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Home Safe Home: Wisconsin’s Castle Doctrine and Trespasser Liability Laws

Soon after passing concealed-carry legislation, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted two other laws to clarify state residents’ right to use weapons in self-defense and land possessors’ responsibility to trespassers. Although the castle doctrine law and the castle doctrine law and the trespasser liability act became effective Dec. 21, 2011, questions remain as to their provisions.

As I See It: James Bond or Jay Gatsby? An ‘Operation’ to Recover a Judgment Abroad

The operation began with a Wisconsin judgment for past due legal fees, but serving the former client in Honduras quickly became an adventure for an intrepid lawyer and legal team. Read how the author tried to recover a judgment from a former tax client who skipped out on his family, his business, his creditors, and his lawyer.

PDF Tools for Lawyers: An Apple-to-Apples Comparison

The State Bar’s Law Office Management advisor reviews four PDF products with law-firm-appropriate features and describes their highlights and drawbacks. Don’t miss the helpful chart ranking the products in different categories.

Web Extras

14 PDF Tools All Law Firms Should Have to Maintain Client Confidentiality

June 5, 2013 – Lawyers face unique document production challenges, from the filing requirement of courts and other governmental agencies to the need to maintain confidentiality of client information and prevent unauthorized changes to documents. In this video, Nerino Petro, State Bar practice management advisor, talks about the basic PDF features all lawyers should have in their offices.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
A Progression
In his “long and short” year, Kevin Klein looks at accomplishments achieved and work yet to be done.

Your State Bar
Restoring Confidence
The Wisconsin Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection helps restore and maintain confidence in the state’s lawyers, says George Brown.

101
Writing a Professional Letter
Gretchen Viney observes that most lawyers write professional letters, but few lawyers have specific training for doing so. Her tips fill that gap.

10 Questions
Scott Thompson: On the Air at WEKZ, 93.7 FM
With five radio stations, independent owner Scott Thompson likes the dynamic that radio brings to the crowded media landscape. Oh, and he practices elder law, too.

Ethics
Interview with Potential Client Might Bar Representing Opposing Party
Dean Dietrich says an attorney who a client considers, but decides against, hiring for a specific litigation matter might be barred from representing the opposing party.

Managing Risk
Suing for Fees: To What Lengths Should You Go to Get Paid?
Evaluate each potential case to determine whether the fees at issue justify the costs and the possibility the attempt will not succeed, says Tom Watson.

Final Thought
Involvement Adds to Practice
Michelle Behnke gets involved in Bar and community projects because it feels good to solve problems – and it helps her make sense of what she does each day.