New WisBar offers improved navigation, efficiency, new content, and more

April 5, 2005

The State Bar debuted its redesigned WisBar.org Web site. To get the most of WisBar, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the site. Run your mouse over the top navigation tabs to get a sense of the site's organization. Drop-down menus appear, allowing you to scan this content area and/or quickly access specific content. When you click on the tabs, you will see an index page that provides a content overview.

Next, review the site tools in the upper right corner. These tools appear site wide. Here you'll find:

• Search - allows you to perform a site search by typing in a key word;
• Log In/Log Out - allows you to log in to WisBar to order a product or register for an event, to access restricted content areas noted with a "lock" symbol, or to access your personal profile/CLE Tracker;
• My State Bar - allows you to track CLE credits (My CLE Tracker) earned through any provider, change your address or other contact information, indicate your areas of interest, view State Bar products and events related to those interests, view dues and assessment payment history, and committee, section, or division memberships;
• Shop - takes you to Seminars, Books & Products, where you can browse and order or register for products and events;
• Lawyer Directory - allows you to search for a Wisconsin-licensed lawyer (a faster Quick Name Search is located on the home page;
• Site Index - offers a quick overview of the site's organization; and
• Contact Us - provides contact information for the State Bar staff and leadership, as well as frequently requested phone numbers.

Next, look at the shortcuts on the right side of the home page. Here you can quickly access popular site content by clicking on the appropriate links. Shortcuts include:

• Wisconsin Case Law - provides easy access to 10 years of free case law;
• Legislative Advocacy - find out what's going on in the Legislature, about State Bar public policy positions, how to contact public officials, and how to get involved in State Bar grassroots programs;
• Forms - find State Bar forms, mandatory court forms, and other legal forms;
• Wisconsin Lawyer magazine - view the current issue, search for an article in a back issue, or browse the issue archive;
• Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) - quick access to help with confidential assistance coping with addictions and other problems related to the stress of practicing law;
• Calendar of events - view or search a comprehensive listing of all State Bar business meetings, CLE Seminars, and other events;
• Sections - provides a quick link to resources offered by the State Bar's 26 sections. Some content in these areas will require section members to log in to access; and
• Classified ads - view classified ads placed online and in the Wisconsin Lawyer magazine. Place an ad online without waiting for print deadlines.

Other useful features include printer-friendly formatting and Tell a Friend email.

Why the redesign. The WisBar Web site has grown to more than 24,000 pages, and 10 million pages of material were accessed from the site last year alone. The site was put in place nearly 10 years ago and has outgrown its navigational structure making it difficult for users to find and retrieve information. Nearly 60 percent of State Bar members visit WisBar at least once a month, with nearly 40 percent visiting the site daily to several times per month.

Member feedback is welcome.