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What’s Hot, What’s Not: National and Global Practice Trends 2015

This annual report looks at what’s going on in the legal profession in the United States and in other parts of the world. The author believes law firms that acknowledge change and address it, will survive stronger and more profitable than ever.

By Bob Denney

What’s Hot, What’s Not: Wisconsin Practice Trends 2015

Borrowing a page from Robert Denney’s global look at trends in the legal profession, Wisconsin and regional attorneys and practice management experts weigh in on practice and marketing trends in the Dairy State.

By Dianne Molvig

Profit is Not a Four-letter Word: Lawyering in the New Age

Changes in technology and business models have caused increased competition for lawyers, from both other attorneys and nonlawyer legal services providers. Lawyers who evolve and adapt to the new paradigms are creating success and profits; those who don’t may be squandering opportunities.

By Michael Moore

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Thank Veterans, Help Veterans
Bob Gagan urges members to volunteer a few hours a year to assist a veteran.

Your State Bar
Wisconsin Courts Still Underfunded
As the Wisconsin Legislature’s new session begins, George Brown says the State Bar will try to forestall budgetary cuts to the courts.

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10 Tips for Effective Brief Writing
Doug Abrams shares judges’ suggestions for writing briefs that will help your case.

As I See It
Does the Bar Exam Ensure Knowledge of Wisconsin Law? Is It Relevant Today?
Michael LoCoco believes the bar exam burdens test-takers financially and professionally while failing to fulfill its goals of ensuring knowledge of Wisconsin law.

Ethics
Threat to File Complaint Does Not Automatically Require Withdrawal
Dean Dietrich says when a client threatens to complain to the OLR, a lawyer may want to withdraw but should consider “business factors” before doing so.

Solutions
10 Golden Rules to Make New Clients Happy
John Remsen says providing optimal service will ensure that new clients become permanent customers.

Managing Risk
Resolve to Reduce Malpractice Risk in 2015
Tom Watson identifies client selection, communication/scope of representation, and real estate issues as areas of risk to master in 2015.

Technology
Social Media: ‘Facebook at Work’ May Promote Productivity
Tison Rhine says some employers may adopt social-networking programs, like Facebook at Work, for use as collaboration and productivity tools.

Final Thought
Disruptive Innovation: Practicing in Interesting Times
Although the full impact of the challenges facing the legal profession won’t be clear for many years, Jeff Brown advises thinking about the implications now.