Features

Celebrating Wisconsin's Legal History

In 2003, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, State Bar, and Court of Appeals will all mark milestones.

Good Samaritans Gone Bad: Derelict Designated Drivers are Exempt from Liability

Under Wisconsin's alcohol provider immunity statute, even individuals - such as designated drivers - who are only peripherally involved in procuring alcohol for an adult are protected from liability for damages caused by the intoxicated adult.

Mandatory Arbitration of Consumer Rights Cases

The ability of corporations to opt out of the public civil justice system by using mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer contracts poses a fundamental policy question for Congress and the courts. Still, there are ways to preserve clients' rights to have their day in court.

Article Series on History

This is the first of a series of articles on Wisconsin legal history that will appear in the Wisconsin Lawyer through 2003 to commemorate significant anniversaries of the Wisconsin Supreme Court (150 years), the State Bar of Wisconsin (125 years), and the Court of Appeals (25 years).

Chief Justice Edward G. Ryan: A World in Which Nothing is Perfect

While Ryan deeply believed in a decentralized agrarian society in which any concentration of power was evil, his love of law as an instrument of order led him to defend the imperfect federal constitution as still the "political hope of mankind ... in a world in which nothing is perfect."

FY02 Annual Report - Defining the Value of the Legal Profession

In FY02 the State Bar organized a statewide effort to assist military personnel and their families with their legal needs, as the nation responded to the Sept. 11 acts of terrorism. The theme of solving problems, sharing expert advice, and serving the community that defined this program became the core of a communications effort to educate the public about the value of lawyers to society.

FY02 Annual Report - Executive's Message

The State Bar undertook significant initiatives during FY02 to streamline our internal operations and plan for the future. With these changes, we will continue to improve our service to our 20,000-plus members and the public.

FY02 Annual Report - Looking Ahead

Incoming President Patricia Ballman has outlined three goals she is committed to working on during her term: spearheading an effort to educate the public about the value of the legal profession; continuing the fight for government funding of civil legal services for the indigent; and improving diversity within the legal profession.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

Inside the Bar
The Bar is engaging in strategic planning to best meet member needs and fulfill its responsibilities.

President's Message
The bar will do what it can to help improve the public's perception of lawyers, but ultimately lawyers, as individuals, are responsible for their image.

Legal News and Trends

Legislative Watch
Figures
Figures for Budget Reform Legislation Enacted.

Legislative Watch
Several provisions of the budget reform legislation have an impact on the courts and public.

Letters

Managing Risk
You advise your clients to read the contract. When was the last time you read your lawyers professional liability insurance policy?

FY02 Annual Report - President's Message
At the beginning of my term, I promised to bolster two existing initiatives - improve the image of the profession and enhance public trust and confidence in our justice system. Months later, the tragic events of September 11 rocked our country. Lawyers responded with real and tangible actions that furthered both goals.