed in 2006. In 2008, the Director of State Courts requested formal rule changes by filing Rule Petition 06-08, In the matter of the Creation of a Court Rule Governing Electronic Filing in the Circuit Courts, S. Ct. Order 2008 WI 36(issued May 1, 2008, eff. July 2, 2008). See also S. Ct. Order 14-03, In the Matter of the Petition to Create Wisconsin Statute § 801.18, 2016 WI 29 (issued Apr. 28, 2016, eff. July 1, 2016) (adopting and implementing mandatory eFiling rule following a public hearing on the matter).
3 Rule Petition 16-05, In re creation of a pilot project for dedicated trial court judicial dockets for large claim business and commercial cases, S. Ct. Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017) (adopting Interim Rule and authorizing pilot project then conducting public hearing to confirm the Interim Rule).
No. 20-02
7
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a public hearing on this matter shall
be held on May 1, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. and shall be conducted remotely
and available to the public via www.wicourts.gov in the manner and
according to the procedures set forth in this Order.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the hearing be given by a
publication of a Notice of Public Hearing in the official state
newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and publication
of a copy of this order and the Interim Rule in an official publication
of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60 days nor less than 30
days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of this order and the
Interim Rule shall be placed on the Internet site maintained by the
director of state courts for the Supreme Court. See
www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 31st day of March, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff Clerk of Supreme Court
Petition 19-25, In the Matter of the Petition to Amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 12.07(2)(a), Relating to the Annual Assessment of Attorneys for the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (Public Hearing Postponed)
By order dated February 25, 2020, the court scheduled a public
hearing for Thursday, April 2, 2020, in the above matter. Governor
Evers has declared a public health emergency for the State of Wisconsin due to COVID-19. All branches of Wisconsin government are working to contain the spread of COVID-19
Order Issued: March 17, 2020
Disposition: Public Hearing on Thursday, April 2,2020 is cancelled.
By order dated February 25, 2020, the court scheduled a public
hearing for Thursday, April 2, 2020, in the above matter. Governor
Evers has declared a public health emergency for the State of Wisconsin
due to COVID-19. All branches of Wisconsin government are working to
contain the spread of COVID-19. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that the public hearing on rule petition 19-25,
scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2020, is hereby cancelled.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of any rescheduled hearing will
be posted on the supreme court website and provided to all persons who
routinely receive notice of the court's administrative rule matters.
See www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 17th day of March, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff Clerk of Supreme Court
Pietition 20-01, In the matter of the temporary amendment of SCRs 31.02 and 31.05 relating to the continuing legal education requirements: On-demand CLE programming in response to COVID-19
he Wisconsin Supreme Court recognizes that the public health
emergency relating to COVID-19 may impact lawyers' ability to complete mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) required by SCR 31.02 in order to remain eligible to practice law in Wisconsin.1 Many CLE seminars have been cancelled or postponed and many lawyers may need to self-isolate or avoid public gatherings because of the risk of acquiring and/or transmitting the virus. In an effort to mitigate the impact of these measures on a lawyer's eligibility to practice law, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has, at the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin, elected to temporarily increase the number of credits from on-demand programs
that lawyers may use to satisfy the requirements of SCR 31.02. See
SCR 31.12(2) (authorizing the board of bar examiners (board) to waive
attendance and reporting requirements where to do otherwise would work
an injustice).
Order Issued: March 17, 2020
Disposition: Temporarily increase the number of CLE from on-demand programs
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recognizes that the public health
emergency relating to COVID-19 may impact lawyers' ability to complete
mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) required by SCR 31.02 in
order to remain eligible to practice law in Wisconsin.1 Many CLE
seminars have been cancelled or postponed and many lawyers may need to
self-isolate or avoid public gatherings because of the risk of acquiring
and/or transmitting the virus. In an effort to mitigate the impact of
these measures on a lawyer's eligibility to practice law, the Wisconsin
Supreme Court has, at the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin, elected
to temporarily increase the number of credits from on-demand programs
1 SCR 31.02 provides that a "lawyer shall attend a minimum of 30 hours of approved CLE during each reporting period." SCR 31.02(1). The mandatory ethics requirement provides that "[a] lawyer shall attend a minimum of 3 of the 30 hours required under sub. (1) on the subject of legal ethics and professional responsibility in every reporting period." SCR 31.02(2).
No. 20-01
2
that lawyers may use to satisfy the requirements of SCR 31.02. See
SCR 31.12(2) (authorizing the board of bar examiners (board) to waive
attendance and reporting requirements where to do otherwise would work
an injustice).
Under current rule no more than 15 credits may be claimed for
repeated on-demand programs during a lawyer's CLE reporting period.
SCR 31.01(6m).2 For purposes of reinstatement, readmission, or
reactivation, no more than 50 percent of the lawyer's CLE may come from
on-demand programs. SCR 31.05(5)(a).
IT IS ORDERED that effective the date of this order and until
December 31, 2020, for the continuing legal education reporting period
ending December 31, 2020 (even-year reporters), lawyers may, in their
discretion, claim additional CLE credit from repeated on-demand
programs, up to 30 credits. Repeated on-demand courses that will be
claimed in excess of the usual 15 credit hour limit must be completed
on or before December 31, 2020. Because of the importance and time
sensitive nature of instruction on the subject of legal ethics and
professional responsibility, these courses are to be completed with
live on-online programming or in-person courses; repeated on-demand
programs may not be used to satisfy the mandatory 3 legal ethics and
professional responsibility credit hours.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that lawyers who have failed to demonstrate
compliance with CLE reporting requirements for the reporting period
ending December 31, 2019 (odd-year reporters) may use repeated on
2 "Repeated on-demand program" means an on-line program delivered over the Internet, consisting of a program previously approved by the board.
No. 20-01
3
demand programs to satisfy deficiencies in their credit hours. This
does not include the mandatory 3 hours required on the subject of legal
ethics and professional responsibility which are to be completed using
live on-line programming or in-person courses, and does not waive the
late fee imposed for late reporting under SCR 31.03(2).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that lawyers required to satisfy CLE
requirements as a prerequisite to reinstatement, readmission, or
reactivation may satisfy 100 percent of their required CLE using on
demand programs for petitions, provided that make up credit requirements
are completed on or before December 31, 2020. This does not include
the mandatory 3 hours required on the subject of legal ethics and
professional responsibility, which are to be completed using live on
line programming or in-person courses.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any lawyer whose license to practice
law may be suspended because the lawyer is unable to complete legal
ethics and professional responsibility credits, either in person or
live on-online, may file a request for a waiver with the board under
SCR 31.12.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that because this temporary measure is
effective immediately, there may be a delay before the board's
electronic filing system can accept late-filed electronic reports
documenting attendance of on-demand courses in excess of the usual 15
credit rule. In this event, lawyers are directed to submit a statement
of their request for continuing legal education credit in writing,
together with documentation of the on-demand course(s) for which credit
is claimed, and the late fee. Per SCR 31.03(4), a late filed report is
No. 20-01
4
deemed filed upon the board's receipt of payment of the late fee, for
which payment may be made electronically.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's web
site. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 17th day of March, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff Clerk of Supreme Court
In RE: the matter of Appellate Court operations during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued the attached administrative order in response to the public health emergency declared in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the order states, the appellate courts of this state remain open and the essential operations of the appellate courts will continue, but certain appellate procedures and deadlines will be modified during the period from March 19, 2020 through April 3, 2020.
