The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission is looking into proposing a change to the rules of civil procedure that would channel more money to civil legal services.

The number of pro hac vice applications went down 25 percent in the six months since a major fee increase.

The recently increased pro hac vice fee will keep the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission Inc. afloat, but so far commission President Jim Gramling said it looks like the group will net less than expected.

For the first time in recent memory, advocates for expanding civil legal services for indigent clients in Wisconsin want the Legislature to study the effects it would have on the state.

Leaders in the Wisconsin's legal services community say they still do not know whether any money will be restored into the state's budget to pay for those who need representation for civil cases.

An influx of money from pro hac vice fees will allow Wisconsin’s Access to Justice Commission Inc. to continue its work, but questions remain about its future viability.

Access to Justice Commission President Gregg Moore made it clear Friday that the commission’s continued operation hinges on state money to pay for it.

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 ...