Features

Whistleblowers play a vital role in calling attention to bad behavior and trying to prevent its recurrence. The author, himself a whistleblower, explains their motivations and risks and costs of their behavior and beliefs, and provides tips for how best to represent whistleblowers.

By Will Kramer

Transgender Rights in Wisconsin

The transgender community and the societal challenges it faces have become increasingly visible. Nearly 60,000 transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals live in Wisconsin alone. This article surveys the current and evolving state of constitutional, statutory, and case law, at the federal, state, and local levels, on various issues that uniquely affect transgender individuals.

By Joseph S. Diedrich

Lawyer Death or Disability: Who Will Protect Your Clients?

Developing a written succession plan is a crucial aspect of the business and ethics of operating a law practice. Use the State Bar's voluntary succession planning registry to ensure clients' matters will not be neglected – and your next of kin will not be burdened – if you die or become incapacitated while practicing.

By Aviva Meridian Kaiser & Christopher Cody Shattuck

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Express Your Thoughts, But Don't Shut Down Others'
President Paul Swanson says lawyers should promote freedom of expression by advocating that ideas should be debated and developed through rational discourse rather than what appears to be happening around us today.

Your State Bar
Your Money, Our Responsibility
Executive Director Larry Martin says State Bar leadership and staff take seriously the responsibility of being good stewards of your money.

101
How to Apply for Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance Benefits
Katelynn Williams demystifies the application process for short- and long-term disability insurance.

As I See It
How 'Trial Lawyer' Became an Oxymoron
Trials rarely happen anymore. Wood Foster says the long-term consequences of this trend is damaging for the public and the legal profession.

Ethics
Hiring a Translator? Yes, There Are Rules
Use care in choosing a translator, Dean Dietrich says, and oversee the services provided by the third party as part of the representation.

Reflections
Irvin B. Charne: Living Up to His Light
From school desegregation and civil rights cases to Indian treaty rights to environmental protection matters, two authors and 25 other admirers say Irv Charne epitomized high ethical standards and integrity.

Managing Risk
A Failure to Communicate: Avert Malpractice Claims
Poor communication often leads to bad case outcomes and malpractice complaints. Tom Watson says lawyers need to know how and when to talk and listen so that clients understand.

Final Thought
'Are You the Court Reporter?'
You develop a sort of edge, Deanne Koll says, when you don't get the benefit of the doubt that you're the lawyer in charge.