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Features

Fastcase and State Bar Partnership: Filling a Legal Research Void

This new membership benefit provides all State Bar members with free access to an alternative, comprehensive, easy-to-use legal research tool.

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008: Redefining Who is Disabled

By clarifying and expanding key terms, Congress intends the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 to restore the ADA as a clear and comprehensive national mandate for eliminating discrimination against a broadly defined class of disabled individuals. Read how the Act alters the scope of the ADA in the workplace, effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Politics in Civil Jury Selection

A recent analysis of mock trial data determined that in assessing damages, factors other than political leaning are more useful in predicting if a juror will award large or small damage amounts. Read what social-political attitudes are more predictive of juror behavior than party affiliation.

A Few FAQs About Fastcase

Members can access Fastcase and additional search functions through WisBar.org. Click on the Legal Research tab at the top of any page and choose “Fastcase” from the drop-down menu. Members then will be directed to log in to My State Bar. You can gain access 24/7 from any computer connected to the Internet. Using Fastcase is free to State Bar members.

Abraham Lincoln's Legacy to Wisconsin Law, Part 1: A New Birth of Freedom – Civil Rights law in Wisconsin

February 12, 2009 is the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Lincoln arguably has done more than any other individual to shape America. He influenced and was influenced by powerful legal and political currents that continue to play a vital role in shaping American law, including the law of Wisconsin. This is the first of three articles that will examine the legal connections between Lincoln and Wisconsin.

By Joseph A. Ranney

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

Inside the Bar
Faster, Cheaper, Better
WisBar Inside Track, the State Bar’s new electronic newsletter, debuts in January, delivery more timely, frequent, and interactive news coverage.

President's Message
Speaking for the Justice System
As a lawyer, President-elect Barack Obama may be receptive to the issues of the law and the legal profession, and a fair and impartial justice system for all.

To Learn More …
To Learn More

Members receive discounts to ABA TechShow 2009; State Bar practice management advisor leads two sessions
The State Bar of Wisconsin is a cosponsor at the annual ABA TechShow® 2009, from April 2 to 4 in Chicago, earning State Bar members a discount. This three-day conference offers registrants more than 60 sessions in 15 tracks, including e-discovery, financial management, virutal practice, solo/small firm and large firm tracks, and e-records management.

Ethics
Fees, n., meaning …
The Rules of Professional Conduct, effective July 1, 2007, define the different types of fee arrangements and fees that can be charged to clients.

Column Solves Vexing Legal Writing Issues
Through this column, the legal writing faculty at Marquette University Law School and other contributors will help solve your vexing legal writing questions with practical guidance. Topics may range from broader issues, such as dispelling grammar myths and the value of revision, to more narrow topics, such as correctly using commas and other vital punctuation and employing precise words to make your point explicit and powerful. We may even tackle how to cite with authority.

Technology
How to Carry Your Office in the Palm of Your Hand
Technology offers a plethora of solutions that make working remotely a reality. And these days you don’t even need to endure the hassle of toting a laptop computer when you’re on the road. With the right gear you can fit practically your entire office into the palm of your hand.

A Partner Needs to Be Actively Involved in the Payment Process
There are two inexpensive and simple steps that can be taken to provide more oversight for the disbursement function at a law office. First, a partner needs to be actively involved in the process of issuing checks and payments.

Keep the Dialog Going …
Keep the Dialog Going …

Managing Risk
Effect of Economy on Malpractice Claims
According to a recent ABA study, the economy affects malpractice claims. Not only does the frequency of malpractice claims go up as the economy goes down but also different practice areas are more vulnerable to claims than others.

Respond to our next question
How can I attract new clients in these tough economic times?
How can I attract new clients in these tough economic times?

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.

What Keeps You Awake at Night?
What oversight should I provide the office manager with respect to office expenditures?
Our office manager takes care of payroll and disbursements. What steps should I take to keep an eye on the office manager’s activities with respect to office expenditures without making her think I don’t trust her with the firm’s checkbooks and credit cards?

Legal Writing
Dispelling Grammar Myths: ‘To Split’ or ‘Not to Split’ the Infinitive
Most modern grammar guides give writers permission to split infinitive verbs if doing so enhances clarity, eloquence, or precision in writing.

Volunteers needed for ABA Military Pro Bono Project, as Wisconsin gears up for mobilization
The largest combat mobilization of Wisconsin National Guard troops since WWII will occur early next year when approximately 3,500 members of the guard will be called up for duty in Iraq.

Office of Lawyer Regulation keeps pace with workload, improves processing time, according to annual report
According to its fiscal year 2008 annual report, during the year the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) saw a slight increase in its case load, with a corresponding increase in the number of pending matters at year end (651) compared to the end of last year (617) and significantly decreased the overall average case processing time from 163 days last year to 115 days this year.

FDIC includes IOLTA in unlimited deposit insurance under Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program
On Nov. 21 the FDIC clarified the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program to include Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts. Consistent with its mission to ensure stability in the banking community, the FDIC has acted to protect client funds and assure continued funding for programs that provide legal aid to poor people when economic uncertainties make the need for legal guidance most critical. As a result of this action, an individual client’s funds deposited in IOLTA are fully insured regardless of the amoun