July 24, 2009 – Fulfilling a long-standing policy goal of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the new 2009-11 biennial state budget (2009 Wisconsin Act 28), which Gov. Jim Doyle signed into law on June 29, repeals a 14-year statutory provision that effectively banned insureds from stacking auto insurance policy limits for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Aug. 5, 2009 — The Professional Ethics Committee highlights the 2007 changes to the rules governing communications with clients regarding fees and scope of a representation. The committee also offers guidance in areas the rules lack specificity.

Aug. 5, 2009 — The Ninth Circuit, in Quon v. Arch Wireless Operating Co., recently found that a public employee had a reasonable expectation of privacy in text messages sent and received on his employer-owned pager. Deborah Spanic advises businesses to review their computer usage policies after Quon.