https://www.wisbar.org/Pages/RSS.aspx60https://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=31709https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31710https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31710Michael BezoianAlthough cryptocurrencies were conceptualized in the 1980s and blockchain technology was first implemented almost 20 years ago, many attorneys remain unfamiliar with these digital assets and the technology that enables their use. This first of two articles explains the concepts and underlying laws to help trusts and estates attorneys advise clients who own cryptocurrencies.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-blockchain-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31710https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31711https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31711Jill RothsteinJill Rothstein describes welcoming a new cohort of Wisconsin lawyers as both a celebration of their achievements and a renewal of the promise we made upon entering this profession. 2026-07-27 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=7&ArticleID=31711https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31712https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31712Julijana EnglanderA crucial aspect of merger and acquisition transactions is allocating exposure to the target company's risks and liabilities and determining who bears the financial burden if the seller's claims about the company prove inaccurate. Representations and warranties insurance is an option for dealing with this risk and thus an important concept for transactional lawyers to familiarize themselves with, whether they're counseling buyers or sellers.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-nuts-and-bolts-representations-warranties-insurance-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31712https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31713https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31713Timothy J. PierceAI recording and transcription platforms can save lawyers time, but they also raise ethical concerns. Lawyers must understand the technology, obtain informed client consent, protect confidentiality, verify accuracy, preserve client files, and properly supervise staff who use these tools.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-ethical-dilemma-ai-recording-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31713https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31714https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31714Megan E. LeeThe State Bar of Wisconsin's Legal Assistance Committee supports civil legal aid and related efforts, such as the annual Wisconsin Equal Justice Conference. The 2026 conference includes continuing legal education with a special focus on immigration matters and the second year of raising funds for the committee's grant program.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-bridging-the-justice-gap-legal-assistance-committee-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31714https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31715https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31715Dr. Amber AultThe personal characteristics behind successful lawyering often become liabilities in intimate relationships, in which partners need openness, collaboration, and emotional presence more than argumentation or analytical precision. Amber Ault shares insights from social scientists to help readers understand why some lawyers struggle in intimate relationships and how they can strengthen those bonds.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-listening-to-lawyers-in-love-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31715https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31716https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31716David William SimonLaw firms have shifted from restricting generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to mandating it. Neither phase has told rank-and-file lawyers what they need to know: when AI delivers better, faster, and cheaper work; when it's risky; and how to tell the difference. This article provides an empirically grounded framework for figuring this out.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-technology-genai-governance-gap-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31716https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31717https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31717Nadia L. GonzalezThe activities that bring you joy outside of work can sharpen the very skills – time management, communication, advocacy – that make you a better lawyer.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/Gonzalez-Nadia-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31717https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31718https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31718Interesting facts, trends, tips, bits and bytes in the news.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-briefly-money.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31718https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31719https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31719Check out some recent happenings in the legal world of Wisconsin.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-snapshot-swearing-in-uw.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31719https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31720https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31720Daniel 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).2026-07-27 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=7&ArticleID=31720https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31721https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31721Daniel 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.2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/SiteCollectionImages/wisconsinlawyer/courthouse-steps-columns-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31721https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31722https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31722The Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR), an agency of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, provides these summaries. The OLR assists the court in supervising the practice of law and protecting the public from misconduct by lawyers. The OLR has offices at 110 E. Main St., Suite 315, Madison, WI 53703; toll-free (877) 315-6941. Find the full text of these summaries at wicourts.gov/olr.2026-07-27 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=7&ArticleID=31722https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31723https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31723Who's become a partner, changed firms, received an award, and more. Share your own announcement!2026-07-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/07/wl-2026-07-members-only.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=7&ArticleID=31723https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31636https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31636Essays from State Bar of Wisconsin members form a rich and varied conversation – one that underscores the enduring relevance of the Declaration of Independence and the continuing responsibility of the legal profession to help bring its ideals closer to reality.2026-06-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/06/wl-2026-06-usa250-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31636https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31637https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31637Joseph A. RanneyWisconsin's road to statehood was paved with territorial courts, land laws, constitutional experiments, and the radical promise of eventual equality with the Union. But the same legal order that made statehood possible also accelerated the displacement of Native Nations whose lands made that future possible.2026-06-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/06/wl-2026-06-wisconsin-statehood-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31637https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31638https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31638Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet & Justice Brian K. HagedornTwo Wisconsin Supreme Court justices highlight their top 10 reasons the Wisconsin Constitution can be useful to lawyers in their advocacy for clients.2026-06-05 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/2026/06/wl-2026-06-10-reasons-wisconsin-constitution-1200x630.jpghttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=6&ArticleID=31638