Order Issued: March 17, 2020
Disposition: Ordered
You are hereby notified that the Court has issued the following order:
WHEREAS Governor Evers has declared a public health emergency for the State of Wisconsin in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS the United States Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic recommending, inter alia, that organizations develop and implement flexible attendance policies that allow employees to stay home when sick, to remain home to care for sick household members, or to work from home when possible; and
WHEREAS the Supreme Court has administrative and superintending authority over the courts and judicial system of this state and a duty to promote the efficient and effective operation of the state’s judicial system, Wis. Const. Art. VII, § 3; In re Kading, 79 Wis. 2d 508, 519-20; 235 N.W.2d 409 (1976); and
WHEREAS the Supreme Court has determined that, in light of the existing public health emergency and to protect the health of the public and the individuals who work for the appellate courts of this state, it is necessary to limit temporarily the number of individuals who are physically present within the offices of the appellate courts of this state and to modify temporarily certain procedures of the appellate courts of this state to ensure that the essential operations of the appellate courts continue in an appropriate manner during the present public health emergency;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the essential operations of this court and the Court of Appeals shall continue, but those courts will be expanding remote working capabilities and will be reducing the number of employees in the physical offices of the courts; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals shall remain open to accept filings. From March 19, 2020, to April 3, 2020 (inclusive), however, the hours that the Clerk’s office shall be open shall be modified, and the office shall be open to receive filings between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each business day. During this time period, parties are encouraged, if feasible, to file documents with the Clerk’s office by
Page 2 March 17, 2020 In re the Matter of Appellate Court Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
2
mail using the post office box (P.O. Box 1688, Madison, WI 53701-1688). If necessary, parties may also physically file documents at the office of the Clerk, which is located on the second floor of the Tenney Building, 110 E. Main St., Madison, WI. In order to protect the public and the staff of the Clerk’s office, only one person at a time shall be allowed to enter the physical office of the Clerk and the person shall follow the directions of the Clerk’s staff as to the procedure for filing documents and obtaining file-stamped copies, if requested; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, if a person wishes to have in-person access to a court file that is currently in the possession of the Clerk of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals, the person shall submit a request for such access to the Clerk via email to clerk@wicourts.gov, via telephone call, or via written request physically filed with the clerk’s office in the same manner as set forth above. The Clerk shall then make reasonable arrangements for the person to receive or to view the requested document or file; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, subject to the modifications set forth below, all deadlines in all matters pending in the appellate courts of this state that would expire between Thursday, March 19, 2020, and Friday, April 3, 2020 (inclusive) and all deadlines for the filing in the circuit courts of documents under Wis. Stat. §§ (Rules) 809.107, 809.30, and 809.32 that would expire between March 19, 2020, and April 3, 2020 (inclusive), shall be tolled for a period of 21 days, except as provided below. (This means that 21 calendar days should be added to whatever the deadline would otherwise be.) This tolling shall include, but not be limited to, deadlines for briefs, motions, responses to motions, docketing statements, statements on transcripts, etc.; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the tolling set forth in the preceding paragraph shall not apply to the following matters: 1. Deadlines for the filing of any documents in the circuit courts, including the filing of notices of appeal, but the tolling shall apply to deadlines for documents filed under Wis. Stat. §§ (Rules) 809.107, 809.30, and 809.32, as provided above. All deadlines for the filing of notices of appeal in the circuit courts shall not be affected by this order. For circuit court deadlines, parties should consult the appropriate statutes and/or rules, and any orders issued by the circuit court in which the action is pending, including general orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; 2. Deadlines for the filing of petitions for review in the Supreme Court pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 808.10 and 809.62 shall not be extended. Petitions for review must be physically filed in the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court within the time period required under Wis. Stat. § 808.10. However, if the deadline for filing a petition for review falls between March 19, 2020, and April 3, 2020 (inclusive), a party may comply with the deadline for filing a petition for review by filing a short statement that the party seeks Supreme Court review of an identified decision of the Court of Appeals, which statement shall be deemed to be a timely petition for review. A party who complies by filing such a short statement shall file a supplemental petition that contains all of the items set forth in Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.62(2) within 21 days after the filing of the short statement. Absent an extension of time granted by the Supreme Court for good cause shown, the failure to file the supplemental petition conforming to Wis. Stat.
Page 3 March 17, 2020 In re the Matter of Appellate Court Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
§ (Rule) 809.62(2) within the 21-day period shall subject the petition for review to dismissal. The time period for responses to petitions for review will begin upon the service of a complete petition for review or the service of a supplemental petition pursuant to the provision allowing supplemental petitions above, and the response time period in either situation will be subject to the 21-day tolling as set forth above; 3. Deadlines for the filing of briefs, motions, or other documents in the following cases pending in the Supreme Court, which are currently scheduled to be argued on March 30, 2020, April 1, 2020, and April 20, 2020: a. State v. Brooks, No. 2018AP1774-CR; b. Quick Change Kiosk LLC v. Kaul, No. 2018AP947; c. Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Menard, No. 2018AP659-D; d. State v. Dobbs, No. 2018AP319-CR; e. Town of Delafield v. Central Transport Kriewaldt, No. 2017AP2525; f. State v. Muth, No. 2018AP875-CR; g. Bartlett v. Evers, No. 2019AP1376-OA; h. Wisconsin Small Business United, Inc. v. Brennan, No. 2019AP2054-OA; i. Hammer v. Board of Bar Examiners, No. 2019AP1974-BA; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that non-emergency motions to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court between March 19, 2020, and April 3, 2020 (inclusive), are discouraged so that court personnel may focus on essential court functions. If non-emergency motions are filed during that time period, the parties may expect that a ruling on those motions may be delayed to some degree. If a party truly requires immediate emergency relief from the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, the party shall identify their motion, petition for leave to file an interlocutory appeal, writ petition, original action petition, or other filing with the word “EMERGENCY” on the face of the document. The party shall also at the beginning of the document state the nature and reason for the emergency, shall specify the date by which the emergency relief is needed, and shall identify with specificity the harm the party will suffer if the emergency relief is not granted by the requested date. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals shall retain discretion to determine whether the filing represents an emergency sufficient to require immediate action by the court; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the oral argument schedules in the Supreme Court for March 30, 2020, April 1, 2020, and April 20, 2020, shall remain in effect, subject to further order of the court. Parties with arguments in the Supreme Court scheduled for those dates shall be prepared to proceed with arguments as scheduled; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the provisions of this order shall be subject to further modification or extension by future orders of the Supreme Court. In addition, the Court of Appeals may issue separate orders addressing the handling of matters pending in that court; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the State Bar of Wisconsin shall take all reasonable steps to notify its members of the contents of this order.
