Re: Wisconsin's Diploma Privilege

On Mon, 23 Aug 1999, Bob Cumbow, Esq. <rcumbow[_at_]grahamdunn.com> asked me:
>
> Tell us again how you bypassed the bar exam ... ?
>
> In Washington state you can even become a lawyer without going to
> law school -- but NEVER without taking the bar exam!

     Wisconsin, in the tradition of progressiveness, has what is called the "diploma privilege." Our Supreme Court closely monitors the classes taught at our two law schools: Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin -- Madison. Moreover, inter alia, the court dictates that at least 40 of the 90 credits one needs to graduate be ones they chose. So, I was unable to take any elective class until my fourth semester (2nd year, 2nd semester) at Marquette's law school. So if you go to Marquette or Madison, and meet the professional and fitness requirements, you are admitted to practice law in Wisconsin on motion at the Supreme Court.

     In my case, my class graduated on a Sunday, was admitted to practice law in Wisconsin on Monday, by a motion of the dean of Marquette's law school at a special session of the court, and I was admitted to the Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court on Tuesday. Again on the dean's motion. The school made all the arrangements. One nice touch is that our Supreme Court allows a relative to move the bar admission of, typically, a son or daughter. So that's the scoop. After 90 credits, 27 tests, three long papers and a judicial internship, why would taking the bar exam be of any benefit to me, the bar or the State of Wisconsin?         

     To be clear, Wisconsin does have a bar exam. If somebody from out of state wants to practice law here, that is one way they may be admitted. Reciprocity is another. But why make people wait? I loved graduating one day and being a full-fledged lawyer the next.

Nick Zales
Zales Law Office
Milwaukee, WI
<zales[_at_]execpc.com> Received on Tue Aug 24 1999 - 15:00:13 GMT