Aug. 29, 2012 – The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission is continuing its efforts to gather input from attorneys, judges, and the public on the challenges low-income Wisconsin residents face when they need legal help with critical civil legal problems. In July, the commission began a series of regional public hearings around the state to collect this additional information and to support efforts designed to close the justice gap. Hearings are scheduled in Milwaukee Sept. 13, Madison on Sept. 18, Wausau on Oct. 2, and La Crosse on Oct. 16.

“This is the first major effort to gather statewide information about unmet civil legal needs in Wisconsin since the State Bar’s 2007 Bridging the Justice Gap report,” says Jeff Brown, staff coordinator for the commission. “Witnesses at the Green Bay and Eau Claire hearings included attorneys who volunteer their time to help at free legal clinics, staff from legal services organizations, parents, and social workers.

What’s It All About?

The commission wants to know:

• Who is finding legal help?

• Who is falling through the cracks?

• What impact has finding, or not finding, legal help made in your life or the lives of the people you serve?

• What is Wisconsin doing well for low-income or vulnerable residents who need help with civil legal issues?

• What more should we all be doing?

• How are you helping to meet the civil legal needs of those who cannot help themselves?

How to Give Feedback

Attorneys, judges, and the public are all invited to attend and share their experiences, suggestions and insights. The commission asks attendees who wish to speak at hearings to register in advance so that they can manage the hearing time efficiently for everyone.

The Milwaukee hearing will be held at Marquette University Law School, Appellate Courtroom, 1215 W. Michigan St., on Sept. 13, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Register.

The Madison hearing on Sept. 18 will be held at Madison Area Technical College, 1701 Wright St., Room 142-Lounge, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Register.

Registration for the Oct. 2 Wausau and Oct. 16 La Crosse hearings will be available soon.

Written comments may also be sent to the commission by email or regular mail at P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707-7158.

About the Commission

The Access to Justice Commission’s develops and encourages means of expanding access to the civil justice system for unrepresented low-income Wisconsin residents. It was created in 2009 by the Wisconsin Supreme Court at the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Visit the Commission’s website for more information and updates.

Related:

Judges, Lawyers, and Community Members Give Compelling Testimony on Access to Justice, Aug. 7, 2012

Community Members Discuss Hurdles to Justice at Green Bay Hearing, Aug. 2, 2012