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Copycat: Plagiarism, Copyright Infringement, & Lawyers

The purpose of lawyers' legal writing is not to demonstrate our individual skills; it is to communicate on behalf of our clients and advance their goals. The authors clarify the basic principles of copyright infringement and plagiarism as they apply to the work of lawyers.

Avoiding E-Discovery Traps

The same technology boom that necessitated Wisconsin's electronic discovery rules provides the tools for attorneys and clients to avoid potential traps and fulfill duties created by the new rules, in conjunction with federal court guidance.

Revising the Residential Offer Form

As of July 1, 2011, real estate licensees are required to use the 2011 WB-11 residential offer to purchase form, which replaces the 2010 version. The 2011 revised form addresses most of the concerns with the older form but also raises new questions.

Web Extras

WebXtra: Applying Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement Rules to Lawyers’ Work

Lawyers do a lot of copying. Why charge a client to create a document from scratch when you can draw from many existing sources? In this video, available online with the June 2011 Wisconsin Lawyer, the authors clarify the basic principles of copyright infringement and plagiarism, and advocate for a flexible notion of plagiarism adapted to the needs of the institutions in which lawyers work.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

Inside the Bar
Making Good Bars Better
The State Bar supports local bars with leadership training, programs, and services.

President's Message
1,000 Thanks
Thank you to everyone for a memorable year as your president.

Ethics Opinion
Informal Opinion EI-11-01 Legal Information Seminars: Information or Advice?
EI-11-01 discusses considerations that arise when lawyers are presenters at legal information seminars.

Ethics
Lawyers Owe Clients 'Reasonable' Communication
The professional conduct rules set out reasonable expectations that lawyers must follow in communicating with clients.