It includes the director of state courts who assists the court in its administrative functions, four commissioners who are lawyers and assist the court in its judicial functions, a clerk who keeps the court's records, and a marshall who performs a variety of duties. Each justice has a private secretary and a law clerk. It investigates complaints of lawyer misconduct and its investigations are confidential. The board initiates disciplinary action ranging from private reprimand to the filing of a formal complaint with the supreme court asking public reprimand, license suspension or revocation, monetary payment, or conditions on the continued practice of law. The board reports its findings and recommendations to the supreme court when a lawyer petitions for reinstatement of a license to practice, and it investigates and files petitions with the court regarding a lawyer's medical incapacity.
All members serve staggered terms.
The initial board term is three years and a member may serve not more than one successive two-year term. The board appoints an administrator, who must be eligible to practice law in Wisconsin, to investigate and report to the board regarding any possible misconduct or medical incapacity. The Board of Bar Examiners implements and enforces rules of mandatory continuing legal education for lawyers, administers the state bar examination, and processes all requests for admission and readmission to the State Bar. The board originated as the Board of Continuing Legal Education in 1975 by rule of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. It became the Board of Attorneys Professional Competence in 1978, and was renamed the Board of Bar Examiners effective January 1, 1991.