Certification Appeals Process
If certification has been denied or revoked, the paralegal may appeal the decision of the Certification Review Board using a Request for Reconsideration.
This request should include any additional information or supporting material the applicant believes will assist the CRB in its reconsideration.
CRB De Novo Review
The CRB may consider any relevant documentary or testimonial evidence, including hearsay evidence, if it's the type of evidence upon
which reasonable persons rely. Rules of privilege shall be effective to the same extent as they are recognized in civil actions.
Incompetent, irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded at the CRB's discretion. The review and
investigatory record are the property of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Any material that is confidential under applicable law shall
remain confidential and shall not be disclosed except in accordance with said law.
If the review and investigation is in response to a sworn compliant filed by a third party, the complainant may be granted
the right to be present at any proceeding where the applicant gives testimony. However, the complainant shall not be a party
to the review proceeding.
Decision
The CRB's decision is final is non-appealable. At the conclusion of its review and investigation, the CRB will send its written
decision to the applicant by certified mail with 60-90 days of the receipt of the Request for Reconsideration. The written
decision will include the reasons for the given ruling.
Right to Reapply
An applicant whose request for certification or renewal has been denied, or whose certification has been revoked, may reapply
for certification no sooner than two years from the date of the decision by the program registrar or the CRB, whichever is later.
Immunity
The members of the Certification Review Board, the program registrar, and the State Bar staff shall have absolute immunity from
civil liability for all acts in the course of their official duties.