WCJC’s mission is to promote fairness and equity in Wisconsin’s civil justice system, with the ultimate goal of making Wisconsin a better place to work and live. WCJC effectuates this objective through policy development, legislative lobbying, and its newly launched Appellate Program.

Policy Development & Advocacy

WCJC’s preferred approach is to develop and advance civil justice reforms working with the business community, elected officials and others who share our goals. Often, however, it is necessary to fight an aggressive anti-business agenda advanced by the plaintiffs’ bar that would weaken the state’s ability to attract new or keep existing businesses. WCJC has been successful at both promoting positive legislation and defeating harmful legislation.

Success is predicated on financial and lobbying support from WCJC Board members and vital partners.

WCJC Appellate Program

WCJC’s recently launched Appellate Program includes various initiatives important to maintaining a business friendly judicial climate. These efforts include:

• Establishing a WCJC Appellate Committee consisting of legal experts employed by Board members, as well as attorney Board members, to provide input and oversight.
• WCJC is sponsoring the Great Lakes Legal Foundation’s Wisconsin Court Watch. The Court Watch reviews Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Supreme Court decisions and highlights cases affecting Wisconsin’s business climate.

When needed, the WCJC Appellate Committee will determine whether to file amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs  to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

To date, WCJC has filed amicus briefs in three Wisconsin Supreme Court cases: MercyCare Ins. Co. et al. v. Wis. Commissioner of Ins.; Casper, et al. v. American Int. South Ins. Co., et al.; and Rasmussen, et al. v. General Motors Corp., et al.

Judicial Evaluation Project

WCJC sponsors the Judicial Evaluation Project to provide helpful analysis of upcoming judicial elections for WCJC members and the entire business community.

For more on this, see the 2011 Guide to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, highlighting the most important cases decided over the past two terms (from 2008 through 2010). The 2011 Guide describes the Supreme Court’s decision in each selected case, WCJC’s position, and how each justice decided the case.

Support WCJC

Contributions are of critical importance in furthering the objective’s of the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council. Please consider making a donation today.

Contact Us

For questions regarding these initiatives or further information about the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council, contact Robert Fassbender or Andrew Cook or call: 608-661-9166.