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Pamela J. Tillman

Pamela J. Tillman, a Shareholder Attorney at Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C., has built a remarkable career in the legal field, particularly in representing businesses in complex litigation matters. With a focus on insurance coverage issues, commercial litigation, employment disputes, and professional liability, Pam has developed a reputation for her deep understanding of the intricacies of litigation.

Reflecting on her journey, Pam offers a wealth of advice to younger colleagues, sharing the lessons she wishes she had…
Continue Reading What I Wish I’d Known – Thought Leadership with Pam J. Tillman

As the golden days of summer start to wane, the mornings greet us with a hint of chill, and the evenings slip into darkness a bit too soon. It’s already noticeable how dark it is by 7:30 p.m. or how it still lingers at 5 a.m. The purpose of this post isn’t to depress you (though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little sad about the upcoming change of seasons) but to encourage you to finish…
Continue Reading Finish Summer Strong While Prepping for Year-End Success

To understand the impact of generative artificial intelligence technology (Generative AI), it is helpful to understand first how this technology differs from artificial intelligence that has been in routine use by many industries.

Artificial intelligence encompasses any theory, computer system, or software that is developed to perform tasks that traditionally required human intelligence. Generative artificial intelligence technology is a subset of this technology.[1]

Starting with the basics, Generative AI is an algorithm that can be used to create…
Continue Reading Generative Artificial Intelligence 101: What Is Generative AI, and What Are Its Benefits?

What is Generative AI, what can it do, and what should you be worried about?
Generative artificial intelligence technology (“Generative AI”) has seen a surge in advancement and attention in the past few years. With the release of ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence models (also referred to as “generative AI programs” or simply AI “generators”), Generative AI has integrated itself across many different industries, schools, and even households. As public use of this technology increases, there is a…
Continue Reading Generative Artificial Intelligence 101: An Introduction

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Hon. Jeh Charles Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and ABA Task Force for American Democracy co-chair, speaks on “The Threat to Democracy.”

July 11, 2024 – A dozen speakers recently gave sobering presentations on the threat to democracy during a nonpartisan event from the American Bar Association’s Task Force for American Democracy, in partnership with the State Bar of Wisconsin.

The program, called
Wisconsin: Elections in the 21st Century (watch now) was held in-person July…
Continue Reading American Bar Association Brings Democracy Listening Tour to Wisconsin

Before April 24, 2024, Roger G. Merry was a licensed lawyer in the State of Wisconsin despite numerous disciplinary actions. On that date, the Supreme Court finally decided enough is enough and revoked his license, overriding the recommendation of the referee who (amazingly) recommended a one year suspension. Disciplinary Proceedings Against Roger G. Merry, 2024 WI 16. In a concurring opinion, authored by Chief Justice Annette Ziegler, five justices (a majority of the court) agreed with the decision…
Continue Reading Life Means Life, or Not

In rural Wisconsin, attorneys face distinctive obstacles including inadequate access to resources and overburdened calendars (often due to travel).

For attorneys with offices in secluded or rural locations, covering extensive territories to serve their clients and managing multiple duties is essential to maintain their legal practice. Skillfully managing business costs is crucial. Client appointments and court dates necessitate appearances. Leveraging the skills of competent legal assistants can significantly mitigate these hurdles.

Paralegals as trained professionals can perform tasks that…
Continue Reading Rural Lawyers: Reap the Benefits of Teaming Up with Paralegals Remotely

I feel gratitude commemorating two enriching years at Ogden Glazer + Schafer (“OG+S”) as a Paralegal in the Intellectual Property practice. As I reflect on this milestone, I am struck by the journey, the career shift and finding myself in an environment that fosters growth, champions values of DEI, continual learning, and collaboration. Influential author Brené Brown reminds us, “vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change” and this change left me feeling unsure yet eager to delve…
Continue Reading Celebrating Two Years as an IP Paralegal: A Journey of Change and Growth

In the vast landscape of legal practice, solo and small law firms stand out as models of accessibility and personalized service.

Smaller firms often provide a level of attention and care that larger firms may struggle to match. However, operating on a smaller scale also presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to generating a consistent flow of clients.

In this dynamic environment, referral sources emerge as invaluable assets, playing a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the reach…
Continue Reading Nurturing Growth: The Crucial Role of Referral Sources for Lawyers in Solo and Small Firms

Watching the lawyers involved in numerous high-profile trials, from the various Trump cases to the Michigan mother of the school shooter, causes me to wonder: just how much do these lawyers actually believe what they’re advocating?

The practice of law can be highly disingenuous. As a friend of mine once put it: “Sometimes I feel like a prostitute where I’m assuming a position in exchange for a fee.”

Being a lawyer brings innumerable variations on this theme, some more…
Continue Reading Law as a Career

Global communication network concept. Worldwide business.

In an increasingly digital age, our lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the online world. From financial accounts to cherished memories captured on social media, our digital footprint holds a significant part of our legacy. Yet, many individuals overlook the importance of including digital assets in their estate planning. Let’s explore why safeguarding your digital assets is crucial and how to ensure they are part of your comprehensive estate plan.

1. Understanding Digital Assets:

Digital assets encompass…
Continue Reading Preserving Your Digital Assets

Note: Creepio, an AI, is a featured player among Auralnauts.

The current infatuation with Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially at the state bar which is pushing CLEs about how lawyers need to get on the AI bandwagon, is generally an un-serious infatuation with a marketing concept.

AI and LLM – language learning models, on which much of recent AI is based – has nothing to do with accuracy. So, for a legal practice or any kind of professional activity…
Continue Reading Limits of AI and LLM for Attorneys

There are two processes for processing thoughts. One process addresses a lot of our needs. It monitors for threats and opportunities. It is mostly controlled by the amygdala, which means it is a lot of emotion and actions being acted upon unconsciously and automatically. It bypasses the neocortex. The other process lives in the neocortex and is conscious and rational. This takes a little longer (sometimes only seconds longer, but often much longer). It weighs and analyzes.

Stuff…
Continue Reading State Your Intentions

We have habits (good and bad). We have routines (intentional and non-intentional). But rituals? Maybe not so much.  Setting and implementing goals can be pretty stressful. Anxiety often rides along on any journey to a goal – especially those goals involving growth (personal or business). If it is causing growth, it is causing you to push and stretch. That almost always means stress. So, if we opt to set growth goals (and you know I do), how can we…
Continue Reading Rituals Aren’t Just for Year End

Another day, another misuse of ChatGPT. A Colorado attorney was fired from his job after using, and suspended last month for one year and one day (with all but 90 days stayed, subject to probation) because he used, ChatGPT to prepare a motion. As with other lawyers who’ve gotten into trouble for misusing AI, Zachariah Crabill filed the motion without verifying that case citations were accurate. Lo and behold,  they were not.
 According to the Colorado Supreme Court decision…
Continue Reading The First Rule Of Messing-Stuff-Up Club: Don’t Blame the Intern

stock photo - calendaring

We have to treat our time like a precious resource. It has to be used effectively.

First, let’s look at what we are doing right now, and which of those things we shouldn’t be. Welcome to the Eisenhower Matrix or the 4 Ds. Which things are Do, Delay, Delete, or Dump? Put another way, divide your tasks into: Urgent/Important, Not Urgent/Important, Urgent/Unimportant, and Not Urgent/Unimportant.

Urgent/Important = DO 
Not Urgent/Important = DELAY (Distractions) 

Urgent/Unimportant = DELEGATE 
Not Urgent/Unimportant =…
Continue Reading Divide and Conquer Your Time Sinks