Cost-effective ways to meet CLE requirements
After more than a decade of interviewing lawyers and frequently asking what they like best about the legal profession, I can say that one of the most common responses is some variation of, “I like to learn.” (Happily, I must add that, “I like to help people” is a strong contender for the top spot, […]
Are we really getting tough on financial fraud?
Consumer outrage about “bailout madness” and the proliferation of Ponzi schemes and investment fraud is fueling a push for greater oversight and regulation. The government is talking tough, saying that there will be more prosecutions for financial fraud forthcoming. That sounds good, doesn’t it? Of course we’re all in favor for more aggressively pursuing those […]
Court’s paternity decision follows precedent
Last week, I summarized the Wisconsin Court of Appeals consolidated opinions in Hendrick v. Hendrick, No. 2008AP722,and State v. Skarzynski, No. 2008AP723 (Wis. Ct. App. Feb. 10, 2009) (recommended for publication), which affirmed the order rendered by the Judge Francis T. Wasielewski of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. In the paternity action, Skarzynski was adjudicated […]
Smartphones — a smart choice for lawyers on the go
During the Solo & Small Firm Conference last October, Brookfield attorney/CLE presenter Martin L. Ditkof said purchasing an iPhone was his “best technology moment.” (My best tech moment was marrying an engineer/gadget-head aficionado.) Recently, Ditkof reiterated his praise for the iPhone on the State Bar’s Practice 411 list serve — prompting me to follow up […]
ABA president: Good news, greater opportunity
There’s a lot of good news about lawyers in the recently released pro bono study from the American Bar Association. But more important, the study provides good news for the consumer of legal services. First, the study shows that nearly three-fourths of lawyers voluntarily provide free legal services to a deserving cause or person, otherwise […]
Employers up in arms over ‘bring your gun to work’ laws
There’s been a growing trend among states to enact legislation making it illegal for employers to prohibit their employees from bringing their licensed guns to the job site and storing them in their cars. Florida, for instance, enacted the Preservation and Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act of […]
Trial judge had authority to seek paternity testing
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals recently issued its consolidated opinion in Hendrick v. Hendrick, No. 2008AP722, and State v. Skarzynski, No. 2008AP723 (Wis. Ct. App. Feb. 10, 2009) (recommended for publication), which affirmed an order rendered by Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Francis T. Wasielewski. Garry and Jennifer Hendrick were married in early September 1999. […]
Act in accordance with what your brand promises
In a tough economy, brand focus can help you compete. As clients pull back budgets wherever possible, a well-articulated brand can help you compete for available pots of money. Whether developing a brand for an entire firm or branding an individual attorney practice, it all comes down to knowing what makes you different and valuable […]
Disclosure of interest key to setting support level
Last week, we summarized the Wisconsin Court of Appeals recent decision in Stevenson v. Stevenson, No. 2007AP2143 (Wis. Ct. App. Feb. 4, 2009) (recommended for publication), which tells us in its first two sentences that a child support payor’s game of “cat and mouse” is finally over, with him getting caught. This week, we’re going […]
Carry your computer applications in your pocket
A long-time friend/practicing attorney recently told me that she’ll never own a laptop, because then the expectation at her small firm of other family members would be that she’d work at home, as well as in the office. With portable apps, the topic of this week’s article, she could seamlessly work from her office PC, […]
Dad who didn’t disclose must pay retroactive support
From the first two sentences of a recent Dist. II Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision, it was evident that it was not going to be good news for Jeffery B. Stevenson, who “played a game of ‘cat and mouse’ with the court for nine years. He has finally been caught.” Stevenson v. Stevenson, No. 2007AP2143 […]
Watch for bailout fraud on the horizon
If you thought that the $50 billion Ponzi scheme allegedly perpetrated by Bernard Madoff is big, get ready. The amount of fraud that is sure to arise out of all the federal government bailout activities will dwarf that by many multiples. How do I know? The sheer magnitude of the bailout activity, coupled with the […]
Legal News
- With GOP convention over, Milwaukee weighs the benefits of hosting political rivals
- Congress to formally investigate Secret Service
- Milwaukee Police Department issues statement regarding video release policy
- GOP convention sets the stage for the Democratic convention in Chicago, activists and police say
- Survey: Harris has enough delegates to be nominee
- Outside the RNC, small Milwaukee businesses and their regulars tried to salvage a sluggish week
- Biden called to resign immediately after the president announces he won’t seek reelection
- Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race, endorses Harris
- Local PA cops allegedly thought Trump’s would-be assassin was Secret Service
- Biden-Lead Secret Service admits agency denied past requests by Trump’s campaign for tighter security
- Class action filed against Walgreens
- Former Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant pleads guilty to smuggling contraband
Case Digests
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel; Double Jeopardy; Sentencing
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel; Sexual Assault-Prosecutorial Misconduct
- Contract-Negligence
- Criminal Law; Juvenile Law; Discovery
- Family Law; Child Support; Property Division First paragraph(s)
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel- Exclusion of Evidence of Witness Bias
- Postconviction Relief-Sentencing-Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
- 14th Amendment – Due Process
- Criminal-Sentencing Guidelines – Enhancement
- Bankruptcy-Tax
- Civil Rights – 14th Amendment-Jury Instructions
- Contract; Foreclosure and Property