Special Litigation & Appeals Unit

 

The Special Litigation & Appeals Unit provides legal advice to the State and its agencies and handles litigation in a wide variety of substantive areas, frequently on issues relating to constitutional law and governmental authority. The complex and sometimes high-profile cases that the unit handles frequently involve challenges to the validity of state statutes and administrative rules. 

 

The unit's three primary responsibilities include:

 

Special Litigation. This unit represents the State in significant or complex litigation of unique importance to the State.

 

Civil Appeals. The unit handles almost all of the State's civil appeals, including issues involving:

 

  • civil rights
  • eminent domain
  • elections and campaign finance
  • medical malpractice
  • consumer protection
  • prisoner civil rights
  • tribal issues
  • health care regulation and finance
  • government contracts and procurement
  • public records and open meetings
  • environmental law
  • bankruptcy
  • education
  • benefits and entitlements
  • professional licensing
  • revenue and taxation
  • collections
  • employment
  • unique criminal appeals

 

Attorney General Opinions. Staff in the unit drafts the majority of the Attorney General Opinions to the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies, district attorneys, and county corporation counsel. Information on requesting an Attorney General opinion can be found here.

 

Contact Us

Fax: (608) 294-2907

 

Wisconsin law does not authorize the Attorney General and employees of the Department of Justice to provide legal advice to private individuals. If you need legal advice or representation you may want to contact a private attorney. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help you determine if you need a lawyer, and how to proceed if you do.