Features

Act 317: More Changes to Landlord-Tenant Law

2017 Wis. Act 317 is the latest in a series of legislation to substantially modify landlord-tenant laws. The act's most significant changes include clarifying laws regarding assistance animals in rental housing, responsibility for repair costs, rent abatement, limits on removal of CCAP information, credit and background checks, and contested evictions.

By Tristan R. Pettit & Jennifer M. Hayden

Child Abuse: Beware the 'Unsubstantiated' Finding

Just as a not-guilty verdict does not necessarily indicate a defendant did nothing wrong, a finding of unsubstantiated child abuse might not mean the child suffered no harm. To competently assist children and their families when abuse is alleged to have occurred, lawyers must understand the terms "substantiated" and "unsubstantiated," including the differences between them and the statute defining "child abuse."

By Lori S. Kornblum & Prof. Daniel Pollack

Federal Attorneys Protecting Civil Rights: The Road Since the Civil War

When Wisconsin fought over the Fugitive Slave Act, its early U.S. Attorney put himself firmly on the side of slave owners. That type of stance changed with the creation of the U.S. Department of Justice, which, under the direction of President Ulysses Grant and U.S. Attorney General Amos. T. Ackerman, engaged in a battle to take down the Ku Klux Klan.

By Steven M. Biskupic

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Fostering a Two-way Dialog
President Chris Rogers is focused on having an ongoing two-way dialog with members to ensure the State Bar provides the services and benefits that support your practice.

Your State Bar
Everyday Heroes
Executive Director Larry Martin invites you to provide support to first responders by volunteering for the Wills for Heroes program.

10 Questions
Kori Ashley: Empowering Self-sufficiency, A Believer in Second Chances
Kori Ashley strives to improve the lives of young Milwaukeeans entangled in the criminal justice system by guiding them to a second chance for themselves and their families.

Solutions
Going Rural: Insights from Park Falls to Monroe
Chris Shattuck says law practices in rural communities are shaped to serve the needs of the smaller community. Lawyers in Monroe and Park Falls share their challenges and successes.

Ethics
Joint Representation: How to Bill Clients
Dean Dietrich says the Rules of Professional Conduct include provisions specifically regarding billing for the joint representation of clients.

Solutions
#MeToo Marks a Changing Tide for Employers
Harassment and discrimination occur in all types of workplaces. Julia Arnold gives tips lawyers should share with their employer-clients and consider when assessing their own legal environments.

Reflections
How to Explain What You Do to a 4 Year Old
Deanne Koll says the question, "What do lawyers do all day, Mom (or Dad)?" can sometimes best be answered by their off-the-clock activities.

Solutions
Credit Card Processing: Are You Compliant?
If you accept payment by credit card, Sharon Nelson and John Simek say you must ensure your computer system is compliant with new security requirements.

Technology
Thriving Amid Constant Change
Tom Watson says opportunities abound for lawyers who invest in technology and adjust to consumers' expectations of when, where, and how they receive legal advice.

Solutions
Comprende? Tips for Using Interpreters
Qualified interpreters are vital for clients who need help understanding and communicating in English. Cynthia Herber provides tips for working with clients with limited English proficiency.

Final Thought
Learning While Teaching
Students, by their questions and perspectives, have as much to teach as do instructors. Kene Okocha offers a case in point.