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Features

The use of genetic-genealogy test results by law enforcement agencies and other investigators to attempt to identify criminal suspects is regarded by many people as positive, but scientific limitations and privacy-related legal and ethical concerns abound

By Bicka Barlow & Dr. Kristen McCowan

Wisconsin Disability Accommodation Law Evolves

Wisconsin law provides some protections against adverse employment actions for employees who have disabling illnesses or conditions that affect their work. A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals case demonstrates that employers must act in good faith when employees request disability accommodations in the workplace.

By Jennifer Scott Mirus & Storm Larson

Becoming a Great Negotiator: Six Tips for Lawyers

In law, as in life generally, resolving a disagreement often requires the willingness to give up some things in exchange for getting others. Lawyers who are great negotiators can help clients reach optimal results.

By David William Simon & John Burrows

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Moving the Profession Forward – Solo and Small Firm Lawyers
Dean Dietrich says lawyers who have solo practices or are in small firms are vital to meeting the legal needs of Wisconsin residents, especially those in the state's rural areas and small communities.

Your State Bar
Paralegal Certification Program Expands Access to Justice
Larry Martin says Wisconsin lawyers can help themselves, their practices, and the public by encouraging paralegals to become certified through the State Bar of Wisconsin's Paralegal Certification Program.

Q&A Profile
Q&A with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul
AG Josh Kaul and Jeff Brown discuss the annual State Crime Lab Report and a multi-state lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Ethics
Know Your (Material) Limits
"Material" limitations on representing potential clients might not be immediately apparent. Stacie Rosenzwieg says lawyers have an ethical duty to think about their relationships and responsibilities that could be significant enough to become conflicts of interest.

Solutions
Taking Steps to Stop Violence Against the Legal Community
"Reduce Your Risk: A Guide to Personal Safety and Security for the Legal Community" helps legal professionals recognize the potential for violence against them and take steps to prevent it. Jeff Brown presents some key takeaways.

On Balance
The Power of Ikigai: Unveiling Purpose for Lawyer Well-Being
Julie Bonasso says finding a purpose in life can make it easier to tolerate and survive unavoidable changes, stresses, and losses.

Technology
Pick Your Winner: 2024 Smartphone Lineup
James Pearson highlights key security aspects, overall performance, and battery life of the year's top smartphone manufacturers: Apple, Google, Samsung, and Motorola.

Rotunda Report
In It for the Long Haul – Criminal Justice Reform Doesn't Happen Overnight
The State Bar's Government Relations team writes that it is possible for policy makers to be tough on crime while also bringing needed reforms that are fair and keep our communities safe, but legislative changes take time and effort.

Final Thought
Coming Together to Improve Our Criminal Justice System
Notwithstanding the best intentions of the people who work within it, the criminal justice system itself has many challenges. Kelli Thompson identifies a few of them.