June 3, 2020 – With an understanding that members may experience economic hardships due to the impact of COVID-19, the State Bar has taken a number of steps to make paying your court assessments and dues a bit easier.

These steps include an option to spread payments over four months.

Paying in Installments: What You Need to Know

Supreme Court assessments and State Bar dues are due by July 1 each year, with membership cards expiring July 31. This year, however, the State Bar makes the following changes for members unable to pay their annual fees by July 1:

• Members can opt to pay fees in four installments. Members wishing to pay in installments, must sign up online by June 9. Those opting for this payment plan agree to make four total payments in June, July, August, and September. There are no processing fees to participate.

• Current membership cards are valid until Sept. 30 instead of July 31. This year, State Bar membership cards, which are evidence of a lawyer’s authorization to practice law, will expire on Sept. 30 instead of July 31. This 60-day extension gives you flexibility to sign up for the installment plan, if you so choose.

• No fees will be assessed for late payments until Oct. 1. The State Bar is granting a 30-day grace period before applying late fees (from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1) for unpaid court assessments and dues. These fees must be paid in full by Sept. 30 to avoid late fees.

• New membership cards will be issued after the full payment of court assessments and dues. Again, these fees must be paid in full by Sept. 30.

For more information on the installment payment plan, review the FAQs, or contact State Bar of Wisconsin customer service at (800) 728-7788 or service@wisbar.org.

To find out more about the annual assessments and dues, see this May 6, 2020, InsideTrack article.