Jan. 18, 2017 – Facing a legal situation that has you worried you’re in over your head? Wondering where to go for help?
Find help via the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory. The directory lists nearly 400 lawyers who agree to share their knowledge in particular areas of law with other lawyers through free, brief telephone consultations of up to 10 minutes.
“The directory is a great resource for any lawyer – particularly newer lawyers – facing an unfamiliar practice situation,” said Amy Ferguson, co-chair of the New Lawyers Challenges Committee. “Not everyone has a mentor in their firm or community, and some lawyers may not want to discuss questions publicly through an elist.”
The directory, previously available as part of the annual print Wisconsin Lawyer Directory, is now online on WisBar.org.
“With a growing number of lawyers using mobile devices and other technology to access information, it makes sense to move this resource online, where you can quickly search by topic, location, name, or state,” Ferguson said.
To access the directory, visit WisBar.org and log in. Then follow this link. You can also navigate to the directory by clicking on the “Directories” link, next to “Legal Research,” on the menu at the top of the page, then scroll down the page and click on the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory link.
A Quick Way to Seek Help
From administrative law to worker’s compensation, experienced Wisconsin-licensed lawyers listed in the directory represent 47 different areas of law.
It’s easy to search by topic, name, city, or state in the online Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory. Quickly select an area of interest from the Topic drop-down list, then narrow your search to a particular city. Or search for a particular lawyer by name, or by a state outside of Wisconsin. Some Wisconsin lawyers licensed in other states agree to talk to you generally about the laws in the state in which they are licensed.
If you’re looking for a Wisconsin lawyer who is licensed elsewhere, the directory helps you find a lawyer working in 12 other states and the District of Columbia.
Once you find a lawyer who matches your need, click on that lawyer’s name to access that lawyer’s WisBar Lawyer Search profile, where you can view the lawyer’s biographical information, including a phone number. Then pick up the phone and make the call.
5 More Ways to Connect With Your Peers
Need more ways to find help? These five ways will assist you in building a network and learning from your peers:
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Join a State Bar section – connect with legal professionals in 24 different practice areas.
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Join a State Bar division – if you’re a government, nonresident, young, or senior lawyer, these groups are a good resource.
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Join your local or specialty bar – find lawyers near you or with a similar purpose.
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Participate in the State Bar’s elists – including those focusing on a practice area, location, or program. Requires membership in the group administering the list.
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Sign up for Ready.Set.Practice, the State Bar’s lawyer-to-lawyer mentoring program. The program enrolls new mentees and mentors each fall.
Want to Help? Get Listed
Join this network of attorneys, which helps increase competence within the profession, reduces malpractice, and provides better delivery of legal services to the public. Your listing can also lead to referrals.
To be listed in this free directory, you must be an active member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, have experience in a particular field of law, and be willing to conduct brief 10-minute telephone consultations, free of charge, with other attorneys having less experience in that area of practice.
To access the fillable online registration form, see the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory webpage.
Testimonials: Don’t Go It Alone – Help Is At Your Fingertips
The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory has made an impact on the practice of these lawyers:
"Good lawyers realize that they don’t know it all. The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory is an excellent resource to share knowledge, information, and experiences to improve one’s ability to effectively represent clients. I joined because I also use the directory – frequently. Each call is an exchange of information and ideas that improves the practices of both lawyers. We may know the law, but most of what we do representing a client is based upon experience. The directory is a terrific way to share experiences and improve the practice of law."
– Carlton D. Stansbury, Burbach & Stansbury S.C., Milwaukee
"I'm lucky enough to work in a firm with a broad range of expertise in various practice areas. I know that some lawyers don't have that luxury. If I can help another lawyer work through a problem and provide better representation to his or her client, I'm happy to do so. Being listed in the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory has also occasionally led to the other attorney deciding the client would be better served by the case being referred, or by entering into a co-counsel arrangement."
– Timothy O’Brien, Bakke Norman, New Richmond
“Although the State Bar elists are invaluable, sometimes a question cannot be disguised enough to be comfortably posted there, and sometimes opposing counsel is on the list! So, the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory helps lawyers find colleagues who would otherwise be unknown. This directory is particularly valuable when I am looking for someone to be a speaker on a particular topic, or when I need help in evaluating materials for the courses I teach.”
– Gretchen Viney, Clinical Professor Director, Lawyering Skills Program, U.W. Law School
"I have been listed in the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory for more than 20 years. I participate because I am willing to share the knowledge I have in the areas I choose to specify. I am also grateful for the advice and pointers I receive when I use the directory in areas where I have a question.
Thanks to the directory, I answered a question on appellate procedure for a grateful younger member of the State Bar embarking on her first appeal, and I had my bankruptcy question answered by a different member listed in the directory.
The directory helps all of us serve our clients better, and is therefore for the greater good of the general public. I encourage all practitioners to use it, and to volunteer to be in it. We all have specialized knowledge in some area of the law."
– Kent A. Tess-Mattner, Schmidt, Rupke, Tess-Mattner & Fox S.C., Brookfield
"I have had the benefit of practicing with experienced attorneys willing to give me their time and guidance. Many lawyers, especially those practicing solo, don’t have that benefit. Being listed in the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory gives me a chance to share some of my experience.
We can’t practice every area of the law – or in every part of the state. Our clients come up with a variety of legal issues, sometimes involving matters outside our community. Having a list of lawyers from across the state handling specific matters is helpful both for information and referrals."
– Grant Birtch, Hesson & Birtch LLC, Neenah