No. 16-05C In re creation of a pilot project for dedicated trial court judicial dockets for large claim business and commercial cases (Dane County)
In 2017, the Wisconsin Supreme Court approved creation of a pilot project for commercial court dockets for large claims business and commercial cases (commercial court docket or pilot project). See S. Ct. Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017) (approving pilot project following receipt of public comment and public hearing), as amended by S. Ct. Order 16-05A (issued Feb. 12, 2020) (extending and expanding project); S. Ct. Correction Order 16-05B (issued Feb 22, 2020). This order reflects Interim Rule amendments to accommodate the addition of Dane County to the pilot project.
Order Issued: March 13, 2020
Disposition: Amended
In 2017, the Wisconsin Supreme Court approved creation of a pilot
project for commercial court dockets for large claims business and
commercial cases (commercial court docket or pilot project). See S. Ct.
Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017)
(approving pilot project following receipt of public comment and public
hearing), as amended by S. Ct. Order 16-05A (issued Feb. 12, 2020)
(extending and expanding project); S. Ct. Correction Order 16-05B
(issued Feb 22, 2020).1 This order reflects Interim Rule amendments to
accommodate the addition of Dane County to the pilot project.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that, effective the date of this order:
1 The interim commercial court rule applies only to this pilot
project. If, upon the conclusion of the pilot project, the
Business Court Advisory Committee recommends the Wisconsin Supreme
Court adopt a statewide commercial court docket, the Committee
will file a formal rule petition, whereupon the court will invite
public comment and schedule a public hearing on the matter.
No. 16-05C
2
SECTION 1. Section 2 d) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is
amended to read:
2. d) The circuit courts for Waukesha County and in the Eighth
Judicial Administrative District are hereby designated as the initial
locations for the Commercial Court dockets. The circuit courts of Dane
County, The the circuit courts of the Second Judicial Administrative
District, and the circuit courts of the Tenth Judicial Administrative
District are hereby designated as additional locations for the
Commercial Court dockets. For the purposes of this pilot project, Iron
County shall be considered part of the Tenth Judicial Administrative
District forthwith.2
SECTION 2. Section 2 e) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is
amended to read:
2. e) The Chief Justice shall select the circuit court judges in
the counties and judicial administrative districts participating in the
pilot plan who will be assigned to the Commercial Court docket.
Selection of a judge for the Commercial Court docket shall not preclude
the judge from continuing work on any other assigned docket. The Chief
Justice shall select no fewer than: three circuit court judges in
Waukesha County; no fewer than three circuit court judges in Dane
County; no fewer than four circuit court judges within the Eighth
Judicial Administrative District; no fewer than four circuit court
judges within the Second Judicial Administrative District; and no fewer
than three circuit court judges within the Tenth Judicial Administrative
2 See S. Ct. Order 19-21, 2020 WI 17 (issued Feb. 13, 2020)
(transferring Iron County to Tenth Judicial Administrative District
effective July 1, 2020).
No. 16-05C
3
District. The Chief Justice may also add additional counties and/or
districts to the Commercial Court docket upon the recommendation of the
Director of State Courts.
SECTION 3. Section 7 b) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is
amended to read:
7. b) Clerk of court duties.
1. In Dane County and Waukesha County, upon the filing of a case
qualifying for the Commercial Court docket, the clerk of court shall
assign the case to the Commercial Court docket and to one of the judges
designed for the commercial court docket. In the event of a request
for judicial substitution, the case shall be transferred to the next
Waukesha County circuit court judge who is assigned to the Waukesha
County Commercial Court docket in that county.
SECTION 4. Section 10 b)1. of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is
amended to read:
10. b) The procedure for a joint petition for transfer shall be as
follows:
1. A joint petition for transfer of a case under this section shall
be submitted to the District Court Administrator for the Eighth Judicial
District. The District Eight Court Administrator shall refer the
petition to the Chief Judges for the Second, Third, Fifth, Eighth, and
Tenth Judicial Administrative Districts.
SECTION 4. Section 10 b)3. of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is
amended to read:
3. The Chief Judges shall, upon allowing a transfer, assign the
cases to the Commercial Court docket and to one of the judges designated
No. 16-05C
4
for the Commercial Court docket in Dane County, Waukesha County, or
within the Second, Eighth, or Tenth Judicial Administrative District.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Dane County Circuit Court may
commence the pilot project effective the date of this order or as soon
thereafter as reasonably practicable.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this order and the interim commercial
court rule, as amended, shall be made available to the public on the
court's website.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 13th day of March, 2020.
Petition 19-25 In the Matter of the Petition to Amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 12.07(2)(a), Relating to the Annual Assessment of Attorneys for the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
On December 23, 2019, Attorney Benjamin T. Kurten, on behalf of the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (the "Fund"), filed a rule petition asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 12.07(2)(a) to increase the annual assessment of attorneys for the Fund to provide sufficient income for payment of eligible claims.
Order Issued: February 25, 2020
Disposition: Hearing Order scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 9:30 a.m.
On December 23, 2019, Attorney Benjamin T. Kurten, on behalf of
the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (the "Fund"), filed
a rule petition asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule
(SCR) 12.07(2)(a) to increase the annual assessment of attorneys for
the Fund to provide sufficient income for payment of eligible claims.
IT is ORDERED that a public hearing on the petition shall be held
in the Supreme Court Hearing Room in the State Capitol, Madison,
Wisconsin, on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 9:30 a.m.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of hearing be given by a
publication of a copy of this order and of the petition in the official
state newspaper once each week for three consecutive weeks, and in an
official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin not more than 60
days nor less than 30 days before the date of the hearing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the full text of the proposed rules,
including changes, if any, in existing rules, shall be placed on the
No. 19-25
2
Internet site maintained by the director of state courts for the supreme
court. See www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 25th day of February, 2020.
SC Rule Order 16-05B (Correction Order)
The court, on its own motion, has identified the need for a
technical correction to the interim commercial court rule. See S. Ct.
Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017)
(approving pilot project following receipt of public comment and public
hearing); S. Ct. Order 16-05A (issued Feb. 12, 2020) (amending interim commercial court rule).
Order Issued: February 20, 2020
Disposition: Amended
The court, on its own motion, has identified the need for a
technical correction to the interim commercial court rule. See S. Ct.
Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017)
(approving pilot project following receipt of public comment and public
hearing); S. Ct. Order 16-05A (issued Feb. 12, 2020) (amending interim
commercial court rule). Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that effective the date of this order, Section
10. b)1. of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is amended to read as
follows:
A joint petition for transfer of a case under this section shall
be submitted to the District Court Administrator for the Eighth Judicial
District. The District Eight Court Administrator shall refer the
petition to the Chief Judges for the Second, Third, Eighth, and Tenth
Judicial Administrative Districts.
No. 16-05B
2
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this order and the interim commercial
court rule, as amended, shall be made available to the public on the
court's website.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 20th day of February, 2020.
Petition 19-21 In the Matter of Amending sections 757.60(9) and (10), Wis. Stats., and Supreme Court Rules 70.17(9) and (10), and Renumbering section 753.06(9)(d), Wis. Stat. (Judicial Districts: Iron County)
On October 22, 2019, the Honorable Randy R. Koschnick, Director of State Courts, filed a rule petition asking the court to amend Wis. Stat. § 757.60(9) and (10), Supreme Court Rules (SCR) 70.17(9) and (10), and renumber Wis. Stat. § 753.06(9)(d). The petition proposes transferring Iron County from the ninth judicial district to the tenth judicial district for reasons of judicial efficiency.
