Joseph L. Olson

Michael Best is proud to announce that 150 attorneys have been selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2027 list, with representation across 52 different practice areas across the nation. In addition, the firm is also excited to share that six attorneys have been named to the 2027 edition of the “Lawyer of the Year” list, which is a prestigious designation of a single lawyer in each specific practice area and location. 33 attorneys have also been named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2027 list.  

On July 29, 2026, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals issued its long-awaited decision in Abbotsford Education Association v. Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, reversing the Dane County Circuit Court’s 2024 ruling that had declared significant portions of Act 10 unconstitutional.[1] In doing so, the court has preserved the status quo that Wisconsin public employers, including municipalities, technical colleges, school districts, and other governmental entities, have operated under for more than a decade.

A recent decision from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals underscores an important compliance risk for hospitality businesses and other liquor license holders across the state: amending your license is not a mere formality, even when you have a long and unblemished operating history. In State ex rel. Conch Co. Inc. v. Village of Egg Harbor, No. 2024AP641 (Wis. Ct. App. June 9, 2026), the court upheld a village board’s denial of a liquor license transfer request that sought to expand the footprint of an existing licensed premises. The decision confirms that local licensing authorities retain meaningful discretion when evaluating such applications, including where the applicant has operated without incident for decades.