Features

The Challenge of Wisconsin's Water Abundance:
Managing Stormwater in a Watershed Context

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

"You Have an Appointment with the Dean":
Breaking School Rules

Every autumn, a new cohort of students begins college. The focus in 2022 on the 50th anniversary of enactment of Title IX might help lawyers refresh themselves on ways to protect college-bound clients in courtrooms and classrooms.

Wisconsin Judicial Council: Your Advocate for Court Practice & Procedure Rules

Each spring, State Bar of Wisconsin members vote for one representative to the Wisconsin Judicial Council. This is an important position. Read what the Judicial Council is and what it does.

As I See It
A Question of Balance: Law, Technology, and Democracy

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

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Law Day: Toward a More Perfect Union
To figure out what needs fundamental change, either within the U.S. Constitution or within the statutes, Cheryl Daniels suggests we ask for evidence and think about a law's actual effect on people's daily lives.

10 Questions
Tim Samuelson: OLR Director Focuses on Outreach, Lawyer Well-Being
Samuelson focuses on outreach to lawyers and the public to educate them about what the OLR does; supports programs to improve lawyers' practice-management skills and well-being.

Your State Bar
Lawyers are Democracy's First Line of Defense
Larry Martin says lawyers play a vital role in defending democracy in the United States and around the globe.

101
Understanding Anchoring
Ralph Weber explains how anchoring – specifically, the enduring effects of exposure to an initial number on later decisions – can help or hinder your work as a lawyer.

Solutions
Legal Resources: Researching Wisconsin Water Law
You can find water law indexed under property law, environmental law, and public health and welfare. Jenny Zook provides tips to help direct your research.

Ethics Opinion
Ethics Opinion EF-22-01: Migration in Criminal Practice
The Professional Ethics Committee discusses responsibilities of lawyers who are considering a job change from defense to prosecution or prosecution to defense.

Managing Risk
Timely Reporting a Malpractice Claim
If you become aware of a client's potential malpractice claim, Matt Beier, Brian Anderson, and Joe McCarthy say to immediately contact your professional liability insurer, regardless of your assessment of the claim's validity.

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

Final Thought
Healthy Lawyers Are the Best Advocates
Promoting and protecting lawyer well-being is vital not only to individual attorneys and their families, Lindsey Draper says, but also to clients, employers, and the public.