Order Issued: February 13, 2020
Disposition: Granted
On October 22, 2019, the Honorable Randy R. Koschnick, Director of
State Courts, filed a rule petition asking the court to amend Wis. Stat.
§ 757.60(9) and (10), Supreme Court Rules (SCR) 70.17(9) and (10), and
renumber Wis. Stat. § 753.06(9)(d). The petition proposes transferring
Iron County from the ninth judicial district to the tenth judicial
district for reasons of judicial efficiency.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative rules
conference on December 9, 2019. It voted to seek written comments and
requested Judge Koschnick seek input from the judges and district court
administrators in the affected districts. Judge Koschnick sent a letter
dated December 13, 2019 inviting input from his colleagues in the
affected districts and the court issued its standard interested persons
letter on December 16, 2019 requesting comment by January 13, 2020. No
comments were received.
No. 19-21
2
The court discussed the matter again at a closed administrative
conference on February 11, 2020. After discussion, the court concluded
that transferring Iron County from the ninth judicial district to the
tenth judicial district will manage workload disparity, improve
administrative efficiency, and reduce administrative costs. The court
determined that no public hearing was necessary and voted to grant the
petition. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that the petition is granted and that:
SECTION 1. 753.06(9)(d) is renumbered 753.06(10)(gm).
SECTION 2. 757.60(9) of the statutes is amended to read:
757.60(9) The 9th district consists of Florence, Forest, Iron,
Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Menominee, Oneida, Portage, Price,
Shawano, Taylor, Vilas, and Wood counties.
SECTION 3. 757.60(10) of the statutes is amended to read:
757.60(10) The 10th district consists of Ashland, Barron,
Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Polk,
Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, and Washburn counties.
SECTION 4. Supreme Court Rule 70.17(9) is amended to read:
70.17(9) The 9th district consists of Florence, Forest, Iron,
Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Menominee, Oneida, Portage, Price,
Shawano, Taylor, Vilas, and Wood counties.
SECTION 5. Supreme Court Rule 70.17(10) is amended to read:
70.17(10) The 10th district consists of Ashland, Barron,
Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Polk,
Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, and Washburn counties.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the effective date of this order is
July 1, 2020.
No. 19-21
3
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 13th day of February, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
Petition 19-20 In the Matter of Amending Supreme Court Rule 31, Pertaining to Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
On October 3, 2019, Gretchen Viney, Distinguished Clinical Professor, University of Wisconsin Law School, filed a rule petition asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 31.05(3) pertaining to continuing legal education (CLE). The petition seeks an amendment to ensure that a guest presenter in a law school course shall receive two hours of continuing legal education credit for each hour of class presentation. The petition states that it was prompted by a recent change in the Board of Bar Examiners' (BBE) manner of interpreting SCR 31.05(3) with respect to guest lecturers in the University of Wisconsin Law School's Lawyering Skills Course. The petition states that the BBE has allowed double credits for these instructors since the inception of mandatory CLE in 1977. The petition states that in September 2019, for the first time, the BBE informed the petitioner that it would not approve the guest instructors' application for double credits.
Order Issued: February 12, 2020
Disposition: Amended
On October 3, 2019, Gretchen Viney, Distinguished Clinical
Professor, University of Wisconsin Law School, filed a rule petition
asking the court to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 31.05(3) pertaining
to continuing legal education (CLE). The petition seeks an amendment
to ensure that a guest presenter in a law school course shall receive
two hours of continuing legal education credit for each hour of class
presentation. The petition states that it was prompted by a recent
change in the Board of Bar Examiners' (BBE) manner of interpreting
SCR 31.05(3) with respect to guest lecturers in the University of
Wisconsin Law School's Lawyering Skills Course. The petition states
that the BBE has allowed double credits for these instructors since the
inception of mandatory CLE in 1977. The petition states that in
September 2019, for the first time, the BBE informed the petitioner
that it would not approve the guest instructors' application for double
credits.
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The court discussed the rule petition on October 15, 2019 and
requested the BBE file a response to the petition.
On October 30, 2019, BBE Director Jacquelynn Rothstein filed a
letter with the court, stating that the BBE reviewed the rule petition
at its regularly scheduled meeting on October 25, 2019. Essentially,
the BBE acknowledges the past practice of approving double credit for
these instructors, but believes that as written, the rule does not
provide for double credit.1 The BBE told Professor Viney that it would
grant the two hours of continuing legal education credit for the 2019-
2020 academic terms but thereafter would cease to award the double
credit. After discussion, the BBE states that it now agrees that the
court should amend SCR 31.05(3) and recommends the court do so in a
manner that would extend double credit to all those who teach in
approved settings. This proposal is consistent with an alternative
proposal offered by Professor Viney in her memorandum submitted in
support of her petition.
The court has determined that the proposed change to SCR 31.05(3)
will clarify the rule and will have positive consequences for the
recruitment and retention of guest faculty, who serve an important role
in the training and education of future lawyers.2 Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that, effective January 1, 2021, Supreme Court
Rule 31.05(3) is amended to read:
1 The petitioner disagrees with the BBE's interpretation of
SCR 31.05.
2 The BBE and the Wisconsin Consolidated Court Automation Programs
(CCAP) should collaborate to undertake any required administrative and
computer programming changes needed to implement this amendment.
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(3) Teaching an approved continuing legal or judicial education
activity or teaching a course, or teaching as guest presenter in a
course, in a law school approved by the American bar association may be
used to satisfy the requirement of SCR 31.02. The board shall award 2
hours for each hour of presentation. of the approved continuing legal
or judicial education activity and one hour for each hour of
presentation for teaching a course in a law school.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 12th day of February, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
SC Rule Order 16-05A In re creation of a pilot project for dedicated trial court judicial dockets for large claim business and commercial cases
On January 17, 2020, Attorney John A. Rothstein, on behalf of the Business Court Advisory Committee ("Committee"), filed a rule petition asking the court to approve certain amendments to extend and expand the existing pilot project for commercial court dockets for large claims business and commercial cases (commercial court docket or pilot project) and amend its interim commercial court rule. See S. Ct. Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017) (approving pilot project following receipt of public comment and public hearing).
Order Issued: February 12, 2020
Disposition: Amended
On January 17, 2020, Attorney John A. Rothstein, on behalf of the Business Court Advisory Committee ("Committee"), filed a rule petition asking the court to approve certain amendments to extend and expand the existing pilot project for commercial court dockets for large claims business and commercial cases (commercial court docket or pilot project) and amend its interim commercial court rule. See S. Ct. Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017) (approving pilot project following receipt of public comment and public hearing).
The court discussed this petition at a closed administrative rules conference on February 11, 2020. As this petition pertains to an ongoing pilot project, no public hearing is required. The interim commercial court rule applies only to the pilot project. If the Committee ultimately recommends the court adopt a statewide commercial court docket, the Committee will file a subsequent rule petition that will require a public hearing. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that, effective the date of this order:
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SECTION 1. Section 2 b) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is amended to read:
2. b) The pilot project will begin and end as authorized by order of the Supreme Court. See S. Ct. Order 16-05, 2017 WI 33 (issued Apr. 11, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017). The approximate duration of the project will be from July 2017 to July 2020 2022.
