State Bar/Section Blogs

In this second of (what we hope is) a series, Dan Rislove discusses the important legal lessons he learned from the 1980 hit comedy 'Caddyshack.' Cute but clever gophers aside, the story reveals a few points to remember for your practice, he says.

“One of the finest (and definitely most fun) networking and learning opportunities I’ve found over the years is our very own State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Meeting & Conference,” writes NRLD Director Kathryn Bullon. “I urge all NRLD members to join us for this exciting conference!”

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of ‘The Godfather,’ Emily Kelchen reflects on legal lessons she learned from the movie. While the characters in the movie care more about skirting the law than following it, there are still moments in the film that carry important legal lessons.

Physical property markers are powerful indicators of property law – and finding them is a hobby called “benchmarking.” Emily Kelchen points out how there are countless physical reminders of property law all around the U.S.

The ABA House of Delegates in February 2020 passed a resolution urging voter preregistration for 16- to 18-year-olds. James Casey talks about the resolution – and how it reinforces the importance of civics education in U.S. schools. This importance is even more critical given the November 2020 U.S. election and the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol in Washington, he says.

The recently formed Task Force on Wisconsin Lawyer Well-Being is at work to research ways to better address substance abuse and mental health issues that affect lawyers. James Casey, a member of the task force, provides an update on its work.

In the age of COVID-19, law school graduates are facing postponed bar exams. What would diploma privilege look like outside Wisconsin? Ann Heaps discusses the issue from the point of view of an attorney who took the exam to become a Wisconsin lawyer.

Missouri’s legal history includes slaves’ struggle for freedom and women’s fight for the right to vote. Learn more about the Old Courthouse and other sites for legal tourism as Emily Kelchen talks about the history she learned during a recent visit to St. Louis.

In this time of the coronavirus and COVID-19, clients are looking to attorneys for guidance on preparing and responding to this emergency. Nilesh Patel provides tips and guidance for attorneys to discuss with their clients.

In a small tavern in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you can find an outline of a body on the floor and a special gun kept by the tavern's owners for public viewing. Anne Ertel Sawasky takes a tour of the filming locations for the award-winning 1959 film, Anatomy of a Murder, starring Jimmy Stewart.

Amidst the Art Museum, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall in Philadelphia is a museum dedicated to medical oddities. Not for the squeamish, the Mütter Museum is your chance to see a little bit of Chief Justice John Marshall, who lived 1755-1835. Emily Kelchen talks about her experience as a legal tourist in the City of Brotherly Love.

The Nonresident Lawyers Division (NRLD) helps members stay connected to Wisconsin and with each other. Renae Flowers lists a few more of the benefits of being a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin Nonresident Lawyers Division.

A May 2018 Marquette University Law School graduate, J.J. Moore of Springfield, Massachusetts, is already making a positive impact. Join the Nonresident lawyers division in congratulating Moore for being one of the top three volunteers with Wisconsin FreeLegal Answers

February is Black History Month, a good time to reflect on the African-American attorneys who overcame obstacles and paved the trails for attorneys to come. Renae Flowers recognizes four such attorneys.

Nonresident Lawyers Division (NRLD) President Kathryn Bullon urges division members to run for officer and board member positions in the division for 2019-20. Positions open are president-elect, secretary, treasurer, and five members of the NRLD board of directors. Sign up by Jan. 31.

The State Bar of Wisconsin’s Annual Meeting & Conference is a fantastic opportunity to make new connections, reconnect with old friends, attend CLEs, says Anu Chudasama. Learn more about the Nonresident Lawyers Division’s board meeting and activities at the Annual Conference.

For his diligent work advocating for the nonresident lawyers of Wisconsin, Steven Schuster is the recipient of the 2018 Nonresident Lawyers Division Founder’s Award.

The Nonresident Lawyers Division welcomes you to its new blog, featuring posts designed to deliver the latest news, practical advice, and valuable resources for Wisconsin’s nonresident lawyers.

With the number of recent disasters and shared tragedies, please remember that WisLAP, the Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program, offers free, confidential support to State Bar of Wisconsin members, their staff, and families.