The Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, also known as WACDL, Inc., has more than 400 members who are private attorneys and public defenders practicing criminal law across the state. As an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the WACDL provides support and training to criminal defense attorneys statewide and promotes the proper administration of criminal justice.
The WACDL provides attorneys with a list serve to exchange of information between colleagues and a brief bank which to have expert material to fall back on for cases. The WACDL also hosts live events and seminars all year long and other programs for lawyers to connect with one another.
Wisconsin criminal defense lawyers are eligible to join WACDL. Members must certify that they are "committed to the fair administration of justice and the defense of individuals accused of crime." Employees of any prosecutor or law enforcement officers are not eligible to join WACDL.
Dave Niblack was Wisconsin's State Public Defender from 1979 until 1983. He died unexpectedly in the Fall of 2000, but will always be remembered by those for whom he advocated, and those he taught or befriended. He was a good friend to anyone committed to the protection of rights for the least popular among us. When our clients had no one to stand with them, Dave stood with them. He delighted in teaching young attorneys the way, and sure knew how to tell a story. Under his leadership, the SPD as we know it today survived in a period of daily attack and controversy.
To honor Dave Niblack's memory, and to encourage others to follow in his footsteps, in 2001 the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) established the David C. Niblack Award, to be given every December at the WACDL Ethics seminar in Madison, at which Dave taught.
The purposes of this award:
Criteria: Pride and professionalism in the work; competence in provision of services; respect for the clients.
The membership of WACDL is meant to foster a community of criminal defense lawyers who are committed to promoting the proper administration of justice and encouraging an unyielding concern for the protection of individual rights and due process. Members must abide by the confidentiality practices set within the organization. Members include both new and long-term attorneys practicing criminal defense. Part-time or full-time prosecutors or judges may not join WACDL.
The benefits for Wisconsin lawyers joining the WACDL includes:
Lawyer Legion maintains a statewide directory of criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin which includes both WACDL members and non-members. To help the public find the best choices when searching for a criminal defense attorney, Lawyer Legion recognizes attorneys for their involvement and leadership within the WACDL and other professional associations. This includes recognition for WACDL past presidents and WACDL members who have updated their Lawyer Legion profile to include information about their involvement with the WACDL.
Use this directory to find a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer in your local area. Start by choosing your county from the list below.
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