SECTION 2. Section 2 d) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is amended to read:
2. d) The circuit courts for Waukesha County and in the Eighth Judicial Administrative District are hereby designated as the initial locations for the Commercial Court dockets. The circuit courts of the Second Judicial Administrative District and the circuit courts of the Tenth Judicial Administrative District are hereby designated as additional locations for the Commercial Court dockets.
SECTION 3. Section 2 e) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is amended to read:
2. e) The Chief Justice shall select the circuit court judges in the counties and judicial administrative districts participating in the pilot plan who will be assigned to the Commercial Court docket. Selection of a judge for the Commercial Court docket shall not preclude the judge from continuing work on any other assigned docket. The Chief Justice shall select no fewer than: three circuit court judges in Waukesha County; and no fewer than four circuit court judges within the Eighth Judicial Administrative District; no fewer than four circuit court judges within the Second Judicial Administrative District; and no fewer than three circuit court judges within the Tenth Judicial Administrative District. The Chief Justice may also add additional
No. 16-05A
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counties and/or districts to the Commercial Court docket upon the recommendation of the Director of State Courts.
SECTION 4. Sections 4 h) to j) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule are created to read:
4. h) Cases involving receiverships in excess of $250,000;
4. i) Cases involving confirmation of arbitration awards and compelling/enforcing arbitration awards;
4. j) Cases involving commercial real estate construction disputes over $250,000;
SECTION 5. Section 7 b) of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is amended to read:
7. b) Clerk of court duties.
1. In Waukesha County, upon the filing of a case qualifying for the Commercial Court docket, the clerk of court shall assign the case to the Commercial Court docket and to one of the judges designed for the commercial court docket. In the event of a request for judicial substitution, the case shall be transferred to the next Waukesha County circuit court judge who is assigned to the Waukesha County Commercial Court docket.
2. In the Second Judicial Administrative District, Eighth Judicial Administrative District, and Tenth Judicial Administrative District, for cases filed in any county in which a circuit court judge in that county has already been assigned a Commercial Court docket, the same procedures shall apply. In counties of the Second, Eighth, or Tenth Judicial Administrative District in which no circuit judge has been assigned to the Commercial Court docket, upon the filing of a qualifying case, the clerk of court shall notify the chief judge of the Eighth
No. 16-05A
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Judicial Administrative District who shall assign one of the Commercial Court docket judges from the other counties in the Eighth Judicial Administrative District. The chief judge's selection shall be made pursuant to s.751.03(3), stats. In the event a request for substitution is filed against the judge chosen by the chief judge of the Eighth Judicial Administrative District, the chief judge shall then assign another judge from the Eighth Judicial Administrative District who has been appointed for Commercial Court cases.
SECTION 6. Section 10 of the Interim Commercial Court Rule is created to read:
10. Transferring a Case to the Commercial Court Docket. Parties from counties that do not have a dedicated Commercial Court docket may petition to have their cases administered within a Commercial Court docket.
10. a) Such parties may jointly petition for transfer of the case to a Commercial Court docket if all of the following are true:
1. The case is a type identified in Section 4 of the interim commercial court rule. The case is not ineligible for assignment to a Commercial Court docket under Section 6 of the interim commercial court rule.
2. The parties agree to use the forms and procedures developed for use in the Commercial Court docket pilot project.
3. The parties agree that all proceedings will be conducted in the county where the case is assigned under paragraph b) of this section, except that if the case proceeds to trial, the trial will be conducted in the county where the case was originally filed.
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10. b) The procedure for a joint petition for transfer shall be as follows:
1. A joint petition for transfer of a case under this section shall be submitted to the District Court Administrator for the Eighth Judicial District. The District Eight Court Administrator shall refer the petition to the Chief Judges for the Second, Eighth, and Tenth Judicial Administrative Districts.
2. The Chief Judges shall consider the caseload of the judges designated for the Commercial Court docket, the nature of the case, and the work requirements for cases already pending in the Commercial Court docket when determining whether to allow the transfer of a case under this paragraph.
3. The Chief Judges shall, upon allowing a transfer, assign the cases to the Commercial Court docket and to one of the judges designated for the Commercial Court docket in Waukesha County or within the Second, Eighth, or Tenth Judicial Administrative District.
4. In the event of a request for judicial substitution, the procedure set forth in Section 7 b) of the interim commercial court rule applies.
10. c) No party may withdraw his or her request for transfer to the Commercial Court docket after a judicial assignment has been made under paragraph b) of this section.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this order and the interim commercial court rule, as amended, shall be made available to the public on the court's website.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 12th day of February, 2020.
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BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
Petition 19-24 In re the Amendment of SCR 70.20, Relating to the Authority of the Chief Judge
On December 13, 2019, the Honorable James Morrison, Chair, on behalf of the Committee of Chief Judges, filed a petition seeking to amend Supreme Court Rule 70.20, relating to the authority of the chief judge. On January 30, 2020, the petitioner filed a motion to withdraw the petition.
Order Issued: February 3, 2020
Disposition: Dismissed
On December 13, 2019, the Honorable James Morrison, Chair, on behalf of the Committee of Chief Judges, filed a petition seeking to amend Supreme Court Rule 70.20, relating to the authority of the chief judge. On January 30, 2020, the petitioner filed a motion to withdraw the petition.
IT IS ORDERED that the petition filed on December 13, 2019 by the Committee of Chief Judges is dismissed.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 3rd day of February, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
19-19 In re the Matter of the Proposed Amendment to Wisconsin Statutes § 809.86 (Petitions for Review: Online access)
On September 26, 2019, Mark A. Neuser, Supreme Court Commissioner, on behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin Appellate Practice Section Board (the "Board"),1 filed a rule petition asking the court to facilitate online access to petitions for review and responses, in the same manner that appellate briefs are viewable online on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case access website. In order to safeguard the identity of victims and others, the petition proposes the court amend Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.86, to require petitions for review and responses to comply with the same privacy considerations presently required for appellate briefs.
Order Issued: January 29, 2020
Disposition: Amended
On September 26, 2019, Mark A. Neuser, Supreme Court Commissioner, on behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin Appellate Practice Section Board (the "Board"),1 filed a rule petition asking the court to facilitate online access to petitions for review and responses, in the same manner that appellate briefs are viewable online on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case access website. In order to safeguard the identity of victims and others, the petition proposes the court amend Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.86, to require petitions for review and
1 The Appellate Practice Section Board is comprised of the following members: Hon. Brian Blanchard, Atty. Frances Philomene Colbert, Atty. Joseph S. Diedrich, Atty. James Eric Goldschmidt, Atty. Amy Hetzner, Atty. Melissa Eleanor Love Koenig, Atty. Lisa M. Lawless, Atty. Anne-Louise T. Mittal, Comm. Mark A. Neuser, Atty. Aaron R. O'Neil, Atty. Eric G. Pearson, Atty. Jeremy C. Perri, Atty. Donald L. Romundson, Atty. Michelle L. Velasquez, Atty. Donald J. Wall. Board member Atty. Clayton P. Kawski did not participate in this petition.
