https://www.wisbar.org/Pages/RSS.aspx60https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31757https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31757Bryna GodarThe Wisconsin Supreme Court's 2025–26 term unfolded largely outside the political spotlight. However, the 2026–27 term may not be as quiet, with two redistricting challenges to the state's congressional maps and a case that could revisit the court's approach to statutory interpretation.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-wisconsin-supreme-court-review-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31757https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31758https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31758Daniel A. MannaWhen federal courts interpret Wisconsin law, their decisions can provide useful guidance to lawyers practicing here, even though state courts are not bound by them. Six recent rulings illustrate how federal judges are applying Wisconsin law to issues ranging from defamation and insurance coverage to arbitration and wage-and-hour claims.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-significant-recent-wisconsin-federal-court-decisions.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31758https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31759https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31759Peter R. HeyneWisconsin law allows some young offenders to have their criminal records expunged after they accept responsibility and complete their sentences. In practice, however, the underlying statute's wording and application leave meaningful gaps for many who qualify. This first installment in a two-part series examines what expungement does and does not accomplish under current Wisconsin law.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-expungement.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31759https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31760https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31760Shannon M. WestMost estates pass to heirs without incident. When they don't, the disputes tend to center on a handful of issues: a will's validity, a fiduciary's conduct, or the misuse of a power of attorney, claims that can blend probate, trust, and tort law.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-navigating-probate-and-trust-litigation.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31760https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31761https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31761Stephen Walter SawyerGood lawyering draws on judgment, perspective, and diligence. Attorneys nurture those qualities by making time for a full life outside their work.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-stephen-sawyer-profile-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31761https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31762https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31762Jill RothsteinWhile driving in Scotland, Jill Rothstein noticed something about the road signs. This column asks what it means to give way, rather than simply yield, in our profession.2026-09-10 00:00:00http://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/Rothstein-Jill-Portrait-2025-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31762https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31763https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31763Zoe Engberg & Kate BurdickIn State v. K.R.C., the Wisconsin Supreme Court clarified that judges must assess whether a young person was "in custody" from the perspective of a reasonable child. The authors contend that as police presence in schools grows, this shift in standard is a meaningful step, but it doesn't go far enough.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-as-i-see-it-boundaries-police-interrogations.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31763https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31765https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31765Stacie H. RosenzweigWhen lawyers serve in public office, their ethical obligations as attorneys don't disappear. The attorney regulatory system can impose discipline for actions taken during a campaign or while serving as an elected official, even if those actions have nothing to do with the practice of law.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-ethics-election.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31765https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31766https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31766Hon. R Michael WatermanA verdict is a jury's most important message, but it's not the only one. Jurors have plenty to say about a trial, especially about the lawyers who tried it. Here are the comments Judge R. Michael Waterman has heard most often from the jurors who served in his courtroom.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-from-the-bench-what-jurors-say.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31766https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31768https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31768Eric A. RistauThe Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, October 22-24 in Wisconsin Dells, offers attendees the educational credits, practice-management strategies, and statewide community they need to work on their firms, not just in them.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/Ristau-Erin-A-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31768https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31769https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31769We want to hear from you! Wisconsin Lawyer magazine provides a forum for members to share their thoughts on law-related issues. Send us your thoughts, post a comment, and find us on social media. 2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-letters-typewriter-laptop-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31769https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31770https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31770Interesting facts, trends, tips, bits and bytes in the news.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-briefly-Juror-Appreciation-Sketch-for-Briefly.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31770https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31771https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31771Check out some recent happenings in the legal world of Wisconsin.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-snapshot-Facebook-image-Dahlberg-O-Meara-Group-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31771https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31772https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31772Daniel D. Blinka & Thomas J. HammerIn this column, Prof. Daniel D. Blinka and Prof. Thomas J. Hammer summarize all decisions of the Wisconsin Supreme Court (except those involving lawyer or judicial discipline).2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/SiteCollectionImages/wisconsinlawyer/wisconsin-state-capitol-supreme-court-chambers-doors-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31772https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31773https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31773Daniel D. Blinka & Thomas J. HammerIn this column, Profs. Daniel D. Blinka and Thomas J. Hammer summarize select published opinions of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Full-text decisions are linked below.2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/SiteCollectionImages/wisconsinlawyer/courthouse-steps-columns-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31773https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31774https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31774Who's become a partner, changed firms, received an award, and more. Share your own announcement!2026-09-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-members-only.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31774https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31767https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31767Joe ForwardThis term, the U.S. Supreme Court decided several high-profile cases by a 6–3 margin — including striking down campaign finance limits, allowing states to bar transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports, and blocking an executive order to end birthright citizenship. This recap breaks down the cases, the votes, and what they reveal about the Court's ideological divide.2026-09-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/09/wl-2026-09-scotus-watch.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=8&ArticleID=31767https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31707https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31707Jonathan R. Ingrisano, Mark Ong Thomson & Xavier JenkinsThe largest wave of wealth transfer in U.S. history is underway, as the relatively affluent Baby Boomer generation has now reached retirement age en masse. This article explores the phenomenon and its causes, examines its key effects on Wisconsin legal practice and the courts, and offers practical strategies for weathering the storm.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-storm-surge-probate-trust-litigation-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31707https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31708https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31708Shannon GreenStephen Sawyer's path to becoming president of the State Bar of Wisconsin has taken him from Navy helicopters to Milwaukee finance law and from rescue missions at sea to criminal defense in Stevens Point. As he begins his term, Sawyer brings a message shaped by service, rural practice, and the belief that kindness and humility belong at the center of the profession.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-stephen-sawyer-profile-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31708https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31709https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31709Jackie Messler & Peter J. WyantAs the population ages, there is a growing need for attorneys to help clients plan for what will happen to their property after they die. If a person dies with more than $50,000 in assets, and those assets cannot be transferred through a probate-avoidance or summary mechanism, probate administration is necessary. This article provides a step-by-step guide to probate administration, the second in a series on post-death administration in Wisconsin. Additional articles will appear in future issues of Wisconsin Lawyer.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-intro-handing-probate-administrations-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31709