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The Shifting Sands of Standing in Wisconsin

Who can bring suit in Wisconsin courts? The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decisions on standing reveal a doctrine in fluctuation, particularly in administrative review cases. The decisional stress points of standing law are crucial for civil attorneys to consider when selecting plaintiffs and deciding whether and how to raise standing as an issue.

By Nathan Petrashek

Balancing Protection: Defending Adults from Financial Abuse While Preserving Dignity

Financial abuse of adults at risk and older adults is high and growing. Time is of the essence when these crimes come to light, to preserve evidence and prevent continued victimization. Read about traditional guardianships for adults and spendthrift guardianships, which can be a middle ground between doing nothing for victims of financial abuse and imposing remedies that deprive victims of all autonomy.

By Jessica M. Moeller

Judge Barbara Key: Attuned to Vulnerable Litigants

Judge Barbara Key (retired), Winnebago County Circuit Court, is the 2025 recipient of the Lifetime Jurist Award.

By Shannon Green

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Stronger Together
Ryan Billings says one of the best things about being a part of the State Bar is knowing that he is participating in something that is much bigger than him, and something that will keep going long after he is gone.

Your State Bar
In Praise of Government Lawyers
What has always struck Larry Martin about government lawyers and judges is their dedication and fidelity to the public interest.

Ethics
Disappearing Act
Stacie Rosenzweig explains that lawyers who want to use ephemeral messaging apps for their work must understand the apps' benefits, risks, and limitations, just as they would for any other technology.

Technology
Microsoft News You Should Know
James Pearson discusses three developments in 2025 most likely to affect lawyers and law firms, regardless of size: price increases for some licenses, Windows 10 reaches its end, and branding shifts to Microsoft Copilot 365.

On Balance
In Defense of Aging
Julie Bonasso asks, what if aging isn't viewed as a decline but as the moment we finally take space in the life we built and really wield our purpose?

Nuts & Bolts
Leveraging Immigration to Address Labor Shortages
Nonimmigrant workers can assist in addressing temporary or specialized skill gaps in the workplace, foster innovation, and transfer skills or specialized knowledge to other workers. Samantha Wood explains what employment lawyers and clients need to know.

Solutions
Pro Bono Service in Private Practice: Where and Why to Fit It In
Ashleigh Hacker explores pro bono service for private-practice attorneys, including professional development and economic benefits for their firms and where to fit pro bono service into their practices.

Practice Pulse
Securing Your Digital Practice: Essential Password Strategies for Attorneys
Brent Hoeft discusses strategies for securing online accounts against cyberattacks through robust password practices, password managers, multifactor authentication, and policies.

Final Thought
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: Make It a Good One
The traits that can be useful for lawyers can also cause them problems. Like any precious asset, Matthew Shin says, our minds and mental health need to be maintained.