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A New Era: Products Liability Law in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s products liability law has undergone a sea change. Changes to Wis. Stat. chapter 895 adopt a new test of defectiveness, leaving behind the analysis of consumer expectations in strict liability claims and substituting the reasonable-alternative-design standard. Plaintiffs now must meet more stringent requirements to recover for an injury caused by defective products.

The Shaping of a President: Jim Brennan

State Bar President Jim Brennan credits his upbringing as the son of an Irish immigrant cop and a nurse, in a family that values justice and advocacy for the poor, for shaping his life’s work – the pursuit of justice. As president, Brennan's focus will be on supporting the roles lawyers play in the justice system and assuring the public of the Bar's commitment to equal justice.

Over Assessed? Appealing Home Tax Assessments

Nearly 60 percent of the nation's taxable property may be over assessed. There are many reasons for real estate appraisal inaccuracies, which may affect a property owner's tax assessment. It is important that taxpayers and their attorneys understand how appraisals are conducted and the different types of tax assessment appeals that are available, including their processes and limitations.

Leaving a Client: Confidentiality Upon Withdrawal

Most courts require a lawyer to seek permission to withdraw from representing a client and usually require the lawyer to provide some reason. Withdrawing lawyers still owe a duty of confidentiality to the client, however, and should not disclose information that would be detrimental to the client's interests.

Web Extras

WebXtra: Changes to Wisconsin’s Products Liability Law

To recover for an injury caused by a defective product, plaintiffs now must prove a manufacturer rejected a reasonable alternative design that would have reduced the foreseeable danger. In this video, available online with the July 2011 Wisconsin Lawyer, coauthor Jessica Ozalp explains that the adoption of this new test of defectiveness is among the biggest changes to Wisconsin’s products liability law.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

Inside the Bar
The Power of Remembrance
Deaths of colleagues are sad occasions but also provide opportunities to commemorate their lives and achievements.

Ethics
Limits on Lawyers' Witness Preparation
Resources help lawyers determine when they are crossing the line from acceptable witness preparation to inappropriate coaching.

Managing Risk
Learn from Others' Mistakes
In this malpractice-claims review, learn what common mistakes are being made – and how to avoid them.

Marketing
HICCUP to Stand Out on Facebook
Keep your Facebook page interesting with a rich mix of informative, educational, humorous, and fun content using the HICCUP method.

Career
Women Lawyers Walking the Tightrope
In part one of this two-part article, the author shows the glass ceiling is still in place and traditional career paths still prevail.