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Wisconsin Legal Trends 2026

In this article, 21 lawyers discuss legal trends in 21 different practice areas.

By Joe Forward

Inside the Efforts to Bring More Lawyers to Rural Wisconsin

Many lawyers and legal entities in Wisconsin and elsewhere seek to find workable remedies that lead to long-term solutions to increase the number of lawyers in rural areas, including the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the State Bar of Wisconsin, the UW and Marquette University Law Schools, and individual lawyers and law firms. The authors look at some of these efforts.

By Jay D. Jerde & Shannon Green

The State of Hemp-Derived Products in Wisconsin

The 2018 Farm Bill made possible a legal hemp-derived product market in the U.S. But a part of the spending package that ended the federal government shutdown in November 2025 was a provision that will effectively ban most, if not all, hemp-derived products. Learn how a new definition of hemp will affect interstate commerce of hemp-derived products, criminal liability of producers, retailers, and consumers, and state and local cannabis regulation's governance over these products.

By Kristina Atterholt

Anatomy of an Indemnification Agreement: The First-Party Claim Conundrum

The author examines the conditions under Wisconsin law in which a contractual indemnification provision applies not only to claims by a nonparty to the contract against the indemnified party (third-party claims) but also to claims between parties to the contract (first-party claims).

By Charles H. Barr

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
The U.S.A. at 250: The Declaration of Independence – What Does It Mean to You?
Lawyers have always played a significant role in American democracy. Dan Gartzke invites your thoughts about what the Declaration of Independence means to you as attorneys today. Consider submitting a brief essay.

Editor's Note
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
State Bar publications and other content vehicles thrive due to the contributions of members. Joe Forward invites you to participate in 2026.

Your State Bar
Happy New Year, Colleagues!
While each new year offers new opportunities, Jill Rothstein says 2026 is especially significant and exciting as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

As I See It
Three Core Attributes of Tomorrow's Lawyers
To carry out their future roles in both commerce and society, Jordan Furlong believes lawyers will need to possess three attributes: legal intuition, professional integrity, and personal trustworthiness.

Solutions
Generative AI Trends Shaping Law Office Administration and Paralegal Practice
Lawyers, law office administrators, and paralegals are stewards, determining which technologies should be allowed into the legal ecosystem. Christopher Shattuck looks at a few things to know about GAI as a new year begins.

Technology
Pick Your Winner: 2026 Smartphone Lineup
This is the 12th annual (and final) State Bar of Wisconsin summary of the top smartphones currently available. James Pearson's focus includes cameras and artificial intelligence in smartphones and overall performance.

Rotunda Report
State Bar Issues Outstanding as Fall Floor Session Comes to a Close
The State Bar's advocacy team sums up what was known in early December about the legislature's activities until the session ends and highlights a few items that State Bar lobbyists are focusing on.

Ethics Opinion
EF-25-03: Representing a Criminal Defendant with Diminished Capacity
On Nov. 24, 2025, the State Bar of Wisconsin Professional Ethics Committee issued Opinion EF-25-03, discussing lawyers' obligations when the competency of criminal defendants who are clients is in question.

Final Thought
Preserving Rule of Law Requires Protecting Judicial Independence
Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill Karofsky says we must confront our circumstances with clarity and courage as the United States faces an increase in attacks on the rule of law.