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 <td style="padding-left:10px; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:10pt;">FEBRUARY 23, 2017</td>
 <td style="padding-left:10px; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:10pt;">Bar Briefs – your quick weekly collection of practice tips, 
 membership benefits, upcoming events, new products, and more!
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 <h2 style="color: #045394;">Go Grammando</h2>

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 <td>Grammando: “One who constantly corrects others’ linguistic mistakes.” Neologism <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/03/04/magazine/one-page-magazine.html" target="_blank">coined by Lizzie Skurnick</a> from “grammar” and “commando.” First appeared in the March 4, 2012, issue of the New York Times Sunday Magazine.</td>
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 <img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/police.png" alt="" width="150" height="255" align="right"/>Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar are vitally important in legal writing. Of course, we all make mistakes now and then, but poorly written legal documents can have serious consequences, ranging from reprimands to case dismissals1.
 Don’t let crimes against the English language run free in your writing. Try “going grammando” on your next draft by carefully reviewing your writing for any needed corrections. Below are some common errors to watch out for, plus tips and tools to help you improve your writing.
 The article “<a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/common-grammar-mistakes-list#sm.0001sfclagtxzf5apld2kzdyk7po3">Grammar Police: 30 of the Most Common Grammatical Errors We All Need to Stop Making</a>” does a good job of clarifying the confusion that has led to prevalent grammar mistakes. We’ve listed a few of our favorites here. Are you guilty of any of these grammatical goofs?
 i.e. vs. e.g.
 <blockquote style="margin-top: 0px;">
 Although many people use the terms interchangeably, they actually have different meanings:
 “i.e." means "that is" or "in other words," while "e.g." means "example given" or "for example." Use “i.e.” to clarify something you've said. Use “e.g.” to add color to a story through an example. 
 
 </blockquote>
 Who vs. That
 <blockquote style="margin-top: 0px;">
 When describing a person, use "who." When describing an object, use "that."
 </blockquote>
 Affect vs. Effect
 <blockquote style="margin-top: 0px;">
 People often confuse these words when they're talking about something changing another thing. When talking about the change itself – the noun – use "effect." (Example: “That movie had a great effect on me.”) 
 
 When you're talking about the act of changing – the verb – use "affect." (Example: “That movie affected me greatly.”) 
 
 </blockquote>
 Its vs. It's
 <blockquote style="margin-top: 0px;">
 "Its" is possessive and "it's" is a contraction of "it is." Even though “it's" has an apostrophe and an “s” after it like a possessive, it's actually a contraction.
 </blockquote>
 Assure vs. Insure vs. Ensure
 <blockquote style="margin-top: 0px;">
 All of these words have to do with "making an outcome sure," but they aren't interchangeable. 
 
 "To assure" means to promise or say with confidence. For example, "I assure you that he's good at his job." 
 
 "To ensure" means to make certain. For example, "Ensure you're free when I visit next weekend." 
 
 Finally, "to insure" means to protect against risk by regularly paying an insurance company. For example, "I insure my car because the law requires it."
 </blockquote>
 These are just a few examples of common grammar goofs. Have some additional ones to share? Tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/StateBarofWI">@StateBarofWI</a> using #grammando to let us know! 
 
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 <h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Eight Steps to Become
 a Better Legal Proofreader</h3>
 <ol>
 <li><img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/EditorsPencil.png" alt="" width="125" height="129" align="right"/>Proof from a printed document, not an electronic version</li>
 <li>Read through it several times, focusing on something different each time (e.g., spelling, grammar, spacing) </li>
 <li>Pay close attention to the spelling of titles, headings, case captions, citations, and names</li>
 <li>Make sure your defined terms appear with consistent capitalization and punctuation throughout </li>
 <li>Read your writing aloud/upside-down/backwards to catch oft-missed errors </li>
 <li>Try the free <a href="https://www.grammarly.com/about">Grammarly</a> app to identify spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors in text you write online in Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. </li>
 <li>Check out <a href="http://www.coregrammarforlawyers.com/">Core Grammar for Lawyers</a>, which is designed to help law students, paralegals, and attorneys master grammar skills for successful legal writing 
 </li>
 <li>Add The Elements of Style by William Strunk and The Elements of Legal Style by Bryan A. Garner to your library </li>
 </ol>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Reserve your room for AMC 2017</h3>

<a href="http://www.glaciercanyonlodge.com/"><img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/233_GLACIER_CANYON_LODGE.JPG" alt="" width="180" height="108" align="right"/></a>Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness is host to the <a href="http://amc.wisbar.org/">2017 Annual Meeting & Conference</a>. Through May 15, AMC attendees can reserve rooms at a special discounted rate. To receive the discounted rate, simply call the reservation desk at (800) 867-WILD and mention you are with the State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Meeting & Conference, Block #526959. Waterpark access is included with your stay. 
 <a href="http://www.glaciercanyonlodge.com/">Glacier Canyon Lodge</a> is home to the amazing three-acre Lost World outdoor waterpark, as well as outdoor mini golf, go-karts, and the conference center. An enclosed walkway connects directly to the Wilderness Hotel, where you’ll find spas, dining, and retail shopping. Bring the family and make it a mini-vacation!
 Plus, at <a href="http://www.wildrockgolf.com/">Wild Rock Golf Club</a>, you can take on the challenge of rugged holes created out of the site of an old quarry. Every hole of this amazing course compliments the diverse terrain that Wisconsin Dells is known for around the world. With five sets of tees, it’s designed for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy. 
 For more details on lodging for AMC 2017, visit <a href="http://amc.wisbar.org/">amc.wisbar.org</a>. To see all that Wisconsin Dells has to offer, visit <a href="http://www.dells.com">www.dells.com</a>. 
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 <h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/SecDiv_Connect_175w.jpg" alt="" width="135" height="112" align="right"/>Division and Section Connection</h3>
 RSVP Now for the Environmental Law Networking Event
 of the Year! 
 The Environmental Law Section is hosting a happy hour for lawyers and law students. 
 <blockquote>
 March 30 
 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
 Brickhouse BBQ 
 408 W. Gorham St. 
 Madison, WI 
 
