Wisconsin State Capitol from the terrace in spring
The Official Voice of Wisconsin's Legal Profession

Where Wisconsin
Law Comes
to Life.

From finding the right attorney to advancing your legal career, the State Bar of Wisconsin connects the public, practitioners, and policymakers around a shared commitment to justice.

At a Glance

Statewide Lawyer Search

Every licensed Wisconsin attorney

CLE Seminars & Education

Live, online & on-demand

Ethics Hotline & Guidance

Professional responsibility experts

Why the State Bar

The Foundation of Wisconsin's
Legal Community

The Official Bar of Wisconsin

As the mandatory professional association for all licensed Wisconsin attorneys, the State Bar carries the authority, reach, and accountability that no private organization can match.

Public Access to Justice

Our Lawyer Referral Service, pro bono programs, and free legal resources ensure that navigating the legal system is not a privilege reserved for the few.

Confidential Member Support

WisLAP and the Ethics Hotline provide attorneys with a trusted, private resource for the challenges that come with practicing law — with no fear of judgment.

Statewide Legal Intelligence

Wisconsin Lawyer, InsideTrack, CaseLaw Express, and the Rotunda Report deliver reliable legal news and analysis that keeps practitioners informed and competitive.

Advocacy That Never Stops

State Bar lobbyists advocate for the legal profession and the rule of law year-round — in session and out — protecting both attorneys and the clients they serve.

A Community Built for Lawyers

From new admittees to senior partners, the State Bar's sections, mentoring program, and diversity initiatives create a professional community that supports every stage of a legal career.

What We Offer

Programs & Services
for Every Stage

The State Bar of Wisconsin offers an integrated ecosystem of services — whether you are a member of the public seeking legal help, or a practicing attorney building a lifelong career in Wisconsin law.

01

Lawyer Referral Service

Connects members of the public with pre-screened Wisconsin attorneys matched to their legal situation — making qualified legal help accessible to everyone.

02

CLE Seminars & Legal Education

Comprehensive continuing education programming — live seminars, books, forms, and practice-area resources — designed to keep Wisconsin lawyers at the top of their field.

03

Ethics Hotline & Professional Responsibility

Attorneys can consult with State Bar ethics staff for guidance on professional responsibility questions, helping members navigate complex situations with confidence.

04

Pro Bono Coordination

The State Bar connects willing attorneys with clients who need free or reduced-cost legal services, making meaningful access to justice a reality across Wisconsin.

05

Client Protection & Fee Dispute Resolution

A formal process protects the public when attorney conduct falls short, and provides a structured path to resolve fee disputes fairly and efficiently.

06

Membership, Sections & Committees

Dozens of practice-area sections, divisions, and committees give members a community of peers, specialized resources, and opportunities to shape the profession.

07

Classifieds & Career Opportunities

A dedicated marketplace for job postings, practice sales, attorney referrals, court reporters, and professional services connects legal professionals across the state.

08

Mentoring Program

Experienced attorneys guide newer lawyers through the real-world challenges of practice — accelerating professional growth and strengthening Wisconsin's legal community.

09

Government Relations & Lobbying

State Bar lobbyists actively represent the legal profession before the Wisconsin Legislature and executive branch, advocating for policies that uphold justice and the rule of law.

10

Wisconsin Law Foundation Grants & Scholarships

The Wisconsin Law Foundation funds programs that improve access to justice, supports legal history initiatives, and awards scholarships to advance the next generation of Wisconsin lawyers.

Member Resources

Everything You Need to
Practice with Excellence

Statewide Lawyer Search

Search by name, county, or practice area to find a qualified Wisconsin attorney who fits your specific legal needs.

Continuing Legal Education

Stay sharp with a robust catalog of CLE seminars, on-demand courses, and practice-area deep dives designed for Wisconsin practitioners.

Ethics Guidance & Hotline

Get authoritative answers to professional responsibility questions before they become problems — clear ethical footing protects your clients and your career.

Practice411 Resources

Practical management guidance, tools, and templates that help attorneys run more efficient, profitable, and client-focused practices.

WisLAP Lawyer Assistance

Confidential support for lawyers and law students navigating personal challenges — because the health of Wisconsin's legal professionals matters to everyone.

Government Relations & Advocacy

Dedicated lobbyists monitor the Capitol and advocate for the legal profession and the rule of law, even after the Legislature adjourns.

Diversity & Inclusion Programs

The Diversity Clerkship Program and Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee actively build a legal profession that reflects the communities it serves.

