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Features

Thinking Outside the "Business Records" Box: Evidentiary Foundations for Computer Records

The foundation for introducing computer-generated records into evidence is different than that for the familiar business records exception, but it is not necessarily more difficult. Read how the process works, establishes authenticity, and produces reliable results.

By Timothy M. O'Shea

Teens Test Their Mettle in Mock Trials

For 25 years, students in the Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Program have learned a lot about the law and the legal system - and about themselves. Read what motivates students to participate and why each year hundreds of lawyers, judges, and teachers support this volunteer-intensive statewide program.

Enhance Your Firm's Web Site with Consumer Information

As more people turn to the Internet in search of trustworthy, substantive information, you can now feature the same valuable information contained in the State Bar of Wisconsin's Consumer Pamphlet Series on your Web site.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

Inside the Bar
Committee Dissolution
When a committee no longer serves its intended purpose, it can be dissolved, and that's what happened to the Group and Prepaid Legal Services Committee.

Chief Justice to Receive the Heffernan Award for Dedication to the Mock Trial Program
During the Awards Banquet in March, Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson will receive the Heffernan Award for her 25 years of continuous service to the Mock Trial Program. The award is presented only on merit; Justice Abrahamson is the sixth person to receive the award since its inception in 1995.

Invest in Another 25 Years of Mock Trial
To recognize the hundreds of judicial, attorney, teacher, and student volunteers who have contributed to the success of the Mock Trial Program since its inception in 1983, a special 25th anniversary celebration will be held on March 16 in Madison in conjunction with the state competition. Consider becoming an event sponsor or investing in Wisconsin's young people by making a financial gift through the Wisconsin Law Foundation (WLF).

President's Message
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Nearly a third of the State Bar membership resides outside of Wisconsin _ in every state, in most territories, and elsewhere. Recent changes increase nonresident representation and make it easier for our nonresident members to fulfill mandatory continuing legal education requirements.

Volunteer Options
Get Involved in Mock Trial
The annual Mock Trial Tournament is run with assistance from hundreds of volunteer lawyers, judges, and coordinators in communities statewide. The time commitment for volunteer opportunities ranges from a half day to several months to a few minutes to pledge monetary support.

National Mock Trial Award Recognizes Wisconsin Participants
Each year, National High School Mock Trial Championship Inc. recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and commitment to the goals and ideals of the National High School Mock Trial Program.

Ethics
Developing an Ethical Firm Web Site
A Web site can be an excellent marketing tool for law firms of all sizes - when it's set up and used correctly. Here are some tips about site appearance, functionality, and content to help make your site effective and ethical. For ethics advice, call (608) 250-6168 or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6168.

Respond to our next question
How would I recover if my office was destroyed?
I worry about keeping my practice going if disaster strikes and my files are destroyed. The "what ifs" are making me lose sleep - what if there's a fire, what if there's a burst water pipe, what if there's a tornado or a flood. What can I do now to protect my practice?

Act Within the Legal Framework for All Personnel Matters
Know the legal framework you must act within. Although Wisconsin is an employment-at-will state, there are still a number of laws that affect what you can do and especially what you should or should not say. Especially avoid comments that could be interpreted as discriminatory under the equal employment opportunity laws.

Keep the Dialog Going…
Add to this discussion. Email your response for possible inclusion in a future issue, subject line: Underperforming staff. Limit your response to 200 words. Responses may be edited for style and clarity.

Letters
Letters to the editor: The Wisconsin Lawyer publishes as many letters in each issue as space permits. Please limit letters to 500 words; letters may be edited for length and clarity. Letters should address the issues, and not be a personal attack on others. Letters endorsing political candidates cannot be accepted.