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  • Press Release
    August 12, 2003

    News Release August 2003: State Bar sponsors free landlord-tenant hotline

    For Immediate Release
      CONTACT: Christi Powers
    State Bar of Wisconsin
    (800) 444-9404, ext. 6025
    cpowers@wisbar.org
    *

    State Bar sponsors free landlord-tenant hotline
    Consumers can call on Friday for free help from lawyer experts

    MADISON, August 12, 2003 - You'll see them everywhere this week. On the curb, lining the streets, filing up and down stairwells. In the next few days, thousands of college students will take residency in Madison. It's the week of the 'big move' and on August 15th, the State Bar of Wisconsin is doing its part to help.

    The State Bar is sponsoring a free landlord/tenant hotline from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, August 15 in Madison. In an effort to serve the community, local lawyers who specialize in real property law will be on hand to take calls on landlord/tenant topics

    "The hotline is something that the State Bar has done for nearly 20 years," said Attorney Jay Koritzinsky, a Madison lawyer specializing in real property law. "This is the first time in Madison where residents can call in specifically on landlord/tenant matters and obtain tips, information and advice."

    The 2000 U.S. Census shows there are 173,484 housing units in Dane County. Of those 73,589 - or 52 percent - were renters.

    "The high density of renters in our area makes this hotline not only timely but a public service to many consumers," Koritzinsky said. "In the past five years nearly 70,000 small claims cases were filed in Dane County. Of those more than 13,500 were related to evictions. There is also a disproportionate number arising from disputes over security deposits. Hopefully the hotline can help preempt some of those disputes."

    Whether it's a question on your lease, security deposit, an eviction notice, or general tips on avoiding rental problems, callers can dial 608.250.6124 to obtain help. In addition to Koritzinsky, Attorneys Michelle Behnke, Sarah Davis and Tammy Tremain will also field calls.

    Help is available after the hotline. The State Bar's Lawyer Referral & Information Service is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 800.362.9082, or in the Dane County area, call 608.257. 4666. Or visit the State Bar's free consumer Web site at http://www.LegalExplorer.com/ to access updated information on a variety of consumer issues.

    The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides continuing legal education for its members, and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the legal system.



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