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2023 Amendments to the Trust Account Rule: Electronic Transactions Permitted

On March 30, 2023, the Wisconsin Supreme Court amended the lawyer trust account rule, SCR 20:1.15, removing prohibitions on electronic transactions and providing lawyers greater flexibility in handling client funds. The newly amended SCR 20:1.15 becomes effective July 1, 2023, and represents a major change in the regulation of lawyer trust accounts in Wisconsin.

By Aviva Meridian Kaiser, Timothy J. Pierce & Travis J. Stieren

Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Competency: Keys to Being Effective In-house Lawyers

Developing cultural competency is crucial to providing effective counsel to domestic and international businesses. The needs of specific businesses and their stakeholders are informed by their culture(s). Here are tips to develop their cultural competency and emotional intelligence.

By Mai Der Mary Shaw

Justice Roggensack, 'Tireless Advocate' for Court System, Retires

Justice Patience Roggensack will retire from the Wisconsin Supreme Court on July 31. Legal writer Jeff Brown spoke with her about her tenure and legal career.

By Jeff M. Brown

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
The State Bar Makes Practicing Law Easier
Margaret Hickey encourages members to learn about the many ways the State Bar assists attorneys to improve law practice and the justice system.

Your State Bar
Stepping Up in Service to Our Communities
State Bar of Wisconsin members and staff play essential roles in their communities by volunteering in a variety of ways. Larry Martin provides a few examples of staff volunteers.

101
Supreme Court Adopts Transition to Mandatory E-Filing
Starting July 1, 2023, e-filing will be mandatory for attorneys in nearly all types of matters filed in the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Court commissioners David Runke and Timothy Barber explain what you need to know.

Managing Risk
It’s a Simple Transaction – What Could Go Wrong?
WILMIC's recent experience demonstrates that the risk of a malpractice claim arising out of transactional work is significantly higher than in litigation – especially in estate planning. Matt Beier explains.

Ethics
Ethical Concerns of Using Social Media
To use social media safely (that is, not violate ethics rules), Dean Dietrich says lawyers must focus on preserving client confidentiality and not making misleading statements.

Solutions
The Importance of Civil Legal Aid Services
The Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund supports three organizations that provide direct civil legal services to people in need. Marta Meyers explains.

Legal History
The Creation of Wisconsin: Part 1 – From Territory to Statehood
This article, focusing on the creation of the state of Wisconsin, is the first in a short series honoring the 175th anniversary of Wisconsin's admission as the 30th state in the U.S. on May 29, 1848. Watch for future articles by the Hon. Hannah Dugan.

Blogs of the Month
Featured Blogs of the Month
Blogs selected for this column are published through the State Bar of Wisconsin's section blogs and WisLawNOW, the State Bar's aggregated community of Wisconsin legal bloggers.

Final Thought
Law Enforcement, the Public, and Victims Deserve Fully Funded Legal Services
Peter Tempelis says inadequate funding of Wisconsin's criminal justice system jeopardizes homicide prevention efforts.