Ruder Ware

In today's complex business world, legal issues affect almost every business decision. Ruder Ware is a reliable single source of valuable legal expertise that helps business owners, managers, and individuals maximize and protect their corporate and personal financial assets.

With over 40 attorneys and 100 years of experience in serving business owners and individuals, Ruder Ware has established itself as one of Wisconsin's largest and most successful law firms. Through our offices in Wausau, Eau Claire, and Green Bay we guide our clients through intricate legal issues around the world.

At Ruder Ware, we work diligently to earn your trust by providing sound, responsible counsel to proactively manage and minimize legal matters so you can focus on your profit goals.

Website: https://www.ruderware.com/
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Latest from Ruder Ware

On November 13, 2025 the Internal Revenue Service announced the cost-of-living adjustments for the various qualified retirement plan limits.  Almost all of the limits shown below have increased from last year.
 

Qualified Plan Limit
Cost-of-Living Adjustments

401(k) and 403(b) elective deferral limit

2025 – $23,500

2026 – $24,500

$200,000 compensation limit

2025 – $350,000

2026 – $360,000

$160,000 defined benefit limit

2025 – $280,000

2026 – $290,000

$40,000 defined contribution limit

2025 – $70,000

2026 – $72,000

$80,000 definition…
Continue Reading 2026 Qualified Plan Cost of Living Increases, 2026 Social Security Taxable Wage Base

Assembly Bill 281 (Senate Bill 287) would require certain Wisconsin employers to participate in the federal E-Verify program. The proposed mandate would apply to state agencies and local government units within Wisconsin. In addition, bidders on state contracts subject to the low-bid process would be required to enroll in E-Verify to qualify to bid.

Insight from Ruder Ware Government & Public Affairs Team:

Assembly Bill 281 was recently approved by the Assembly Committee on Commerce, and its…
Continue Reading Wisconsin E-Verify Bill Poised to Pass Legislature

Ruder Ware is pleased to announce that Attorney Amy Ebeling has been appointed to the U.S. Leadership Committee for Meritas, the leading alliance of independent law firms that serves the legal needs of companies doing business across markets worldwide. Ebeling will serve a three-year term, building relationships throughout the organization on behalf of the U.S. membership, furthering the mission of the organization, and participating in strategic planning, member recruitment, retention, and development for the region.
“Members, such as…
Continue Reading Attorney Amy Ebeling Joins Meritas’ U.S. Leadership Committee

On October 20, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued new guidance clarifying how the recent $100,000 H-1B fee proclamation would be implemented, notably:

  • The $100,000 fee does not apply to petitions filed before September 21, 2025.
  • The $100,000 fee does not apply to petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, requesting a change of status, amendment, or extension of stay (beneficiary should not depart while petition is pending to ensure fee does not apply).

…
Continue Reading USCIS Issues New Guidance on $100,000 H-1B Fee Proclamation

On October 16, 2025, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that President Trump’s recent proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions is unlawful, and an injunction preventing the agencies from implementing the fee.

This marks the second legal challenge to the $100,000 H-1B fee proclamation. Earlier this…
Continue Reading U.S. Chamber of Commerce Sues Trump Administration Over $100,000 H-1B Fee Proclamation

Date and Time: November 6, 2025 8:00 am
Location: Hilton Garden Inn151401 Cty Rd NN, Wausau, Wisconsin

Presenters:
Sara J. Ackermann, Samuel J. S. Moheban, Mary Ellen Schill, Nicole L. Stangl, Morgan H. Sweeney
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Ruder Ware’s Annual Employment & Benefits Law Conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn (map and directions) on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
7:30 a.m.   Registration
8:00 a.m.   Welcome & Introductions
8:05 – 8:55 a.m.
Continue Reading Annual Employment & Benefits Conference 2025

On September 19, 2025, the President signed an executive order directing the creation of a “Gold Card” program in which a one-million-dollar gift to the United States on behalf of an individual or two-million-dollar gift to the United States by an entity on behalf of an individual shall be treated as evidence of eligibility for an employment based first or second preference immigrant visa. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security have 90 days…
Continue Reading White House Announces Gold Card Visa Program and Teases Upcoming Platinum Card Visa Program with Unique Tax Benefits

Late last week, the White House issued a Proclamation which added a payment requirement of $100,000 to new H-1B petitions. The Proclamation provides a narrow exception for persons whose employment is determined in the Secretary of Homeland Security’s discretion to be in the national interest of the United States. This new requirement went into effect on September 21, 2025, and expires after 12 months absent extension.

A memorandum issued by USCIS later clarified that the proclamation only applies to…
Continue Reading Presidential Proclamation Creates $100,000 Payment Requirement for New H-1B Petitions

In July, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in Evers v. Marklein that reshapes how administrative rules are created and implemented in the state. The Court struck down the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules’ (JCRAR) authority to indefinitely suspend or block regulations, finding those powers unconstitutional.

In response, Governor Tony Evers sent a directive on August 12 to his cabinet secretaries, instructing agencies to “proceed without delay” in finalizing rules that had already cleared hearings,…
Continue Reading Capitol Connection: Wisconsin Supreme Court Shifts Rulemaking & Regulatory Landscape

As you may be aware, on July 4, 2025, a landmark piece of tax legislation – commonly referred to as “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – was signed into law, ushering in some of the most significant changes to the tax code in recent years. This sweeping bill touches nearly every corner of the tax landscape, with key highlights including a substantial increase to the estate and gift tax exemption, the elimination of federal income tax on tips and…
Continue Reading One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Stay Tuned for Our Client Alert Series

The ever-changing landscape of state government requires businesses across all industries to stay informed on the happenings in Madison. Welcome to the July issue of the Capitol Connection.

 In this issue:

  • Governor Tony Evers Signs 2025–2027 Wisconsin Biennial Budget into Law
  • K-12 Education and Child Care
  • UW System and Technical Colleges
  • Tax Relief for Household Affordability
  • Investments in Tourism Industry
  • Health care and Public Health
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Development
  • Support for Veterans and Military Families
  • Agriculture, Conservation, and Clean

…
Continue Reading Capitol Connection, July 2025