State Bar of Wisconsin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Type | Legal society |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Location |
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| Membership | 23,525 (in 2012) [1] |
| Website | www |
The State Bar of Wisconsin (SBW) is the integrated (mandatory) bar association of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for all attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license, the State Bar of Wisconsin aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides continuing legal education and other services for its members, and supports the education of law students. The SBW also provides public services, including attorney referrals, public education, and reduced-fee legal assistance for low-income state residents.[2]
The State Bar of Wisconsin was organized on January 9, 1878, as a voluntary association; its first president was Moses M. Strong.[3]
In 1956, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered the Bar to become an integrated bar; membership would be a requirement to practice law in Wisconsin courts. In 1988, a federal court ruled this requirement unconstitutional, leading the Wisconsin Supreme Court to suspend enforcement of the mandatory membership rule. When the district court ruling was overturned, and following a public hearing, the Supreme Court ordered the mandatory membership requirement reinstated, effective July 1, 1992.
