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By Heidi Yelk
Consider technology when writing checks
Despite the popularity of debit cards and online payments, many people still write (and mail) paper checks. Even if you are a fan of online payments, you likely still write a check from time to time. Technology factors in to check writing in at least two ways.
First: check washing. This is a crime in which the ink on a check is "washed" off, allowing another person to either sell the now-blank check or re-write the check and cash it. To protect yourself, experts recommend using a gel pen to write checks. The ink used in gel pens adheres to the paper fibers and, unlike ballpoint pens, is less likely to be washed off with solvents. For an exhaustive review and test of ink used on checks, see this article on best pens for writing checks.
Second, although you can write a check in any color, bankers recommend using a black pen. Scanners can more easily and accurately read checks written with darker colored ink.
Even if you are not a fan of online payments, it's recommended that you regularly log in to your bank account online. This allows you to review any activity on your account and verify that written checks have been paid correctly.
By Carol Hassler
Ethics and legal technology webinar
Sign up for the last class of the summer, offered by the library as a live webinar. Contact Jaden Henneman for questions about the class.
Ethics for Legal Professionals When Using Technology
Wednesday, August 19, Noon-1:00 PM
Live webinar - Register for Ethics for Legal Professionals When Using Technology
Technology continues to reshape every aspect of our personal and professional lives. This ethics course is designed for new and seasoned legal professionals - attorneys, paralegals and staff members alike - to review and reinforce common ethical duties related to the use of technology. The course zeroes in on the most common ethical issues that arise daily across all legal roles and best practices for using social media and the open web, conducting legal and factual research, and adopting emerging AI technology solutions.
New domestic abuse temporary restraining order petition portal
The Wisconsin Court System has begun piloting a new online, mobile-first portal designed to make it easier for people to complete and file domestic abuse temporary restraining order petitions. This portal is undergoing a pilot program, and is available in eight counties: Adams, Barron, Brown, Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Sauk, and Waukesha.
The plain-language portal allows petitioners to create or log in to an eFiling account, generate standard court forms, and submit those forms to the circuit court in one guided process. It is designed to reduce confusion, help petitioners provide complete information, and make filing easier to navigate. Learn more in the recent press release on the project.
OLR Lunch and Learn focuses on mindfulness
Reserve your spot now for the Office of Lawyer Regulation’s August lunch and learn: Staying steady under pressure: mindfulness for focus, resilience, and ethical clarity in the legal profession. This session takes place on Thursday, August 13, from noon to 1 p.m., and will be held online. This lunch and learn has 1 pending CLE credit.
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