This update is provided to the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund by Miri Pogoriler, Project Manager of the Wis Law Help website creation and launch. WEJF’s executive director is helping with this project as a stakeholder committee member. WEJF is elated that Wisconsin is about to offer this excellent resource to our neighbors and colleagues seeking free legal assistance.

Introducing Wisconsin Law Help: Legal Resources, Simplified

Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially for those who are representing themselves or facing financial constraints. Judicare Legal Aid is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Wisconsin Law Help website, wislawhelp.org, made possible by a Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) awarded to Judicare Legal Aid by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and a grant from the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation (WisTAF) with money set aside specifically for future development of this site.

Wisconsin Law Help is set to go live in the first half of 2024, bringing a wealth of features designed to revolutionize legal assistance for low-income Wisconsinites. Wisconsin Law Help is here to transform the complex legal journey into an empowering experience. Our state-of-the-art website is specifically designed for pro se litigants and low-income individuals in Wisconsin, offering comprehensive resources and guidance to tackle legal challenges with confidence.

Guided by Statewide Stakeholder Committee: Wisconsin Law Help’s development has been enriched by the insights and expertise of a stakeholder committee made up of representatives from about a dozen organizations from across the state, all committed to increasing access to justice in Wisconsin. From shaping priorities to influencing site development, these critical partners have played a pivotal role in ensuring the platform addresses the unique needs of Wisconsinites seeking civil legal aid.

Wisconsin Law Help Highlights:

• Comprehensive Legal Resource Directory: The site will host an array of legal resources across Wisconsin. This directory will prioritize civil legal aid providers who are most likely to be able to assist low-income Wisconsinites with their legal issues. Users will also be directed to the State Bar of Wisconsin if they can afford an attorney.
• In-Depth Substantive Law Content: Navigating legal complexities can be daunting, especially for those without legal representation. Wisconsin Law Help addresses this challenge by providing easy-to-understand pro se articles, guides, and forms in key areas of housing, family, and consumer law. Empowering users with knowledge, the site aims to level the playing field and enhance individuals’ success in the legal system.
• Guided Interview Feature: A guided interview feature is at the heart of Wisconsin Law Help. This tool is crafted to connect site visitors with the right legal resources based on location, income level, and legal needs. This feature will link low-income Wisconsinites with the civil legal aid providers they may be eligible for, simplifying the process for those needing help.
• Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: Wisconsin Law Help is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The site will streamline access to vital legal information and referrals with a mobile-first design.

Foundation for Future Expansion: Wisconsin Law Help is not just a website; it’s a dynamic platform laying the groundwork for future expansions. As part of its growth strategy, the site will evolve to incorporate forms tools, delve into additional legal topics, and offer even more resources to meet the diverse needs of its users. Wisconsin Law Help will continue to evolve with the input of our stakeholders, addressing emerging needs and expanding its reach to serve the broader legal community.

The launch of Wisconsin Law Help marks a significant step towards making legal information and resources accessible to all, and we can’t wait to witness its positive impact in the first half of 2024!