Wisconsin Access to Justice president to step down

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Gregg Moore, the man who has led the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission since its inception in 2009, plans to step down next month.

Moore, a state Supreme Court appointee, said he still will be a member, as he was reappointed last year. But he will not seek the position of president again.

Commission member and former Milwaukee municipal judge Jim Gramling said he will seek the position during the commission’s meeting April 4. The commission members vote for their president.

Moore, who also is the county board chairman in Eau Claire County, said serving as the board’s leader is a large commitment, though he thinks Gramling is up to the task.

“The commission has great value,” Gramling said, “and great opportunity to have an impact around the state in terms of improving the value of civil legal services.”

The commission was set up by a state Supreme Court rule in 2009. Its mission is to improve and encourage measures that make it easier for those who cannot afford an attorney to negotiate the legal system.

It is paid for by a State Bar reserve that will have $57,000 left in it by the end of June. Moore said he has received no firm commitment for more money once the reserve runs out.

In addition to electing a new president, the April meeting also is set to include an annual update given to the state Supreme Court. Moore and Gramling said the commission plans to bring up money needed for the future and whether an appropriation can be made in the state’s next biennial budget.

“It’s a huge concern,” Gramling said, adding that the question is, “Can we stay alive financially to hopefully do work in the future?” Follow @eheisigWLJ