Editor's Note
A New Look for Wisconsin Lawyer
By Joyce Hastings ,
Editor
During this magazine's 72-year history, four
editors took the publication through three title changes and at least
six major redesigns. This month the editorial board and staff present a
new look for the Wisconsin Lawyer, culminating more than a year
of work that began last spring with a readership survey.
Clearly, our readers find the WL a valuable resource, with
seven in 10 members reading one-half or more of a typical issue.
Interestingly, solo practitioners and lawyers over age 55 are more
likely to read an entire issue.
Developing editorial that appeals to the diverse interests of our
readers is a challenge. Our instate readers want cutting-edge
information about state law developments, while our 5,000 nonresident
members want practice management tips. Women more frequently read
articles about career satisfaction and transition. Those in practice
less than 15 years are more interested in technology and practice
management topics. Lawyers practicing for more than 25 years enjoy legal
history.
Survey respondents tell us they like to read about their colleagues,
particularly the "Personal Mentions" column. Supreme Court and Court of
Appeals digests, disciplinary actions, and ethics advice also receive
high readership. Eight in 10 readers want the WL to continue
publishing the digests, even though there are other sources for this
information.
Some design and editorial changes introduced in this issue - and
future issues - are obvious, others more subtle. Some changes are
targeted to appeal to a younger audience, while others are intended to
appeal to the small-firm practitioner that comprises more than 50
percent of our membership, and other changes simply improve current
offerings. Changes include:
- new typography that updates the magazine's look, including a
ragged-right line ending to increase readability;
- an expanded "Personal Mentions" column, now known as "In
the News," featuring photos to facilitate lawyer-to-lawyer
networking and referrals;
- a more visually interesting table of contents and "Legal
News & Trends" column, formerly titled "News Briefs";
- more frequent coverage of ethics issues, tips for running an
efficient small practice, and advice on various career alternatives,
among other topics; and
- a greater commitment to involve readers in the publication, whether
it is through letters to the editor, how-to practice advice, or humorous
real-life anecdotes.
The editorial
board serves as the eyes and ears of the profession, devoting
countless hours annually to evaluating material submitted to the
publication and thinking about future direction. This support is
invaluable. Of course, a magazine is only as good as the staff behind
it. The WL
staff is top-notch. I wish you could witness their enthusiasm and
commitment to delivering a quality product to you each month - from
their attention to detail to the excitement we share when we find the
perfect art to accompany a well-written article.
Magazines are fluid. From issue to issue, the editorial board and
staff reevaluate its content, tinker with its design. With your input we
will continue to strive to deliver a forward-looking, insightful
publication that addresses the issues you face.
Please let us know what you think.
Wisconsin
Lawyer