Publications & Legal News

Wisconsin Lawyer, InsideTrack, WisLawNOW, CaseLaw Express, and the Rotunda Report keep members informed and ahead of every development that matters.

Wisconsin State Capitol

1956

Serving Wisconsin's legal community

Our Mission

The Professional Home of Every Wisconsin Attorney

The State Bar of Wisconsin is the professional home of every licensed attorney in the state — a unified organization that serves both the legal profession and the public it exists to protect. From Madison, we connect thousands of lawyers to the resources, education, and community they need to practice with excellence.

We believe that a strong bar association creates a stronger justice system. That conviction drives everything we do: advocating before the Legislature, publishing trusted legal analysis in the Wisconsin Lawyer, training the next generation through our CLE programs, and ensuring that every Wisconsin resident — regardless of income — can find qualified legal help when they need it most.

Whether you are a new lawyer building your practice, a seasoned attorney looking to lead, or a member of the public navigating an unfamiliar legal challenge, the State Bar of Wisconsin is here to connect you to the right people, the right resources, and the right answers.

Latest

Wisconsin Legal News

All News
InsideTrack

March 11, 2026

Institutional House Investors: Danger or Distraction?

President Trump's executive order cutting off federal support for large-scale institutional investors of single-family houses has spurred legislation on an issue that has long concerned neighborhoods.

Court Review

March 10, 2026

Supreme Court: WCA 'Appropriate Remedy' Prevents Class Action

A 6-1 Wisconsin Supreme Court majority held that a collection agent's "appropriate remedy" to a plaintiff for a Wisconsin Consumer Act violation resolved the claim.

Rotunda Report

March 9, 2026

End of Session Doesn't Mean End of Legislative Work

Ever wonder what the State Bar lobbyists do after the Legislature adjourns? This article shares what they are up to when the senators and representatives return home.

Wisconsin Lawyer

March 6, 2026

Litigating with Judgment: What Abraham Lincoln's Trial Practice Teaches Modern Lawyers

Lincoln's broader approach to litigation was built on pragmatism and self-discipline. The underlying principles remain relevant for modern practitioners.

How It Works

Your Path Through the
State Bar of Wisconsin

01

Find the Right Resource

Whether you need a lawyer, a CLE course, an ethics opinion, or a classified listing — start with the State Bar's search tools and directory to locate exactly what you need.

02

Connect with the Right People

The State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service, Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory, and practice-area sections link you directly to qualified attorneys and expert colleagues across Wisconsin.

03

Access Trusted Support

Tap into ethics guidance, Practice411 practice management resources, WisLAP confidential assistance, or client protection services — comprehensive support built specifically for Wisconsin's legal community.

04

Stay Informed & Engaged

Follow developments through Wisconsin Lawyer, InsideTrack, WisLawNOW, and the Rotunda Report — and participate in shaping the profession through committees, advocacy, and pro bono work.

05

Grow Your Practice and Your Impact

From CLE credit and mentoring to leadership opportunities and diversity programs, the State Bar provides continuous pathways for professional growth and civic contribution.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Use the State Bar's free Lawyer Search tool to search by name, county, or practice area. The Lawyer Referral Service can also match you with a pre-screened attorney suited to your specific legal situation.

The State Bar of Wisconsin has a dedicated Client Protection and Fee Dispute process. You can find guidance under the 'For Public' section of our website, or contact our Customer Service team directly for assistance.

The State Bar offers a full catalog of live seminars, online courses, books, and forms. Your CLE Tracker in the member portal makes it easy to monitor your credits and ensure you meet Wisconsin's requirements.

The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) provides free, confidential support to attorneys and law students dealing with personal or professional challenges such as stress, substance use, or mental health concerns. It is available to all Wisconsin legal professionals.

The State Bar operates an Ethics Hotline staffed by professional responsibility experts. Members can call or submit questions online to receive guidance before a potential issue escalates.

Members can join practice-area sections, apply for committee appointments, volunteer for pro bono work, or run for leadership positions. The 'Get Involved' section of the website outlines all current opportunities.

Yes. The State Bar coordinates pro bono legal services and maintains resources for free or reduced-cost legal help. The 'For Public' section of our website lists available programs and how to apply.

Classifieds and career postings are managed through the State Bar's online marketplace. You can place a classified ad, post a career opportunity, list items for sale or rent, and reach Wisconsin's legal community directly.

Get Connected

Ready to Connect with
Wisconsin's Legal Community?

Whether you need legal help, professional resources, or want to advance your practice — the State Bar of Wisconsin is your starting point.