No. 19-19
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responses to comply with the same privacy considerations presently
required for appellate briefs.
The court voted to seek written comments and conduct a public
hearing. A letter soliciting comments was sent to interested persons
on November 4, 2019. The court received one comment from Diane Duffey,
on behalf of the Law Librarians Association of Wisconsin, Government
Relations Committee, supporting the petition.
The court conducted a public hearing on January 17, 2020. Mark A.
Neuser, Supreme Court Commissioner, presented the petition to the court
on behalf of the Board.
At an ensuing closed administrative rules conference, the court
voted to grant the petition and to revise the rule as requested.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020:
SECTION 1. 809.86 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:
809.86 Rule (Identification of victims and others in briefing,
petitions for review, and responses to petitions for review).
SECTION 2. 809.86(1) of the statutes is amended to read:
809.86(1) DECLARATION OF POLICY. By enacting this rule, the supreme
court intends to better protect the privacy and dignity interests of
crime victims. It requires appellate briefs, petitions for review, and
responses to petitions for review to identify crime victims by use of
identifiers, as specified in sub. (4), unless there is good cause for
noncompliance. The rule protects the identity of victims in appellate
briefs, petitions for review, and responses to petitions for review
that the courts make available online.
SECTION 3. 809.86(4) of the statutes is amended to read:
No. 19-19
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809.86(4) BRIEFS, PETITIONS FOR REVIEW, AND RESPONSES TO PETITIONS FOR REVIEW.
In an appeal specified under sub. (2), the briefs of the parties,
petitions for review, and responses to petitions for review shall not,
without good cause, identify a victim by any part of his or her name
but may identify a victim by one or more initials or other appropriate
pseudonym or designation.
SECTION 4. A Comment to 809.86 of the statutes is created to read:
COMMENT
By S. Ct. Order 19-19, 2020 WI 6 (issued Jan. 29, 2020, eff. July
1, 2020) the court extended the privacy protections of this rule to
petitions for review and responses to petitions for review, so that
they may be posted on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
case access website, along with appellate briefs, in a manner that
respects victim privacy concerns.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be given
by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's
website. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 29th day of January, 2020.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
19-08 In the Matter for an Order Amending Supreme Court Rules 22.02(2)(d), 22.25(3) and (4)(intro), and 22.26, Repealing Supreme Court Rules 21.01(1)(b) and 21.06, Repealing and Recreating Supreme Court Rule 22.03(4), and Creating Supreme Court Rules 21.0
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P. Ptacek, and by Professor Marsha Mansfield, Chair of the Subcommittee on Process, filed a rule petition asking the court to amend certain Supreme Court Rules (SCR) in chs. 21 and 22 to streamline the disciplinary process, including eliminating District Committees, allowing the OLR to reach an earlier resolution of grievances in appropriate circumstances, and to promote cooperation between the OLR and attorneys.
Order Issued: December 18, 2019
Disposition: Granted in part, subjected to issuance of a further order by this court
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek, and by Professor Marsha Mansfield, Chair of the Subcommittee on
Process, filed a rule petition asking the court to amend certain Supreme
Court Rules (SCR) in chs. 21 and 22 to streamline the disciplinary
process, including eliminating District Committees, allowing the OLR to
reach an earlier resolution of grievances in appropriate circumstances,
and to promote cooperation between the OLR and attorneys.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative rules
conference on June 6, 2019, and voted to seek written comments and
conduct a public hearing. A letter soliciting comments was sent to
interested persons, including District Committee members, on August 22,
2019. The court received seven written responses in regard to the
proposed rule changes. The petitioners responded to the comments.
The court conducted a public hearing on October 29, 2019. The
Honorable Gerald P. Ptacek, Chair of the Committee, and Professor Marsha
Mansfield, Chair of the Subcommittee on Process, presented the petition
to the court. Attorney Joseph Russell and Attorney Donald Christl spoke
No. 19-08
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in support of section 6 of the petition, on behalf of the Board of
Administrative Oversight. Attorney Dean R. Dietrich spoke in opposition
to certain aspects of the petition on behalf of the State Bar of
Wisconsin Board of Governors. Keith Sellen, Director, Office of Lawyer
Regulation, also presented testimony to the court.
At an ensuing closed administrative rules conference, the court
discussed the petition at some length and voted to grant the petition
in part. The court voted to grant sections 2, 7, 8, and 9 (pertaining
to special investigators), sections 4 and 5 (pertaining to consensual
reprimands), section 6 (pertaining to suspension for noncooperation
during the investigative process), and section 10 (pertaining to
SCR 22.25). The court voted to hold in abeyance its decision on
sections 1 and 3 (pertaining to elimination of District Committees)
pending further consideration. Mindful that several other rule
petitions proposing amendments to the OLR rules are pending, the court
will hold issuance of the order delineating the specific rule changes
in abeyance pending its consideration of the other pending OLR Procedure
Review Committee's rule petitions. At that time, the court will issue
a final order reflecting all the changes. In the interim, a marked
version of SCRs chs. 10, 21, 22, and 31, reflecting the rule changes
approved to date is available on the court's website at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020, rule petition 19-08, In
the Matter for an Order Amending Supreme Court Rules 22.02(2)(d),
22.25(3) and (4)(intro), and 22.26, Repealing Supreme Court Rules
21.01(1)(b) and 21.06, Repealing and Recreating Supreme Court Rule
22.03(4), and Creating Supreme Court Rules 21.01(1)(bg), 22.02(6)(d),
No. 19-08
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and 22.25(3m) (OLR Process) is granted in part, subject to issuance of
a further order by this court.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the court's final order setting forth
changes to SCRs chs. 10, 20, 21, 22, and 31 is held in abeyance pending
the court's resolution of the remaining Office of Lawyer Regulation
Procedure Review Committee petitions.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 18th day of December, 2019.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
19-09 In the Matter of Creating Supreme Court Rule 22.185 and Amending Supreme Court Rules 22.24(1) and 22.38, Relating to the Charging Process in Attorney Disciplinary Proceedings (Enforcement of Orders)
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P. Ptacek, and by Attorney Paul Schwarzenbart, Chair of the Subcommittee on Charging Process, filed a rule petition asking the court to create a new rule, Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 22.185, to provide a mechanism for the enforcement of disciplinary orders.
Order Issued: December 18, 2019
Disposition: Granted in part, subjected to issuance of a further order by this court
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek, and by Attorney Paul Schwarzenbart, Chair of the Subcommittee
on Charging Process, filed a rule petition asking the court to create
a new rule, Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 22.185, to provide a mechanism for
the enforcement of disciplinary orders.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative rules
conference on June 6, 2019, and voted to seek written comments and
conduct a public hearing. A letter soliciting comment was sent to
interested persons on August 22, 2019. The court received one written
response from Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, on behalf of the State Bar of
Wisconsin Board of Governors, supporting the petition.
The court conducted a public hearing on October 29, 2019. The
Honorable Gerald P. Ptacek, Chair of the Committee, and Attorney Paul
Schwarzenbart, Chair of the Subcommittee on Charging Process, presented
the petition to the court. Attorney Dean R. Dietrich spoke in support
of the petition on behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin.
