When my father passed away a few years ago, my family and I gathered at his home to start the difficult process of sorting through his belongings. Between the photo albums, old love letters to my mom, and vintage Cubs memorabilia, we found something no one expected — a shoebox filled with cash.
At first, we laughed. Then we looked at each other and asked, Wait… what do we do with this?
If you’ve ever been in this situation
Continue Reading I Found Cash In My Dad’s Closet- Here’s What You Should Know
COA affirms third standard (2.c.) ch. 51 appeal due to abnormal neck movements and previous food restriction
Winnebago County v. J.D.M., 2024AP1601, 4/16/25, District II (1-judge decision, ineligible for publication); case activity
COA affirms the circuit court’s orders recommitting J.D.M. (referred to as “Josh”) for twelve months and authorizing involuntarily administering medication. A jury found Josh mentally ill, a proper subject for treatment, and dangerous to himself or others. Josh argues on appeal that the county did not present sufficient evidence at trial to prove that he was dangerous under § 51.20(1)(a)2.c., d., or e,
Continue Reading COA affirms third standard (2.c.) ch. 51 appeal due to abnormal neck movements and previous food restriction
Mental health and the law
With a lump or two in my throat, I’m going to address one of the most difficult issues in the area of law — the complicated situation of those suffering with mental health conditions who are involved in our legal system. I am certainly not going to solve any problems or, unusual for me, even propose a solution. This article is simply my observations regarding a terrible problem, not as a mental health therapist or provider, but as a
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SCOW clarifies that law protecting employees from discrimination based on arrest records applies to non-criminal offenses
Oconomowoc School District v. Cota., 2025 WI 11, 4/10/25
In a case tangentially related to defense practice, SCOW clarifies that a Wisconsin statute prohibiting employment discrimination based on arrest records applies to non-criminal offenses, such as an allegation of theft prosecuted in municipal court.
“Subject to limited exceptions, an employer may not terminate an employee because of the employee’s arrest record.” (¶12). § 111.32(1) defines an arrest record as including:
information indicating that an individual has
Continue Reading SCOW clarifies that law protecting employees from discrimination based on arrest records applies to non-criminal offenses
Attorneys and Law Students Present on Employment Rights
This spring, labor and employment attorneys and law students have been busy teaching employee rights and obligations to students in Madison.
Naomi R. Swain, U.W. 2021, is an associate attorney at
Hawks Quindel’s, Madison office. Her practice covers worker’s compensation, disability benefits, and family law. Under attorney supervision, U.W. Law School students in the Labor and Employment Student Association (LESA) spoke with high school students about basic employee rights. Similarly, labor and employment attorneys present to Certified
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Digitize Those Old Photos and Videos at Madison Public Library’s Personal Archiving Lab
Many of us have boxes of old photos, home videos on VHS tapes, or cassette recordings tucked away in closets or basements. Wouldn’t it be nice to digitally preserve them and make them more accessible for friends and family? Thankfully, Madison Public Library has you covered.
The Personal Archiving Lab at Madison’s Central Library provides equipment for digitizing various types of analog materials. This free service allows community members to convert their personal collections into digital formats that can
Continue Reading Digitize Those Old Photos and Videos at Madison Public Library’s Personal Archiving Lab
From LLC to C-Corp Without a Tax Hangover
If your startup began life as an LLC, you’re not alone. A lot of founders are told that starting as an LLC is “easier” or “cheaper.” That might be true on paper, but if you’re planning to raise venture capital (even eventually) it’s usually better to start as a C-Corporation.
Here’s one reason why: converting from an LLC to a C-Corp during a financing round can trigger a surprise tax bill if you’re not careful.
When a company converts
Continue Reading From LLC to C-Corp Without a Tax Hangover
State Bar Board Selects Next Executive Director, Approves FY 2026 Budget, Takes Other Action
The State Bar’s Board of Governors invited Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Brian Hagedorn to give opening remarks at the Board’s meeting on April 11, 2025. He discussed the high cost of entering the legal profession coupled with the problem of legal deserts, and ideas to consider. He also discussed the politicization of the bar and other institutions, and threats to the constitutional order. Photos: Shannon Green.