 </blockquote>
 Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
 

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 <div align="center"><img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/bkofwk_digest-purple.jpg" width="250" height="83" alt=""/><h3>Book of the Week 
 Ends Friday, February 24</h3></div>


 <h3 style="color: #045394;">Wisconsin Governmental Claims and Immunities Handbook</h3>
 <a href="http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=AK0186">Print Book:</a> 
 List:<s> $119 member</s> / <s>$149 nonmember</s> 
 Sale price: $95.20 member / $119.20 nonmember 


 <a href="http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?cat=WISBAR&pid=AE0186">Books UnBound:</a> 
 List:<s> $159 member</s> / <s>$199 nonmember</s> 
 Sale price: $127.20 member / $159.20 nonmember 

 To redeem your discount, enter priority code B4829BB when ordering online or mention it when calling Customer Service (800) 728-7788.*

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 <div align="center"><img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/Just_Released_250w.jpg" width="270" height="97" alt=""/></div>

<a href="http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=AK0429E17">Wisconsin Elder and Disability Law Statutes - 2017</a> – New Edition
 <a href="http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=AK0423E17">Wisconsin Children's Code and Juvenile Justice Code -2017</a> – New Edition
 <a href="http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=AK0040">Contract Law in Wisconsin</a> – Supplement
 <a href="http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=AK0435E17">Wisconsin Traffic Law Codebook - 2017</a> – New Edition 
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<div align="center"><img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/myMedia-croptop.jpg" width="300" height="90" alt=""/></div>
<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Have You Explored myMedia Lately? </h3>
The myMedia section of wisbar.org contains a plethora of materials specific to your individual membership and activities. This is where you can download or access electronic products you have purchased, including: 
<ul>
<li>CLE webcasts and PINNACLE® CLE OnDemand seminars</li>
 <li>CLE course materials</li>
 <li>PINNACLE Books UnBound® titles</li>
 <li>PINNACLE ebooks</li>
 <li>PINNACLE forms</li>
</ul>
Just log in to <a href="http://www.wisbar.org">wisbar.org</a> then go to myStateBar > myMedia to start exploring.
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 <div align="center"><img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/Student_Corner.jpg" width="250" height="83" alt=""/></div>
 Deadline Extended: Public Utility Law Section's Writing Competition
 Get recognized for your writing. Submit an article relating to any branch of public utility law, including electric energy and natural gas (e.g., renewable energy or greenhouse gas regulation), water (e.g., water conservation and efficiency), or telecommunications (e.g., regulation of broadband as a common carrier) by March 17. 
 The competition is open to all J.D. candidates at the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University. Only one submission per year per student will be accepted for consideration. <a href="http://www.wisbar.org/aboutUs/forLawStudents/Pages/for-law-students.aspx">For more information, click here. </a> 
 Back by Popular Demand - Get the Straight Talk on Opening a Law Practice
 The Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section is hosting their “Considerations for Starting a Law Practice” Seminar on April 8 at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee. The program will give you information about creating a practice from the ground up: 
 <ul>
 <li>Money matters - how much do you need to start and how will you do it? </li>
 <li> Technology - what are the minimum requirements? </li>
 <li>Practice management and work flow solutions</li>
 <li>Avoiding malpractice 
 </li>
 </ul>
 Tuition is just $30 for law students. <a href="http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/eventDetails.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=SA6881">For more information or to register, click here. </a> 
 
 <hr>
 <h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Winter is Coming... Again</h3>
 <img src="http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/SadPenguin.png" alt="" width="125" height="189" align="right"/>Now that we've gotten a taste of spring here in Wisconsin, the return to winter weather can seem even more depressing. Try these tips from Real Simple2 and The Huffington Post3 to beat the winter blues.
 Let there be light. Exposure to natural light can help you feel more awake and alert. Open your curtains and sit closer to a window. You can also try a light box for a mood boost.
 Get your blood pumping. Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block or snowshoeing along a nature trail, get outside for some exercise. Even 5 minutes of fresh air can help reduce stress and improve focus. 
 
 Watch what you eat. Sugar and carbohydrates can leave you feeling sluggish and anxious. Aim for balanced meals with plenty of protein and fiber. 
 
 Give WisLAP a call. You don’t have to deal with anxiety, depression, or stress on your own. The <a href="http://www.wisbar.org/forMembers/WisLAP/Pages/Lawyer-Assistance-Program.aspx">Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program</a> offers confidential support to lawyers, judges, law students, and their families who need help coping with life’s challenges. The 24-hour helpline is (800) 543-2625. You can also check out <a href="http://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/InsideTrack/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=9&Issue=3&ArticleID=25359">this article from a recent issue of InsideTrack</a>.
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1 <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/winter-blues">http://paralegaltoday.com/issue_archive/columns/LglWrtng_ma07.htm 
 </a>2<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/winter-blues"> http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/winter-blues</a> 
 3 <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/06/seasonal-affective-disorder_n_6255780.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/06/seasonal-affective-disorder_n_6255780.html</a>
 *This offer is not available with any other discount and expires February 17, 2017. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, or used for renewals of subscriptions, auto-supplementation subscriptions, or Books UnBound full library subscriptions.

MKT440E 

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