https://www.wisbar.org/Pages/RSS.aspx60https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31795https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31795Anna Watson & Tressie Kelleher KampHow should liability be assigned when PFAS contamination is widespread and often difficult to trace? Wisconsin's new laws address that question with $133 million in remediation funding and new liability exemptions that set the state apart from its Great Lakes neighbors.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-10-new-pfas-legislation-water-fountain.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31795https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31796https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31796Christian A. HansonThe Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision in Evers II ended a legislative check on administrative rules and altered the balance of power between branches. What comes next may depend in part on how the legislature responds after November’s election.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-10-separation-of-powers-gameboard.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31796https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31797https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31797Alicia Christin Ratajczak & Reg Paul WydevenA new law aims to help incapacitated individuals receive needed long-term care more quickly, but the streamlined process raises concerns about judicial oversight, patient rights, and other important safeguards.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-10-new-patient-representative-legislation.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31797https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31798https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31798Abigail Renee McGowanA will names heirs, nominates an executor, and directs how debts get paid. It doesn't guarantee that heirs can be located, the executor is equipped to run a family business, or the estate has enough cash to cover its obligations. Wisconsin probate law fills in what a will leaves out.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-10-problematic-administrations-probate.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31798https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31799https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31799Aaron FredericksonLawyers who handle worker's compensation and personal injury matters regularly encounter obstacles posed by Medicare Secondary Payer compliance requirements. Congress's inaction on agency overreach, especially since the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Chevron deference, is adding to the uncertainty and delays.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-10-chevron-loper-bright.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31799https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31800https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31800Stephen Walter SawyerState Bar president Stephen Sawyer marks the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with a reflection on career, loss, gratitude, kindness, and living with greater intention.2026-10-05 00:00:00http://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=9&ArticleID=31800https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31801https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31801Jill RothsteinJill Rothstein highlights how the Mock Trial Program gives young people a firsthand look at the justice system while giving lawyers and judges a meaningful way to mentor, teach, and give back.2026-10-05 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=9&ArticleID=31801https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31802https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31802Jay D. JerdeShe began as a newspaper reporter, presided over roughly 200 jury trials, and wrote Wisconsin's most-cited opinion before serving as chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Now on senior status, Judge Diane Sykes is still hearing cases and looking back on three decades of work.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/Sykes-Diane-Judge-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31802https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31803https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31803Dean R. DietrichA client's refusal to settle isn't grounds for withdrawal — and a clause to the contrary won't hold up. The Rules of Professional Conduct vest settlement authority in the client, not the lawyer, regardless of what the engagement agreement says.2026-10-05 00:00:00http://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/dietrich-dean-r-2023-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31803https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31804https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31804Matthew M. BeierA recent Wisconsin circuit court case, in which an individual sued the attorney who prepared the estate plan for the plaintiff's romantic partner, illustrates the importance of risk-management measures for lawyers who do estate planning.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-07-storm-surge-probate-trust-litigation-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31804https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31805https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31805Jeff Goldman & Michael BezoianThe State Bar of Wisconsin has a charitable arm, the Wisconsin Law Foundation, that supports law-related education and service. The Foundation is regularly asked about the mechanics of charitable giving; this overview answers common questions. I hope it assists you in your practice — and the Foundation in its mission. — Fran Deisinger, Past President, Wisconsin Law Foundation2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-07-solutions-charitable-giving.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31805https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31806https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31806Lynne DavisThrough Capitol meetings and district visits with legislators and staff, the State Bar of Wisconsin's Government Relations team builds understanding of the legal profession and judicial system, leading to greater success on legislative initiatives and budget matters.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-07-rotunda-report-raising-profile.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31806https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31807https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31807Brent J. HoeftCybersecurity starts with everyday habits. Brent Hoeft outlines practical steps law firms can take now to protect client information, reduce risk, and prepare for a breach.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-07-practice-pulse-cybersecurity.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31807https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31808https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31808On Sept. 3, 2026, the State Bar of Wisconsin Professional Ethics Committee issued Opinion EF-26-01, discussing the duty to report misconduct by lawyers and judges.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.orghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31808https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31809https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31809Michael A. LeveyFive decades after a legal services internship shaped his career, Michael Levey urges lawyers to help close the justice gap through service, funding, and reform.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/Levey-Michael-A-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31809https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31810https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31810Interesting facts, trends, tips, bits and bytes in the news.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-10-briefly-justice-on-wheels3-copy.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31810https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31811https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31811Daniel 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.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/SiteCollectionImages/wisconsinlawyer/courthouse-steps-columns-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31811https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31812https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31812These summaries are based on information provided by the Office of Lawyer Regulation, an agency of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/wisconsin-supreme-court-fisheye-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31812https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31813https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31813Who's become a partner, changed firms, received an award, and more. Share your own announcement!2026-10-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/10/wl-2026-07-members-only.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31813https://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=31757