Here are the Communications Committee’s annual top 2017 articles, recognizing writing excellence in Wisconsin Lawyer articles. The top article receives the Charles Dunn Author Award, and other noteworthy pieces receive special commendation.

Best of the Best: Human Trafficking in Wisconsin

Article: “Under the Radar: Human Trafficking in Wisconsin” (October 2017)
Award: Charles Dunn Author Award
Co-Author: Daria Mueller

Judges’ comments: “Human Trafficking in Wisconsin” is an extraordinarily useful piece on a critical issue that, sadly, has never been timelier. The article offers valuable insights on how lawyers can be more vigilant and perceptive about trafficking victims who may be connected to their cases. It clearly describes the legal services relevant to youth impacted by trafficking and provides guidance for attorneys who want to help fight trafficking.

Mueller is a Ph.D. student at U.W.- Milwaukee’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare.

Rethinking the Bail System

Article: “Nationwide Trend: Rethinking the Money Bail System” (June 2017)
Award: Special Commendation
Author: Kenechukwu (Kene) Okocha

Judges’ comments: Well researched, the article discusses alternative bail systems across the nation, focusing on Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. – the latter being a pioneer in removing monetary considerations from pretrial incarceration decisions. Okocha discusses the effects of the money bail system on defendants, their communities, and the criminal justice system.

Okocha is an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

Challenging State Agency Regulations

Article: “Challenging a State Agency Regulation” (November 2017)
Award: Special Commendation
Author: J. Wesley Webendorfer

Judges’ comments: This practical and useful article outlines how challenging a state agency regulation is done in Wisconsin. Business lawyers and their litigationfocused partners across the state now have a guide for when their clients complain state agencies have reached too far. When challenging a regulation, the research starts and, just may end, here.

Webendorfer is an associate at DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C., Madison.

Enforcing Consumer Laws

Article: “How to Privately Enforce Consumer Laws” (September 2017)
Award: Special Commendation
Author: Mary Catherine Fons

Judges’ comments: This article effectively informed our readers how they can protect consumers. Fraud, dishonesty, and deceit are sadly all too common in our society and our justice system needs competent lawyers willing to represent consumers who have fallen prey to unscrupulous practices. This article is a must read for anyone thinking of starting a consumer law practice.

Fons operates Fons Law Office, Stoughton, a consumer law practice.

Mapping an Uncertain Road

Article: “OWI Blood Draws: An Uncertain Road Ahead” (November 2017)
Award: Special Commendation
Author: Rex R. Anderegg

Judges’ comments: This article nicely sums up the now-muddled law of OWI blood draws in Wisconsin. It serves as a guide through the maze of case law, distinguishing detours from dead ends and suggesting ways the Wisconsin Legislature and courts might attempt to smooth the road for law enforcement. Lawyers and judges will be well served by the author’s analysis and practical point of view.

Anderegg, U.W. 1989, is a sole practitioner at Anderegg & Associates, Milwaukee.

Wisconsin’s Early Sex Trade

Article: “Badger State Infamy: Wisconsin’s Early Sex Trade” (October 2017)
Award: Special Commendation
Author: Bonnie Shucha

Judges’ comments: This article allows readers to take a peek at the human trafficking that occurred to meet the demands of the sex trade in the Northwoods in the late 1800s. With approximately 27 million victims of human trafficking today, it’s helpful to recognize the issue is neither new nor someone else’s problem. There are lessons to be learned from the past. Start with this article.

Shucha is director of the U.W. Law Library.