No. 19-09
2
At an ensuing closed administrative rules conference, the court
voted to grant the petition. Mindful that several other rule petitions
proposing amendments to the OLR rules are pending, the court will hold
issuance of a final order delineating the specific rule changes in
abeyance pending its consideration of the other pending OLR Procedure
Review Committee's rule petitions. At that time, the court will issue
a final order reflecting all the changes. In the interim, a marked
version of SCRs chs. 10, 21, 22, and 31, reflecting the rule changes
approved to date is available on the court's website at
https://www.wicourts.gov/scrules/pending.htm. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020, rule petition 19-09, In
the Matter of Creating Supreme Court Rule 22.185 and Amending Supreme
Court Rules 22.24(1) and 22.38, Relating to the Charging Process in
Attorney Disciplinary Proceedings (Enforcement of Orders) is granted,
subject to issuance of a further order by this court.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the court's final order setting forth
changes to SCRs chs. 10, 20, 21, 22, and 31 is held in abeyance pending
the court's resolution of the remaining Office of Lawyer Regulation
Procedure Review Committee petitions.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 18th day of December, 2019.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
19-10 In the Matter of Amending Supreme Court Rules Pertaining to Permanent Revocation of a License to Practice Law in Attorney Disciplinary Proceedings (Permanent Revocation)
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek, and by Attorney Jacquelynn B. Rothstein, Chair of the
Subcommittee on Reinstatement, filed a rule petition asking the court
to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 21.16(1m)(a) and SCR 22.29(2) to permit the court to order permanent revocation of an attorney's license to practice law.
Order Issued: December 18, 2019
Disposition: Not adopted, but will be published and may be consulted for guidance in interpreting and applying the rule.
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek, and by Attorney Jacquelynn B. Rothstein, Chair of the
Subcommittee on Reinstatement, filed a rule petition asking the court
to amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 21.16(1m)(a) and SCR 22.29(2) to
permit the court to order permanent revocation of an attorney's license
to practice law.
The court discussed the petition at a closed administrative rules
conference on June 6, 2019, and voted to seek written comments and
conduct a public hearing. A letter soliciting comment was sent to
interested persons on August 22, 2019.
The court received a written response in regard to the proposed
rule changes from Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, on behalf of the State Bar
of Wisconsin Board of Governors, opposing the petition.
No. 19-10
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The court conducted a public hearing on October 29, 2019. The
Honorable Gerald P. Ptacek, Chair of the Committee, and Attorney
Jacquelynn B. Rothstein, Chair of the Subcommittee on Reinstatement,
presented the petition to the court. Attorney Dean R. Dietrich spoke
against the petition on behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Keith
Sellen, Director, Office of Lawyer Regulation, responded to questions
from the court but stated that the OLR took no position on this petition.
After the public hearing, the court received a letter from Attorney
Donald J. Christl in support of the petition, and a letter from Attorney
Stephen E. Kravit opposing the petition.
At a closed administrative rules conference, the court voted to
add a comment to SCR 21.16 (Discipline) to clarify that revocation under
SCR 21.16 is not permanent in Wisconsin. The court then voted to deny
the petition.
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020 a Comment to Supreme
Court Rule 21.16 is created to read: A lawyer whose license to practice
law in Wisconsin is revoked under SCR 21.16 may seek reinstatement under
SCR 22.29, five years after the effective date of the revocation. See
SCR 22.29(2).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Comment to Supreme Court Rule 21.16
is not adopted, but will be published and may be consulted for guidance
in interpreting and applying the rule.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that petition to amend Supreme Court
Rule 21.16(1m)(a) and Supreme Court Rule 22.29(2) to permit the court
to order permanent revocation of an attorney's license to practice law
is denied.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 18th day of December, 2019.
No. 19-10
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BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
19-11 In the Matter for an Order Creating Supreme Court Rules 22.02(6)(d), 22.05(1)(e), and 22.11(2)(b) and (c), Repealing Supreme Court Rule 22.10(7)(b) and (c), Amending Supreme Court Rules 22.02(4) and (6)(a), 22.05(2), and 22.10(4) and Renumbering and
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek, and by Attorney Paul Schwarzenbart, Chair of the Subcommittee on Charging Process, filed a rule petition asking the court to modify its rules to improve communications between the OLR and grievants, streamline the procedures applicable to consent reprimands, and to alleged breaches of a diversion agreement.
Order Issued: December 18, 2019
Disposition: Granted, subject to issuance of a further order by this court.
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek, and by Attorney Paul Schwarzenbart, Chair of the Subcommittee
on Charging Process, filed a rule petition asking the court to modify
its rules to improve communications between the OLR and grievants,
streamline the procedures applicable to consent reprimands, and to
alleged breaches of a diversion agreement.
The court voted to seek written comments and conduct a public
hearing. A letter soliciting comment was sent to interested persons on
September 30, 2019. The court received one written response from
Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, on behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin Board
of Governors, supporting the petition.
The court conducted a public hearing on December 9, 2019. Attorney
Paul Schwarzenbart, Chair of the Subcommittee on Charging Process,
presented the petition to the court. Keith Sellen, Director, Office of
Lawyer Regulation, responded to certain questions raised by the court.
Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, on behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin Board
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2
of Governors, and the Honorable Gerald P. Ptacek, Chair of the
Committee, both spoke in support of the petition.
At an ensuing closed administrative rules conference, the court
voted to grant the petition. The petition will amend Supreme Court
Rules (SCR) 22.02, 22.05, 22.10, and 22.11. Mindful that several other
rule petitions proposing amendments to the OLR rules are pending, the
court will hold issuance of a final order delineating the specific rule
changes in abeyance pending its consideration of the other pending OLR
Procedure Review Committee's rule petitions. At that time, the court
will issue a final order reflecting all the changes. In the interim,
a marked version of SCRs chs. 10, 20, 21, 22, and 31, reflecting the
rule changes approved to date is available on the court's website at
https://www.wicourts.gov/
scrules/pending.htm. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020, rule petition 19-11, In
the Matter for an Order Creating Supreme Court Rules 22.02(6)(d),
22.05(1)(e), and 22.11(2)(b) and (c), Repealing Supreme Court Rule
22.10(7)(b) and (c), Amending Supreme Court Rules 22.02(4) and (6)(a),
22.05(2), and 22.10(4) and Renumbering and Amending Supreme Court Rules
22.10(7)(a) and 22.11(2) (OLR Charging) is granted, subject to issuance
of a further order by this court.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the court's final order setting forth
changes to SCRs chs. 10, 20, 21, 22, and 31 is held in abeyance pending
the court's resolution of the remaining Office of Lawyer Regulation
Procedure Review Committee petitions.
No. 19-11
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Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 18th day of December, 2019.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
19-12 In the Matter of the Petition of the OLR Process Review Committee's for an Order Amending Supreme Court Rules 20:1.8(h)(3) and 20:8.3 (Reporting Misconduct)
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek filed a rule petition asking the court to modify its ethics
rules, specifically Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 20:1.8(h)(3) and
SCR 20:8.3 and related comments, to encourage greater reporting of
professional misconduct by lawyers.
