May 11, 2026 – Everyone deserves to be able to access justice. For criminal matters, the constitution provides for representation by an attorney, even when a defendant can’t afford to hire their own. That guarantee does not apply to civil matters. Because of personal economic limitations, the only way some people can access the civil justice system is through civil legal aid: legal assistance or information provided by an attorney or professional advocate at low or no cost.
Unfortunately, too many people in Wisconsin who need civil legal aid are unable to obtain it due to a lack of funding for civil legal aid providers. The State Bar Board of Governors believes an increase in state funding for civil legal aid can help fill the justice gap and create meaningful access to justice for thousands of Wisconsinites. Increased civil legal aid can also help increase court efficiencies and build more trust in the justice system overall as having an attorney in the courtroom makes the process more understandable and accessible. But to make those outcomes reality, Wisconsin lawmakers need to hear this message from State Bar members .
Beginning this spring and continuing throughout the year, the Civil Legal Aid Alliance of Wisconsin (CLAAW) will be sharing stories of how civil legal aid impacts the lives of Wisconsinites. Every month or so, a new story will be published that details exactly how civil legal aid has improved, transformed, or stabilized the lives of fellow Wisconsinites from across the state. The first story, published in April 2026, is called “Charlie’s Story,” and details how a Wisconsin parent of two was able to get back on the path of financial stability through the help of civil legal aid attorney.
Devin Martin is the grassroots outreach coordinator with the State Bar of Wisconsin. He can be reached by
email or by phone at (608) 250-6145.
State Bar members voices are important to this effort. You are encouraged to read and then share the latest true story of civil legal aid with your Wisconsin elected officials and tell them why it matters to your community. Look for emails from the Advocacy Network, and notifications in Rotunda Report newsletter for when a new story is posted. Then read it and share it with your lawmakers using the State Bar’s convenient Advocacy Network system. By doing so, you can help your lawmakers understand how important civil legal aid is and why increased state funding can help expand access to justice for all.
What You Can Do: State Bar Advocacy Network
State Bar members are encouraged to send a message to their lawmakers on the importance of civil legal aid using the
Advocacy Network. The pre-written email messages are editable to highlight your own thoughts and opinions on how civil legal aid can expand access to justice. Check back often for updated stories from CLAAW illustrating how civil legal aid helps real Wisconsinites and share them with your legislators.
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