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As the coronavirus pandemic continues to run its course, Wisconsin employers should be prepared for an increase in claims arising from job losses caused by pandemic shutdowns and related employment decisions. While much attention is rightfully given to federal employment laws, it is important to note that state laws can – and often do – vary considerably from federal laws. Importantly, when two or more laws apply to an employee, the employee generally receives the benefit of the most favorable provision. That said, understanding nuances between state and federal law can reduce legal liability. This article highlights what employers should…
(This blog is about ridiculousness so I am using a stately stock gavel as the accompanying image.) In my ethics nerd friend circles, we often discuss “those cases.” “Those cases” either involve attorney discipline or judges admonishing attorneys for allegedly bad behavior outside of the disciplinary cases; they’re not of great importance or precedential value by themselves. But they act as cautionary tales and generate extra publicity and discussion (at least in my ethics nerd friend circles) because they involve some combination of vulgarity, sex, “really, you have a law license and thought this was a good idea?” and/or general…
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By Attorney Jennifer Hayden of Petrie + Pettit S.C. The Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources has partnered with the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association to provide “direct assistance” for struggling Wisconsin tenants by way of 25 million dollars allocated to agencies across the state. Tenants who meet certain income and need eligibility can apply for the funds through the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association which will then issue payment directly to the Landlord on behalf of the Tenant.  Since this program will require the tenant to apply directly for the monies, if you have not already done so,…
As you likely know, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the statewide Safer at Home orders as invalid and unenforceable. That means that any further statewide rules will need legislature’s actions. Many counties and municipalities then implemented their own orders, but many did not. Some municipalities that originally said they were going to have such orders have now taken them back. Dane County, however, released a detailed, phased plan on Monday. We are not going to discuss the opinion. There are lots of attorneys who want to do that more than we do. Dissecting the opinion won’t help…
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For the last dozen or more jury trials I have had, there comes an inevitable moment where opposing counsel crosses the line of permissible voir dire, and starts to “try his/her case” through the jury panel. If it happened half the time it might be one thing. But it happens in literally every case I try. After asking if anyone thinks there are too many lawsuits or whether all chiropractors are inept (proper voir dire), counsel inevitably asks the jurors whether anyone thinks it is important for bus drivers to follow safety rules (or some variant of that question if…