State Bar takes up lawyer dues

Listen to this article

State Bar of Wisconsin leaders will consider a plan to change the way lawyers pay dues at the beginning and end of their careers.

On Friday, Sue Collins, co-chair of the State Bar’s Dues Evaluation Committee, pitched a proposal to the Board of Governors that would add two years to the timeline that new lawyers can pay half-price dues and also broaden the classification of emeritus lawyers.

Currently, for the first three full years of practice in Wisconsin, lawyers pay half of the total cost of dues, which have remained at $224 for the last eight years.

For the first half-year of practice after being sworn in, new lawyers are not required to pay dues.

The Dues Committee proposal would extend that reduction to five years, as a response to the trend of new lawyers struggling to find work in a down economy, Collins said.

“Basically, this would put another $224 in the pockets of new lawyers,” Collins said. “That’s not insignificant and I wouldn’t mind an extra $224.”

The other proposal put forth by the Dues Committee would change the classification of emeritus lawyers from one category to three.

Currently, lawyers 70 and older can apply for emeritus status and pay no dues, but still practice law.

The proposed change would create a new category of emeritus lawyers, from ages 70-75, who if active in practice, would be required to pay half dues.

Inactive members ages 70-75 and attorneys older than 75 would not be required to pay dues.

The board is expected to vote on the proposal at its February meeting. Any changes to the dues’ structure would require a rules change petition to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.