Bar seeks member comment on filing amicus brief, case raises practice of law issues

June 4, 2003

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to hear Seitzinger v. Community Health Network and Berlin Memorial Hospital on the issue of whether legal representation of a physician at a hospital disciplinary (peer review) hearing by a New Jersey lawyer constitutes the unauthorized practice of law in violation of Wis Stat 757.30, and if so, whether the supreme court should create an exception for such practice.

The State Bar is examining the issue of whether to move the court for an opportunity to file an amicus brief on the question because the case may have long-range consequences for the profession on what constitutes the practice of law. In anticipation that the State Bar Board of Governors may debate and vote on whether to file an amicus brief in this case at its July 11 meeting, the State Bar seeks member comment and recommendation by July 9.

The petition to the supreme court is available at www.wicourts.gov/html/ca/02/02-2002.htm. Send feedback to State Bar Executive Director, George Brown, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707-7158, amicus@wisbar.org, or fax (608) 257-5502.