We’re proud to announce our Fiduciary Services Administrator, Kristi Parker, recently earned her Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation from the American Bankers Association. This accomplishment highlights Kristi’s role within Ruder Ware’s Fiduciary Services team, which provides independent, objective support for trustees, executors, and families navigating estate and trust matters.The post Kristi Parker Earns CTFA first appeared on Wisconsin Business Attorneys.
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Latest from Ruder Ware News & Insights - Page 2
Handing Down the Harvest: Succession Planning for Cranberry Growers
For generations, Wisconsin cranberry farms, like potato farms, have been more than businesses—they’ve been legacies. Passed down through families, these farms are rooted in tradition, hard work, and deep community ties. But as the industry evolves and families grow, succession planning becomes not just a smart strategy, it’s essential.
Unlike many other sectors, retirement is rare among cranberry growers, as it is with potato and vegetable growers. Running a cranberry, potato, or vegetable farm is often a lifelong commitment,
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2026 Qualified Plan Cost of Living Increases, 2026 Social Security Taxable Wage Base
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
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Attorney Shanna Fink Joins ACTEC as a Fellow
After a rigorous vetting process, Attorney Shanna Fink was elected to join the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) as a fellow. Shanna’s contributions to estate planning are extensive, from leading educational seminars and publishing articles to serving on key committees, including her current role on the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Real Property and Probate Section Board. Learn more about Shanna.
Ruder Ware is honored to count three of Wisconsin’s 30 ACTEC Fellows among our team.
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Wisconsin E-Verify Bill Poised to Pass Legislature
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
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Attorney Amy Ebeling Joins Meritas’ U.S. Leadership Committee
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
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Congratulations, Ryan Gallagher, Ruder Ware Innovator
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USCIS Issues New Guidance on $100,000 H-1B Fee Proclamation
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).
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Sues Trump Administration Over $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
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Welcome Attorney McKenna Coffeen
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Annual Employment & Benefits Conference 2025
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.
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White House Announces Gold Card Visa Program and Teases Upcoming Platinum Card Visa Program with Unique Tax Benefits
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
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Presidential Proclamation Creates $100,000 Payment Requirement for New H-1B Petitions
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
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Ruder Ware Named Best Law Firm
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Welcome Attorney Morgan Boyd
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Capitol Connection: Wisconsin Supreme Court Shifts Rulemaking & Regulatory Landscape
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,
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