April 14, 2025 – Jill Creston Rothstein will become the State Bar of
Continue Reading State Bar Board Selects Next Executive Director, Approves FY 2026 Budget, Takes Other Action
Delaware Enacts Significant Changes to its General Corporation Law
The Delaware legislature has been moving quickly to ensure that Delaware remains the preeminent home of choice for many corporations by amending the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL). The comprehensive changes, known as SB 21, became law on March 25, 2025, when the Delaware House of Representatives passed the bill, and Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed it into law. A copy of SB 21 as finally adopted is available on the Delaware Legislature website. Delaware’s legislature and governor
Continue Reading Delaware Enacts Significant Changes to its General Corporation Law
Wisconsin’s Wind Energy Future Uncertain After Executive Order
On his first day in office, Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that was a shot across the bow to American wind energy production.
The executive order includes the following directives:
- withdrawal from disposition all areas within the Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS) for wind energy leasing;
- a halt in consideration of any area in the OCS for new or renewed wind energy leasing;
- a temporary halt and immediate review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices;
Continue Reading Wisconsin’s Wind Energy Future Uncertain After Executive Order
Weekly Hospital Real Estate Briefing: Top 10 Real Estate Market Trends We’re Tracking
We are taking a break from our regular briefing this week to focus on a list of trends we are seeing in the market. Take a look at our list—if we didn’t cover a trend you are seeing in the market, send us a note. We always enjoy hearing from our readers. As always, if we can be of service to your organization, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for Retirement – It’s for Right Now
Too many high-earning professionals and business owners think of estate planning as something to do “someday”—after retirement, after the kids are grown, after things slow down. But life doesn’t always wait for the perfect moment. Whether you’re running a practice, growing a business, or building generational wealth, the decisions you make today will shape what happens if life takes an unexpected turn. Estate planning isn’t about preparing for the end—it’s about protecting what you’ve built while you’re still here
Continue Reading Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for Retirement – It’s for Right Now
Jill Creston Rothstein Selected as Next Executive Director for the State Bar of Wisconsin
April 11, 2025 – The State Bar of Wisconsin’s 53-member Board of Governors today selected Jill Creston Rothstein as the State Bar’s next Executive Director. Rothstein, currently general counsel for the South Carolina Bar, will succeed Larry J. Martin, who is retiring effective Sept. 2, 2025.
“Jill is brilliant, curious and thoughtful, pairing a strong analytical mind with a deep passion for lawyers and the good works that bar associations do,” said State Bar President Ryan Billings, chair of
Continue Reading Jill Creston Rothstein Selected as Next Executive Director for the State Bar of Wisconsin
SCOTUS grants cert to determine scope of defendant’s right to discuss matters with counsel during recess in trial testimony.
David Asa Villarreal v. Texas, USSC No. 24-557, certiorari granted 4/7/25
SCOTUS added to its 2025-26 docket this week when it granted the petitioner’s cert. petition to address the following:
Question presented:
Whether a trial court abridges the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel by prohibiting the defendant and his counsel from discussing the defendant’s testimony during an overnight recess.
Decision below: Villarreal v. State, No. PD-0048-20 (Tex. Crim. App. Oct. 9, 2024)
Scotusblog page
Continue Reading SCOTUS grants cert to determine scope of defendant’s right to discuss matters with counsel during recess in trial testimony.
Washington State Proposes Companion Bills to Increase Scrutiny of Health Care Transactions
On February 7, 2025, legislators introduced Washington State House Bill 1881 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 5704 (collectively, the “Bills”), to enhance oversight and regulation of material changes within the state’s health care marketplace. The Bills’ primary stated objectives are to ensure that health care transactions do not adversely affect the accessibility, affordability and quality of health care services for Washington residents.
Background
Washington is one of a growing number of states that already require health care entities
Continue Reading Washington State Proposes Companion Bills to Increase Scrutiny of Health Care Transactions
COA affirms suppression ruling based on illegible license plate
State v. Natalie S. Lozano, 2024AP1540-CR & 2024AP1541-CR, 4/9/25, District II (1-judge decision, ineligible for publication); case activity
In yet another appeal hinging on the requirement that a license plate be “legible,” COA affirms based on its deference to the circuit court’s factual findings.
Lozano appeals an order denying her motion to suppress and renews her arguments that law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop. (¶1). At the suppression hearing, the officer testified
Continue Reading COA affirms suppression ruling based on illegible license plate