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Features

Lawyers who provide pro bono legal services to low-income people do so for many reasons. Read what the lawyers profiled in this issue say about their pro bono work, their reasons for doing it, and how they got involved.

Fundamental Changes: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005

The bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer PRotection Act of 2005 makes more than 150 significant amendments to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, changing the protections offered to credit consumers.

Congressional Delegation Championed Employee Benefit Protections in Bankruptcy Law

Wisconsin's congressional delegation worked together to write provisions protecting employee benefit plans that are part of the Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.

Legal News & Trends

Avery Task Force examines wrongful convictions, new study commission to examine criminal justice system

The Avery Task Force has completed its work on several reform issues to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the criminal justice system. The task force, appointed by Rep. Mark Gundrum, Wisconsin Assembly Judiciary Committee chair, was created to examine the causes of wrongful convictions and other ways to improve the criminal justice system to ensure conviction of only the guilty.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

Inside the Bar
Accept five cases as assigned by the State Public Defender and not only will you be assisting people accused of a crime and helping to make our justice system more accessible, but you also will earn free CLE from the State Bar.

Letters

Profile
The camaraderie that police officers share influences former cop Mike Guerin's outlook on the legal profession and shapes his perspective as the new State Bar president.

Ethics - Providing Ancillary Services to Clients
Lawyers can provide services other than legal representation to clients, but they must follow SCR Chapter 20 and address the special concerns that arise when providing these services.

Practice Tips
Here are some basic resources to help you navigate the complex web of treaties, federal statutes and regulations, federal case law, and tribal codes, constitutions, and jurisprudence that affect American Indians.

Doing Good, Getting Started
Perhaps you have thought about providing pro bono civil legal services to people who need them, but felt unsure about what to do and how to start. The State Bar Pro Bono Initiative stands ready to help.

Meta-Sites, Updating Services, Lexis and Westlaw
Other types of Internet resources on American Indian law include "meta-sites," which provide a compilation of links to American Indian-related Web sites, and updating services that can help keep you up to date on new developments in American Indian law. Lexis and Westlaw also have some resources on American Indian law.