https://www.wisbar.org/Pages/RSS.aspx60https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31533https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31533Jeffrey O'BrienPrince's belief that contracts were immoral led to his decision not to put a proper estate plan in place, triggering significant tax liabilities for his estate and obstacles for his family members in terms of the administration of his estate and in benefiting from his remaining musical assets. Ultimately, this newfound "moral" opposition to contract law would lead to one of the messiest estates in Minnesota history. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-princes-views-estate-planning-purple-rain-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31533https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31539https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31539Jeffrey A. Mandell & Kacy C. GurewitzNo single electoral reform is going to cure every ailing aspect of democracy in the United States. But at least one reform, fusion voting, is ripe for reexamination by courts that previously upheld state bans on its use. This article explains what fusion voting is and why people are talking about it. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-as-i-see-it-fusion-voting-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31539https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31540https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31540Jennifer Rock D'AmatoWisconsin, like many states and some countries, has a relatively high proportion of residents who are age 65 or older. This demographic trend emphasizes the importance of lawyers being familiar with various postdeath administration options, to minimize costs, delays, and conflicts for clients and their heirs. This article, the first in a six-part series on various aspects of probate law and administration, reviews key techniques available in Wisconsin. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-post-death-navigating-aging-population-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31540https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31542https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31542Emily CaubleTaxpayers receive information about tax law from a variety of sources – not only from tax advisors or the IRS. Some of the information is dispensed when a taxpayer is deciding not how to file a tax return but whether to engage in a transaction. Lawyers and tax advisors should be aware of the potential sources of information and misinformation that individuals might encounter before or while filing tax returns. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-channels-tax-law-misinformation-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31542https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31543https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31543Dan GartzkeMentoring is an expression of faith and trust in our profession's future. I encourage new lawyers to reach out to potential mentors, and older, experienced lawyers to consider providing mentorship. There is much to learn from one another. 2026-04-09 00:00:00http://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2025/10/Gartzke-Dan-D-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31543https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31544https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31544Jill RothsteinParticipate in this year's election to determine the leaders who will influence the State Bar of Wisconsin's strategic priorities, the resources we provide to members, and how effectively we serve the public.2026-04-09 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=4&ArticleID=31544https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31547https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31547Sean Lee HarringtonThe view that criminal laws prohibiting possession of contraband – in this case, child pornography – are inapplicable to lawyers is not a use case that Wisconsin lawyers should test, the author argues. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-as-i-see-it-continuing-discussion-handling-child-porn-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31547https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31548https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31548Sarah E. PetersonPursuant to SCR 20:1.16(c), a judge can order a lawyer to stay on a case, notwithstanding good cause for withdrawal. In such situations, what's a lawyer to do? A recent opinion from the U.S. District Court of the District of Massachusetts touches on the difficulties a lawyer can face when trying to withdraw and offers guidance on how to carry out the representation if the motion is denied. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-ethical-dilemma-judge-wont-let-you-withdraw-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31548https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31549https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31549Dr. Amber AultAnxiety is a natural response to challenging periods, but it does not have to define one's experience. Learning more about anxiety and then engaging in practices to manage it are first steps toward attaining well-being, regaining control, and finding strength amid adversity. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-listening-to-lawyers-antidotes-to-anxiety-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31549https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31550https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31550Cale Battles, Lynne Davis & Devin MartinOne thing that nearly all legislative work has in common is compromise. Without compromise, the work of legislating would almost always grind to a halt from the friction of opposing viewpoints. But compromise can be difficult to achieve. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-rotunda-report-legislative-compromise-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31550https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31551https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31551Matthew M. BeierWhen used responsibly, artificial intelligence tools do not replace a lawyer's judgment. Instead, they reinforce the habits that reduce risk: thoughtful communication and careful documentation confirming the lawyer's advice and clients' decisions. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-managing-risk-timeless-professional-duties-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31551https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31552https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31552Fatimeh Dominique PahlavanA transactional law clinic at Penn State Dickinson Law may point toward a different model of legal education. Its Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic suggests that law school clinics can do more than train students: they can also expand access to legal services for small businesses and startups at meaningful scale. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-solutions-rethinking-legal-clinics-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31552https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31553https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31553Tony Stephen Wilkin GibartEarth Day's primary founder was Wisconsin lawyer and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who in 1970 proposed a nationwide teach-in to focus public attention on the growing crisis of environmental degradation. The response has been extraordinary. 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-final-thought-earth-day-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31553https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31554https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31554Interesting facts, trends, tips, bits and bytes in the news.2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-briefly-vote.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31554https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31555https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31555Check out some recent happenings in the legal world of Wisconsin.2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-snapshot-MockTrial26-BrookfieldCentralTrophy_2191_1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31555https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31556https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31556Daniel 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).2026-04-09 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=4&ArticleID=31556https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31557https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31557Daniel 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.2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/SiteCollectionImages/wisconsinlawyer/courthouse-steps-columns-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31557https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31558https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31558Who's become a partner, changed firms, received an award, and more. Share your own announcement! 2026-04-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/04/wl-2026-04-members-only.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=4&ArticleID=31558https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=3&ArticleID=31482https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=3&ArticleID=31482Rebecca C. FurdekThe first year of the second Trump administration, beginning in mid-January 2025, included notable developments in the areas of federal regulatory and enforcement actions. This article discusses the landscape of some of the most significant developments for lawyers.2026-03-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/03/wl-2026-03-more-executive-orders-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=3&ArticleID=31482https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=3&ArticleID=31483https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=3&ArticleID=31483John A. BeckerLiability for governmental entities for safe-place-statute violations is unclear because of conflicting opinions from the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. The supreme court can restore harmony on the topic but only if and when it accepts review of a case involving a person injured in a public building owned by a governmental entity. 2026-03-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/03/wl-2026-03-as-i-see-it-governmental-immunity-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=3&ArticleID=31483