Order Issued: December 18, 2019
Disposition: Granted in part and denied in part, subject to issuance of a further order by this court.
On March 13, 2019, the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) Procedure
Review Committee ("Committee"), by its Chair, the Honorable Gerald P.
Ptacek filed a rule petition asking the court to modify its ethics
rules, specifically Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 20:1.8(h)(3) and
SCR 20:8.3 and related comments, to encourage greater reporting of
professional misconduct by lawyers.
The court voted to seek written comments and conduct a public
hearing. A letter soliciting comment was sent to interested persons on
September 30, 2019. The court received one written response from
Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, on behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin Board
of Governors, supporting section 1 of the petition and opposing section
2 of the petition.
The court conducted a public hearing on December 9, 2019. Attorney
Michael Apfeld presented the petition to the court. The Honorable
Gerald P. Ptacek, Chair of the Committee, spoke in support of the
petition. Attorney Dean R. Dietrich, on behalf of the State Bar of
Wisconsin Board of Governors, spoke in opposition to the proposed
modification of SCR 20:8.3. At an ensuing closed administrative rules
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conference, the court voted to grant the petition in part. The court
agreed to amend SCR 20:1.8(h)(3) and the related comment. The court
declined to amend the standard for reporting misconduct in SCR 20:8.3
but opted to add certain language to the accompanying comment to clarify
the rule. Mindful that several other rule petitions proposing
amendments to the OLR rules are pending, the court will hold issuance
of a final order delineating the specific rule changes in abeyance
pending its consideration of the other pending OLR Procedure Review
Committee's rule petitions. At that time, the court will issue a final
order reflecting all the changes. In the interim, a marked version of
SCR ch. 20, reflecting the rule changes approved in this rule matter,
is available on the court's website at https://www.wicourts.gov/
scrules/pending.htm. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective July 1, 2020, rule petition 19-12, In
the Matter of the Petition of the OLR Process Review Committee's for an
Order Amending Supreme Court Rules 20:1.8(h)(3) and 20:8.3 (Reporting
Misconduct) is granted in part and denied in part, subject to issuance
of a further order by this court.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the court's final order setting forth
changes to SCR ch. 20 is held in abeyance pending the court's resolution
of the remaining Office of Lawyer Regulation Procedure Review Committee
petitions.
No. 19-12
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Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 18th day of December, 2019.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
19-18 In the Matter of the Petition to Amend Supreme Court Rule 10.05(4)(m)1. (LRIS)
On June 25, 2019, the State Bar of Wisconsin, by then President
Christopher Earl Rogers, filed a rule petition asking the court to
amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 10.05(4)(m)1. The proposed amendment would add the State Bar's lawyer referral assistance program (known as LRIS) to the list of assistance programs that are currently specified in the rule.
Order Issued: December 10, 2019
Disposition: Amended
On June 25, 2019, the State Bar of Wisconsin, by then President
Christopher Earl Rogers, filed a rule petition asking the court to
amend Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 10.05(4)(m)1. The proposed amendment
would add the State Bar's lawyer referral assistance program (known
as LRIS) to the list of assistance programs that are currently
specified in the rule.
This court discussed this petition at a closed administrative
rules conference on September 12, 2019 and voted to solicit written
comments. On September 26, 2019, a letter was sent to interested
persons seeking input. No comments were received.
On December 9, 2019 the court discussed the petition and voted
to approve the petition. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED that effective the date of this order:
Supreme Court Rule 10.05(4)(m)1. is amended to read:
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(m)1. Establishment. The board of governors may provide
assistance programs, including, but not limited to assistance in for
lawyers with questions regarding law office management; and
assistance to for judges, lawyers, law students, and their families
in coping with alcoholism and other addictions, mental illness,
physical disability, and other problems related to or affecting the
practice of law; and assistance for both lawyers and the public
regarding lawyer referrals. The board may establish committees, hire
staff, and obtain volunteers as reasonably necessary to provide
assistance. The board shall establish policies consistent with the
purposes of the state bar and in furtherance of the public interest
in the competence and integrity of the legal profession.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice of the above amendments be
given by a single publication of a copy of this order in the official
publications designated in SCR 80.01, including the official
publishers' online databases, and on the Wisconsin court system's web
site. The State Bar of Wisconsin shall provide notice of this order.
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin, this 10th day of December, 2019.
BY THE COURT:
Sheila T. Reiff
Clerk of Supreme Court
Certificate of Bylaw Amendment
RESOLVED, that State Bar Bylaw Article III, be amended as follows:
Article 3, Section 5:
Section 5. Mailing Distribution of Ballots. On or before the second Friday of April in each year the Executive Director or his designee shall prepare and maildistribute the required ballots to each active member of the State Bar entitled to vote at the annual election. Ballots may be distributed by electronic or regular mail.
Order Issued: February 15, 2019
Disposition: Bylaw amendment approved by Board of Governors
Certificate of Bylaw Amendment
I, Larry J. Martin, the Executive Director of the State Bar of Wisconsin, do hereby certify that the following bylaw amendment resolutions were duly voted on by the Board of Governors on February 15, 2019, and were approved by a greater than two-thirds vote.
_______________________________________
Larry J. Martin
RESOLVED, that State Bar Bylaw Article III, be amended as follows:
Article 3, Section 5:
Section 5. Mailing Distribution of Ballots. On or before the second Friday of April in each year the Executive Director or his designee shall prepare and maildistribute the required ballots to each active member of the State Bar entitled to vote at the annual election. Ballots may be distributed by electronic or regular mail. One form of ballot sent to persons entitled to vote in each State Bar District shall contain the names of the nominees for the several offices of the State Bar to be filled at the annual election, and a separate form of ballot shall contain the names of the nominees for the Office of Governor from such district. If any such person entitled to vote in such election fails to receive his or her ballots, or if it appears that any such ballot has been lost or destroyed, a new ballot shall be furnished to the person. by the Executive Director. TheTwelve noon on the fourth Friday of April in each year shall be the last day and time for voting in such election and no ballots received after that date and time shall be counted.
Article 3, Section 6:
Section 6. Voting of Ballots. No ballot shall be counted unless returned to the
Office of the Executive Director of the Association on or before the last day and time for voting, in an envelope furnished by the Executive Director marked “Ballot.” or in the manner designated by the electronic ballot provider.
Article 3, Section 7:
Section 7. Checking and Custody of Ballots. The Executive Director or his designee shall receive and have custody of the ballots after they are voted until they are canvassed. All such ballots shall be segregated as to State Bar districts from which they are received. The envelope containing the ballots and shall be retained remain unopened until turned over to the certified public accountant for canvass canvassed.
Article 3, Section 8:
Section 8. Canvass of Ballots. The ballots shall be canvassed by a certified public accountant an independent entity selected by the Executive Committee. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. In case of a tie vote the Executive Committee shall determine the successful candidate by lot drawn by the Committee. The certified public accountant independent entity shall certify the results to the Executive Director, who shall forthwith notify the candidates and announce the results. Upon completion of the canvass, the certified public accountant independent entity shall retain the ballots subject to be allowed to destroy all completed and blank ballots in the possession of the independent entity on or after August 1 unless notified otherwise by the further order of the Board of Governors.