Wisconsin also does not require or currently have special admission rules for attorneys who are practicing law for Legal Service Organizations however attorneys that are out of state and practicing on a pro bono status generally have to abide by Wisconsin Pro Hac Vice Rules for admission. Wisconsin Pro Bono attorneys provide services to their respective communities.
Applications by Attorneys under Wisconsin Pro Bono Laws
Attorneys seeking to be a Wisconsin pro bono attorney or assist with a legal organization must file an application to work for a legal organization with the clerk of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. They must include with their Wisconsin pro bono application:
- Proof of being barred in another state
- Proof of being up to date with CLE requirements
- An affidavit from their employer that they have obtained the position
- An affidavit signed by the attorney that they have read the Wisconsin rules on professional conduct to be Wisconsin Pro Bono Attorney, and understands they must report any disciplinary actions against them to the Wisconsin courts.
Applicants will have their authorization terminate by the court if they no longer work for the legal services organization and must submit a notification to the Clerk of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the bar within 10-14 days.
- Emeritus Attorneys in Wisconsin
Rule 10.03(1)-(3) of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules governs membership for a special class of inactive attorneys known as a emeritus attorneys.
Emeritus attorneys are attorneys who are active or inactive members in good standing but who are at least 70 years old and have filed with the executive director a written notice that requests enrollment in the emeritus class. Emeritus attorneys have the privileges of membership in the Wisconsin Bar and are not required to pay membership dues for the years following the year he or she attained the age of 70.