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
New funding for civil legal services is on the way
The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued its final order requiring that at least one-half of unclaimed funds in class action settlements and judgments be directed to the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation to support civil legal services to the poor. The court’s unanimous order was
The eviction spiral
The rising cost of housing has led to an increase in the number of evictions nationwide, and Wisconsin is no exception. For the two most recent years where numbers are available, there were 28,501 eviction cases filed in 2012 and
50 years of service at Wisconsin Judicare
“I felt hopeless until they stepped in.” “This service kept me from becoming homeless and bankrupt.” By Beth Richlen, Development Director, Wisconsin Judicare For 50 years, Wisconsin Judicare has provided legal services to individuals like these in northern Wisconsin. From
Supreme Court action on access to justice
On April 13, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted unanimously to adopt a change proposed by the Access to Justice Commission that will result in a new source of funds for civil legal aid to the indigent in Wisconsin. The court acted
Comments sought on access to justice rule petitions
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is seeking comment on two pending rule petitions that support access to justice efforts in Wisconsin. The Access to Justice Commission filed Petition 15-06 seeking a rule change that would allocate 50% of unclaimed class action awards to support civil
Pro bono spotlight – Brown County free legal clinic
On the first Wednesday of every month, a group of volunteer lawyers meet at Casa ALBA Melanie in Green Bay to offer free legal advice to anyone who comes in. “We answer legal questions and direct people to agencies, attorneys
