WCA Testifies Before Supreme Court in Opposition of Increased of Rates for Court-Appointed Attorneys
Request to Deny Petition 17-06
On May 16, 2018, WCA testified before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in opposition to increased rates for court-appointed attorneys, citing that such an increase would be “financially devastating for cash-strapped counties struggling to provide state-mandated services in an era of growing service demands and reduced revenues.”
WCA requested that the justices deny petition 17-06, which would amend Supreme Court Rule 81.02. The petition would make the following changes:
1. Increase the hourly rate for court-appointed attorneys from $70 per hour to $100 per hour and index hourly compensation rates annually for inflation.
2. Any compensation less than $100 per hour would be deemed unreasonable.
3. Prohibit flat fee contracting.
