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Features

Wisconsin Supreme Court: 2025–26 Term Review and 2026–27 Preview

Wisconsin's high court kept a low profile this term. That may change in 2026–27, with congressional redistricting challenges and a case that could reshape statutory interpretation.

By Bryna Godar

Significant Recent Wisconsin Federal Court Decisions

From defamation to arbitration, six decisions show how federal judges are applying Wisconsin law.

By Daniel A. Manna

In My View
Forgive and Forget: Making Expungement Work in Wisconsin, Part 1

Expungement law offers young offenders a second chance. But the statute's wording and application leave meaningful gaps, according to the author.

By Peter R. Heyne

Navigating Probate and Trust Litigation in Wisconsin

Contested capacity, undue influence, fiduciary misconduct: Survey the claims that shape probate and trust litigation.

By Shannon M. West

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Maintaining Excellence with Balance
Balance isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity. In his first column as State Bar president, Stephen Sawyer explains how a full life outside work sharpens judgment on the job.

Your State Bar
Give Way
While driving in Scotland, Jill Rothstein noticed something about the road signs. This column asks what it means to give way, rather than simply yield, in our profession.

As I See It
Wisconsin Supreme Court Sets New Boundaries for Police Interrogations of Minors
In State v. K.R.C., the court ruled that whether a student is in police custody must be assessed from a reasonable child's perspective. The authors call it a meaningful step, but not enough.

Ethics
So You've Won Your Election. Now What?
Elected office doesn't come with an ethics exemption. Attorneys can face discipline for campaign or official conduct, even when the conduct is unrelated to the practice of law.

From the Bench
What Jurors Say
The verdict is only part of what a jury has to say. Judge R. Michael Waterman shares lessons from jurors' comments about the lawyers who tried their case.

SCOTUS Watch
Cases Decided Along Ideological Lines: The U.S. Supreme Court's 2025–26 Term in Review
Several of this term's major rulings — on campaign finance, transgender athletes, and birthright citizenship — split the justices 6–3. This recap breaks down cases and votes.

Final Thought
Rooted in Experience. Built for Growth. Why You Can't Miss the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference
Mark your calendars. The Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, October 22–24 in Wisconsin Dells, delivers the credits and community to help you grow your practice.