Long before I was a trademark nerd, I was a biology geek with the science degrees to prove it. Yes, I have read Darwin’s The Origin of Species – in my own free time at that. I also recently read Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne and The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Three very different books, but they each have a way shifting perspectives. All of them
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Build stress reduction into your routine
As a senior in high school, I must make a lot of decisions for the next steps in my life. The questions people always have for me these days are; “How is senior year going?” “Do you know what you want to do or where you want to go?” I always reply that I am ready to be done and move on to the next chapter in life! Or that I plan to go for political science, but I
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IRS Releases New Mileage Rates for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2025 optional standard mileage rates today for computing the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. The most notable change is the per mile increase for business use mileage.
Effective January 1, 2025, the optional standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
Being Thankful – One Week Early
I recently finished reading Arnold Schwarzenegger’s book Be Useful, and one message really stuck with me: None of us are self-made. Every accomplishment, every milestone, is built on the support, wisdom, and generosity of others. As I reflect on ten years of legal practice, and how I got here, this truth feels especially meaningful.
With the holidays around the corner, it’s the perfect time to express my gratitude to a few of the incredible people who have helped me
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‘Tis the Season to Plan: Holiday Insights for Business Owners
The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and gratitude. However, it’s also a great opportunity to take stock of your business and personal affairs. As a business owner, you’re likely busy with year-end tasks, holiday parties, and family gatherings. But don’t forget to carve out some time to address your business and estate planning needs.
Holiday Insights for Business Owners
1. Year-End Business Planning:
- Review Your Business Goals: Take a moment to reflect on your business’s achievements
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Do I Need a Business License to Operate in Milwaukee?
Do I Need a Business License to Operate in Milwaukee?
Posted on September 23,2024 in Business Law
Many businesses in Milwaukee are required to obtain a business license before they can legally operate. Whether you are starting a restaurant, retail store, or professional service firm, a license is often necessary to ensure your business complies with local regulations. Even home-based businesses or online operations may need certain permits depending on the type of work you do.
Checking the specific
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Generative Artificial Intelligence 101: Evaluating the Consistency and Reliability of Generative AI for Content Creation
Generative AI still cannot consistently or reliably create content without substantial inaccuracies, racial and gendered biases, or outright fabrications.
In our previous Generative Artificial Intelligence 101 blog post, we defined Generative AI and its many benefits. This time we will discuss why we cannot rely on Generative AI completely, just yet.
While Generative AI is leaps and bounds more advanced than any other type of machine learning program that has ever existed, the current models are still plagued
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Generative Artificial Intelligence 101: What Is Generative AI, and What Are Its Benefits?
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
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Generative Artificial Intelligence 101: An Introduction
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
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OG+S’s Lego Parallel
This is Erin setting the scene for this week’s post. It’s written by Carter, our high school administrative assistant. It was spurred by our firm’s recent discussions about 1) our culture and how it impacts our actions, and 2) what a target client is. I was happy to see that our people are listening, thinking, and implementing those discussions – even the high schooler. So if he can do it, what’s our excuse if others aren’t? How about you?
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Read It or Weep: ABA Issues Opinion on the Growing use of Generative AI in the Practice of Law
This week, the ABA released its first formal opinion covering the growing use of generative AI in the practice of law. To ensure clients are protected, the opinion mandates that lawyers using gen AI must “fully consider their applicable ethical obligations” including duties to provide competent legal representation, protect client information, communicate with clients, and charge reasonable fees.
Here are some excerpts from the opinion:
- “To competently use a GAI tool in a client representation, lawyers need not become
Tips on Detecting & Improving AI-generated Text
As generative AI tools become increasingly sophisticated and widely used, the ability to distinguish between AI-generated and human-written text has become a hot topic. While AI can be an incredibly powerful tool for writing and research, it’s important to understand its strengths, limitations, and potential “tells” that may indicate its use. Below are some tips for detecting AI-generated text and, more importantly, how to improve and personalize AI-assisted writing to make it truly your own.
Last week’s Inside Higher
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Not Just a Matter of Looking Pretty—Why Typography Matters in Legal Writing
“Typography matters because it helps conserve the most valuable resource you have as a writer—reader attention.” Matthew Butterick — Typography for Lawyers.
Lawyers, especially appellate lawyers, spend a lot of time on content and organization. But often when it comes to font and other typographical issues, it is easy to settle for the default—like Times New Roman, bold a few headings, and call it a day. Lawyers often perceive this as the “safe” choice.
Typography is more than what
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Get Involved: Public Interest Law Volunteer Opportunities
We all have good intentions when it comes to volunteering, but oftentimes we either do not know where to start or have limited availability.
But whether you are volunteering weekly, monthly, or even yearly, any time you dedicate your expertise to helping individuals less fortunate, you are involved in public interest volunteering.
Here are opportunities for individuals to find their volunteer journey – whether they are a newly minted volunteer or those with experience seeking to broaden their volunteer
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Life Means Life, or Not
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
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Rural Lawyers: Reap the Benefits of Teaming Up with Paralegals Remotely
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
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