Recent Blog Postings

Get to know your malpractice carrier’s claims attorney, suggests Matthew Beier. In addition to expanding your network, a good relationship with your claims attorney can help you avoid common legal malpractice pitfalls, and improve the chances of successful claim prevention and resolution.

Amid parties and presents, how is our profession faring at the end of this year? Kate Knowlton takes a Dickensian visit upon some 2018 cases that remind lawyers their work is vital to the justice system, culture, and society. “These ghosts of our legal past and present point to a less frightening future,” she writes.

There was an increase in farm bankruptcies in 2017 and 2018 in Wisconsin, making them among the most in the nation. David Krekeler discusses the implications of the trend and its impact on family farms.

Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is wrapping up the first year of its pilot research program into hemp cultivation and hemp product manufacturing. Cathleen Dettman discusses the program, and suggests that interested Wisconsin farmers should beware of the program’s many rules and limitations.

There are many positive commonalities among lawyers in a solo practice, whether they are in a rural or urban setting. Christopher Shattuck discusses a few resources to help you boost your practice no matter your location.

Lawyers who represent farmers or farm lenders are often surprised to learn of the unique liens that can arise by operation of law and without Uniform Commercial Code requirements. Troy Schneider describes three of these liens and their legal requirements.

Modern farms often consist of many interrelated owners and entities. Bridget Finke discusses the importance of considering the entire farm operation when assisting on a specific project.

Solving the financial problems of a family farm requires all the skills possessed by good insolvency lawyers as well as an understanding of agricultural business and production, says J. David Krekeler. Helping a family farm business requires knowledge of the various factors and challenges unique to a family farm.

Family farm planning often involves more than just financial and tax matters. Often, an understanding of the delicate nature of human relationships is just as or even more important than the “numbers.” Troy Schneider examines the quality of humility in family farm planning.

A recent change in tax law may help more farmers survive tough financial times, although issues still remain. David Krekeler discusses the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act 2017, and what it means for farmers facing bankruptcy.

Farms, more than ever, have greater amounts of cattle, machinery, equipment, facilities, and land at inflated values; and greater existing debt and greater gross income, but smaller profit margins. As such, a family farm divorce can be devastating to the farm family and its continued viability. Troy Schneider provides strategies to take when drafting marital property agreements that include a plan for farm succession.

The Wisconsin legislature recently revised its definition of implements of husbandry, to meet changes in agricultural equipment sizes, types, and scales of operation. Roberta Heckes outlines these changes, which involve new weight, height, and length restrictions, as well as lighting and marking requirements.

Decisions are complicated when succession planning includes a family business - such as the family farm. Bridget Finke discusses how dividing the decisions between a disaster plan and the succession plan can help simplify the farm transition process.

Generational, technological, and policy changes ahead for agriculture in the U.S. mean attorneys serving rural clients are in a unique position to affect the future of rural America and agriculture worldwide. Nancy Trueblood talks about why the future is bright for lawyers in agriculture law

Attorneys who represent rural landowners should be prepared to advise their clients on tax credits available via the farmland preservation law, especially for clients who are retired farmers renting their land for farming. Troy Schnieder talks about the law and what is required to claim tax credit.

The Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section announces a new blog for attorneys who practice in rural areas and in the area of agricultural law.