Sponsored by the Communications Committee and written by attorneys expert on the issues discussed, the State Bar's series of consumer information pamphlets gives lawyers and firms an ideal, low-cost way to disseminate basic legal information that clients and the public need and want. Comprising 16 titles, the series covers legal issues that many people face sometime in their lives - such as marriage, divorce, probate, starting a business, and so forth. More than 258,000 pamphlets were delivered to law firms and other organizations for distribution to clients and the public this year. State Fair Mock Trial Cosponsored by the State Bar and the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, the State Fair Mock Trial is in its 10th year. Each weekend during the fair, a 90-minute fictional criminal or civil trial is presented to fairgoers.
Judges preside over the trials, which are argued by attorneys.
Audience members serve as jurors. The program educates the public about the jury system by providing an in-person glimpse of a criminal or civil trial. This Business Law Section program provides businesses with the help they need to start up or expand. Participating attorneys donate two hours of legal counseling to businesses , or eight hours of counseling to nonprofit organizations. The program helps new and emerging businesses avoid legal problems that could result in failure or bankruptcy.