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Membership Statistics

Of the approximately 3,900 law firms in Wisconsin, the vast majority – 92% or about 3,600 – are small businesses consisting of five or fewer lawyers. 70% or 2,748 of those firms are solo practices consisting of only one lawyer.

These small businesses create jobs and contribute substantially to the economic foundation of their communities. According to the United States Census Bureau, the legal profession employs more than 16,000 people in Wisconsin, with an annual payroll of over $832 million.

As small business owners, attorneys are woven into the fabric of their communities and neighborhoods. The most common services Wisconsin lawyers provide for their clients are drafting wills and powers of attorney, deed preparation, and directives to physicians. In addition, attorneys provide free legal services to individuals in need. Lawyers throughout the state also participate in initiatives designed to address the legal needs of low-income citizens of Wisconsin. Attorneys reach out to their communities, providing assistance to homeowners in financial distress through foreclosure mediation programs; they also assist people with medical debts and provide disaster relief legal assistance.

Membership by State Bar District​

The following is a breakdown of State Bar membership by State Bar district as of September 1, 2023. (These figures are subject to change, due to attrition and the addition of new members.)


MaleFemaleDistrict Total
District 1Jefferson, Kenosha, Walworth
328
148
483
District 2Milwaukee
3,250
2,000
5,309
District 3Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Winnebago
288
169
460
District 4Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Sheboygan293
126
422
District 5Buffalo, Clark, Crawford, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Richland, Trempealeau, Vernon276
151
432
District 6Waukesha995
539
1,544
District 7​Adams, Columbia, Juneau, Marquette, Portage, Sauk, Waupaca, Waushara, Wood389
161
553
District 8Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, St. Croix337
164
507
District 9Dane
2,152
1,639
3,832
District 10Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano340
164
508
District 11Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Iron, Lincoln, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Washburn290
112
408
District 12Grant, Green, Iowa, La Fayette, Rock251
113
368
District 13Dodge, Ozaukee, Washington457
237
698
District 14Brown327
166
498
District 15Racine197
126
327
District 16Florence, Forest, Langlade, Marathon, Oneida, Vilas287
146
436
District 17Out of state5,520
3,266
8,898
Totals15,977 
9,428
25,684