Continued low interest rates could spell disaster for IOLTA

The U.S. Federal Reserve said Wednesday it will not raise interest rates until at least late 2014. Contingent on these interest rates, IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts) funds legal service organizations which provide invaluable services to low-income Wisconsinites dealing with disability claims, unfair landlords, benefits denials, and much more. more

Supreme Court denies "Civil Gideon" petition

From the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission blog dated January 19, 2012: Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted unanimously to deny Petition 10-08. The petitioners were requesting a new court rule that would have required circuit court judges to appoint attorneys at public expense for low income litigants in certain types of civil court cases. more

Welcome to our newest Prime Partner - HOME SAVINGS BANK

Welcome to our newest Prime Partner - HOME SAVINGS BANK. Thank you for supporting access to justice in Wisconsin by paying higher rates on IOLTA accounts. Find a Prime Partner bank near you. more

Commission appoints work group for Wisconsin civil right to counsel project

The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission has appointed a special working group to develop a formal proposal for a study that would evaluate the costs and benefits of providing counsel to low income individuals in some civil legal matters where basic human needs are at stake.  Initial members of the working group are Commission members Gregg Moore, Don Friske, John Ebbott, Deedee Rongstad and  Judge Margaret Vergeront as well as the Director of State Courts, John Voelker. more

WisTAF Awards Nearly $1.3 Million to Support Civil Legal Services in 2012

Madison. November 4, 2011 – The Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, Inc. (WisTAF) announced grant awards totaling nearly $1.3 million to agencies providing civil legal services for Wisconsin’s poor and underserved in 2012. more

NOW AVAILABLE - WisTAF 2012 Grant Application Materials

WisTAF's 2012 grant application materials for IOLTA Category I, IOLTA Category II, and PILSF funding (covering the period from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011) are now available. Completed applications (including the required additional reports and materials) must be submitted to WisTAF no later than Friday, August 5, 2011 by 5 p. more

FDIC Adopts Final Rule Extending TAG Program Through December 31, 2010

June 22, 2010 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) adopted a final rule extending the Transaction Account Guarantee (TAG) program for six months, from July 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Under the TAG program, customers of participating insured depository institutions are provided full coverage on qualifying transaction accounts. more

New FDIC rule extends insurance coverage on IOLTA accounts until at least December 31, 2010

On April 13, 2010, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approved interim rules extending the Transaction Account Guarantee (TAG) Program to December 31, 2010. The rule provides for unlimited insurance for non-interest bearing transaction accounts (including IOLTA and functionally equivalent accounts), regardless of dollar amount, held in participating financial institutions. The rule also allows for the FDIC to extend the program through December 31, 2011 if the FDIC determines that economic conditions warrant such an extension. more

Press releases

October 21, 2010 - WisTAF Announces 2011 Grant Awards more