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Estate Planning Metamorphosis: Wisconsin’s New Trust Code

The new Wisconsin Trust Code, effective July 1, 2014, is transformative and makes Wisconsin a better place to administer trusts. It answers basic questions not covered in the previous trust code and provides new tools that add flexibility for estate planning attorneys and their clients.

Keep Your Case Afloat: Wisconsin’s Court Competency Doctrine

A court’s competency to hear a particular dispute is a procedural issue that can torpedo a party’s case before it is considered on the merits. Generally, a court lacks competency to hear a case if a litigant fails to comply with a statutory mandate. Learn how to avoid case-sinking hazards.

Lights On: Litigating Shareholder Disputes

When shareholders in nonstatutory close corporations want to leave the business, there is only one statutory remedy: judicial dissolution of the close corporation. Courts and litigants are now finding ways to address shareholders’ need for judicial intervention without employing the drastic remedy of dissolving the company.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Exit Stage Right
As president, Patrick Fiedler worked on challenging issues facing the justice system, including the Second Chance Bill and court funding.

Your State Bar
Yes, Tomorrow’s Leaders Were Everywhere
George Brown lauds the hundreds of volunteers who made the 2014 National Mock Trial Tournament memorable.

101
5 Tips to Love and Live with Your Blog
Jessica Mederson describes how to maintain enthusiasm for your blog over the long haul.

10 Questions
Lisa Boero: On a Life Without a Face, and Turning Deficits into Assets
Corporate lawyer Lisa Boero can’t recognize anyone, including herself, by looking at the person’s face. To compensate, she’s become a detective of details.

As I See It
A Three-Legged Stool: What Does the Future Hold for Wisconsin Court Funding?
Director of State Courts John Voelker says the court system still functions well, but continued reductions in funding could lead to negative consequences.

Solutions
Timing Is Everything: Introducing Confidentiality Agreements at a Mediation
Russ Ware recommends requesting confidentiality in a settlement agreement early in a mediation.

Ethics
Advertising Rules Apply to Lawyers’ Personal Social Media Pages
Dean Dietrich explains that any communication about legal services is covered by the Rules of Professional Conduct, no matter where it appears.

Solutions
Should Trial Lawyers Handle Their Own Appeals?
Kimberly Alderman explains why the answer to that question generally is no.

On Balance
Addicted to Busy
Being busy isn’t a bad thing, says Paula Davis-Laack, as long as the activity is purposeful.

Managing Risk
Protect Yourself and Your Clients: Review Your Malpractice Policy
Tom Watson says to ensure continuation of your coverage, report to your malpractice insurer all issues that might become claims.

Final Thought
I Blame The Good Wife for My Disappointed Clients
Christopher Krimmer says the only way to overcome clients’ warped perspective of the law and lawyers is simply to be ourselves.