The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission was created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court at the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin to aid the courts in improving the administration of justice. Our mission is to develop and encourage means of expanding access to the civil justice system for unrepresented low-income Wisconsin residents.
Who are we?
We are volunteers who encourage innovation, collaboration, and coordination to help improve the civil legal aid system in Wisconsin. We help ensure that good ideas get the consideration and support that they deserve.
What is civil legal aid?
It is the network of public and private resources that ensure fairness for all in the justice system, regardless of how much money you have. It includes online self-help resources and forms, volunteers, and staffed legal services offices. Together, they help build stronger communities. Watch this short explainer video below to learn more.
Civil Legal Aid Animated Video Explainer – Produced by Illinois Equal Justice Foundation and The Kresge Foundation from Voices for Civil Justice on Vimeo.
WISATJ News
Wisconsin Free Legal Answers 2017 in Review
Wisconsin Free Legal Answers continues to provide an easy way for the public to ask civil legal questions and for volunteer lawyers to respond. Our first full year of operating as part of the national ABA Free Legal Answers network has
Supporting LSC and equal justice under law
Today, the President released his budget framework, including a proposal to eliminate the Legal Services Corporation, the largest single national funding source for free civil legal assistance to low income Americans. The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission strongly urges Congress
Legislative Council adopts access to justice recommendations
The Legislative Council met on February 15 and voted to accept both the report and the recommendations from its Study Committee on Access to Civil Legal Services. The three legislative proposals will: Create legislation encouraging the state departments of Administration, Children & Families,
New statewide help for elder abuse victims
By Sam Wegleitner, Legal Action of Wisconsin Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Judicare will be providing statewide civil legal aid to elder abuse victims through the Elder Rights Project (ERP). The Elder Rights project seeks to help elder abuse
Just Wisconsin News for November
In this month’s Just Wisconsin newsletter, we have updates on the Legislative Council Study Committee on Access to Civil Legal Services, upcoming changes to Wisconsin Legal Advice Online, a new eviction defense project in Milwaukee and some national news highlights.
New study committee on access to civil legal services
A new Study Committee on Access to Civil Legal Services was recently launched by the Wisconsin Legislative Council. The 16-member committee includes 6 legislators and 10 public members, including Jim Gramling, President of the Access to Justice Commission. The chair is Rep. Cody Horlacher
