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Features

The Pendulum Swings: No More Early Release

The pendulum of sentencing policy has swung back again in Wisconsin. 2011 Wisconsin Act 38, which became effective Aug. 3, signals a return to truth-in-sentencing by changing the state's criminal sentencing laws to eliminate or adjust many of the procedures that had allowed early release of certain inmates.

Navigating Conflict-of-Interest Disqualification Motions

By making clear that objections to an attorney’s involvement in a case on conflict grounds can be raised by nonclient parties as well as by clients, a recent Wisconsin decision has increased the burden on lawyers to conduct thorough conflict-of-interest checks.

Who Is a Prospective Client?

Formal Opinion EF-11-03 discusses the definition of and duties owed to prospective clients, including when a lawyer is contacted through a lawyer website or by email.

Web Extras

WebXtra video: Don't be victim to scammers

Lawyers regularly receive email messages from prospective “clients” whose goal is to trick the lawyers into transmitting funds to the message senders. In this video, Madison attorney Thomas Watson notes business loans, commercial litigation, family law, and real estate appear to be the areas of law most commonly used by scammers. Watson urges, “Be wary of clients who make contact only by email, and be careful with your online banking system, particularly when it comes to your trust accounts.”

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

Inside the Bar
A Lawyers' Marketplace
This month, the State Bar will upgrade WisBar's Marketplace, making it easier and faster to search for and purchase State Bar products and register for seminars and other events.

President's Message
Urging Pro Bono Help for Immigrants Harmed by UPL
Although the supreme court recently defined the practice of law, it did not establish enforcement authority or remedies for victims of unauthorized practice.

Viewpoint
A Call to Reform Wisconsin’s Class-Action Statute
Wisconsin's class-action statute is vague and provides insufficient guidance for the state's courts and attorneys.

Managing Risk
Scammers Still Targeting Lawyers
Wisconsin lawyers regularly receive email messages from prospective "clients" whose goal is only to trick the lawyers into transmitting funds to the message senders.