Features

Not Authorized! Employees and Computer Fraud

The ubiquity of computers, tablets, and smartphones in workplaces can make it easy for individuals changing employment to take an employer’s electronic assets with them. The federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act provides criminal and civil remedies for these security breaches.

By Barbara A. Neider & Joseph Diedrich

Sorry, Wrong Number: Auto-dialed Customer Calls

Businesses that use automated telephone dialing must examine their dialing systems and customer-intake processes to ensure they comport with federal regulations and to shield themselves from potentially major liability.

By Christopher J. Smith

Are You Ready? Mandatory E-filing in Effect July 1

Mandatory e-filing in Wisconsin circuit courts begins July 1 in some counties and in all counties by the end of 2017. This article discusses when mandatory e-filing will affect lawyers in the various legal practice areas, how much it will cost, and what lawyers must do now to prepare for e-filing.

By Jean Bousquet & Marcia L. Vandercook

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Shine Brightly
Ralph Cagle encourages the State Bar and its members to continue as beacons for each other and the legal profession.

Your State Bar
Now Is When They Need You
George Brown urges lawyers to contribute to the legislative process, by educating legislators about the effects of statutes and by working with candidates running for office.

101
Divorce, QDROs, and Dividing Wisconsin Retirement System Accounts
David Nispel and Department of Employee Trust Funds colleagues discuss the steps to divide Wisconsin Retirement System accounts via domestic relations orders.

10 Questions
Carlos Pastrana: From Puerto Rico to the Midwest
After adapting to differences in how law is practiced in Puerto Rico compared to Wisconsin, bilingual litigator and diversity champion Carlos Pastrana is adjusting to professional life in the Midwest.

Technology
So, You Want To ... Increase Profitability Through Document Assembly
Tison Rhine says investing in the best document assembly program for your practice will pay off down the road in increased profits and more satisfied clients.

Managing Risk
Scams and Hackers: They’re Not Going Away!
Cyber criminals are here to stay, says Tom Watson, so lawyers and law firms must learn how to protect their firms and electronic assets from scammers and hackers.

On Balance
7 Stress-relief Strategies When You Have 10 Minutes or Less
Paula Davis-Laack says being a flexible, accurate, and thorough thinker under stress and pressure is a foundational skill set for stress resilience.

Ethics
Accounting for Interrupted Work
Dean Dietrich says lawyers should develop billing practices that recognize the interruptions that occur in daily practice.