Committee may propose clinic for crime victims, pro bono for DAs

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A committee charged with studying ways the state can ensure residents have access to civil legal services will be discussing legislation it might propose for introduction next session.

The Legislative Council Study Committee on Access to Civil Legal Services will be reviewing draft legislation as well as other recommendations at its Dec. 19 meeting.

The committee, which is composed of judges, lawyers and other stakeholders involved with the state courts, will be finessing a proposed bill to create a crime victims legal clinic at the University of Wisconsin Law School. The clinic would be paid for through grants from a federal crime victims program, according to a preliminary draft of the bill.

Committee members will also be discussing a proposal to modify state law so that full-time district attorneys, assistant district attorneys and deputy district attorneys can provide pro bono legal services as long as it does not conflict with their counties’ interests.

Members will also be finalizing the language involving several recommendations to the Legislature, including that state government consider funding the development of an app that would give residents access to legal information and support.

The committee will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 411 South in the state Capitol.