Notice of Appearance - Wisconsin

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE

State of Wisconsin — Circuit Court

1. COURT HEADER AND CAPTION

STATE OF WISCONSIN
CIRCUIT COURT
[________________________________] COUNTY

Wisconsin has 72 counties, each with a circuit court. Select or enter the applicable county.

Branch [____]

2. PARTY INFORMATION

The undersigned enters this appearance on behalf of the following party:

Party Name: [________________________________]

Party Role:
☐ Plaintiff
☐ Defendant
☐ Third-Party Plaintiff
☐ Third-Party Defendant
☐ Cross-Claimant
☐ Counter-Claimant
☐ Intervenor
☐ Garnishee
☐ Petitioner
☐ Respondent
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Case Classification:
☐ Small Claims (SC)
☐ Civil — Large Claims (CV)
☐ Personal Injury (PI)
☐ Foreclosure (FO)
☐ Tax Warrant (TW)
☐ Family (FA)
☐ Paternity (PA)
☐ Termination of Parental Rights (TP)
☐ Guardianship (GN)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

3. ATTORNEY INFORMATION

Additional Counsel (if applicable)

Note: Wisconsin does not have an official court form for a Notice of Appearance or Notice of Retainer. This document should be prepared on the firm's letterhead or in the standard pleading format. See Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling guidance.

4. APPEARANCE STATEMENT

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 801.14 and 802.05, [________________________________], State Bar of Wisconsin No. [________________________________], of the firm [________________________________], hereby enters an appearance as counsel for [________________________________], [________________________________] (party designation), in the above-captioned matter.

The undersigned requests that all pleadings, motions, notices, discovery, orders, and other papers required to be served under Wis. Stat. § 801.14 be served upon the undersigned at the address and email set forth above.

5. TYPE OF APPEARANCE

☐ General Appearance — The undersigned enters a general appearance for all purposes in this matter, submitting to the jurisdiction of this Court.

☐ Limited Scope Appearance (Wis. Stat. § 802.045) — The undersigned enters a limited scope appearance as described in Section 7 below, consistent with Wis. Stat. § 802.045 and Wisconsin SCR 20:1.2(c).

☐ Substitution of Counsel — The undersigned enters an appearance as substitute counsel, replacing [________________________________], State Bar No. [________________________________]. A Substitution of Attorney is filed concurrently.

☐ Additional Counsel — The undersigned enters an appearance as additional counsel alongside [________________________________], State Bar No. [________________________________].

☐ Pro Hac Vice Appearance — The undersigned enters an appearance pursuant to pro hac vice admission under SCR 10.03(4). See Section 8 below.

6. CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE

Electronic Filing (Wisconsin eFiling / CCAP)

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 801.18:

☐ The undersigned is registered with the Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling system and will file all documents electronically in this matter.
Registration completed before filing on: [__/__/____].

Mandatory E-Filing: Under Wis. Stat. § 801.18, attorneys are required to file documents electronically in Wisconsin circuit courts through the eFiling system administered by CCAP (Consolidated Court Automation Programs). The mandatory eFiling requirement applies to all case types. Self-represented parties may e-file but are not required to do so.

Opting In as Electronic Party

☐ The undersigned is opting in as an electronic party on this existing case through the eFiling system.

Important: When entering an appearance on an existing case, the attorney must "opt in" as an electronic party through the Wisconsin eFiling system. This ensures the attorney receives electronic notifications and can file documents on the case. See CCAP eFiling support resources for the opt-in procedure.

Electronic Service

The undersigned has opted in on this case and receives service through the eFiling system. For subsequent documents that do not require personal service, the notice of activity is valid service on other users under Wis. Stat. § 801.18(6)(a). Paper parties must receive traditional service under § 801.18(6)(c).

Separate email service outside eFiling:

☐ The undersigned consents in writing under Wis. Stat. § 801.14(2) to service by email at: [________________________________].

☐ No separate consent to ordinary email service is given. This selection does not decline service through the eFiling system.

7. LIMITED SCOPE APPEARANCE (WIS. STAT. § 802.045)

Complete this section only if a limited scope appearance is being entered.

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 802.045 and SCR 20:1.2(c), the undersigned enters a limited scope appearance on behalf of [________________________________] for the following specific purposes only:

☐ Representation at the following hearing(s): [________________________________]
☐ Filing and arguing the following motion(s): [________________________________]
☐ Conducting or responding to specified discovery
☐ Attending mediation or settlement conference(s)
☐ Trial representation for proceedings on [__/__/____]
☐ Negotiating settlement
☐ Drafting and filing specific pleading(s): [________________________________]
☐ Other specified purpose(s): [________________________________]

Scope and Duration

The limited scope representation shall:

Begin on: [__/__/____]

Terminate upon the earliest of:
☐ Completion of the specified purpose(s) described above
☐ The date of: [__/__/____]
☐ Entry of the Court's order on the specified motion(s)
☐ Conclusion of the specified hearing(s) or trial
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Notice of Limited Appearance Requirements

Under Wis. Stat. § 802.045:

1. The Notice of Limited Appearance must clearly describe the scope of the representation;
2. The attorney must serve the Notice on all parties and file it with the court;
3. The client must consent to the limited scope representation in a written agreement;
4. The attorney's obligation ends upon completion of the specified purpose and filing of a Notice of Completion;
5. While the limited appearance is in effect, all papers relating to the matters within the scope of representation must be served on the attorney.

Client Acknowledgment

The Client has been informed in writing that:

1. The undersigned's representation is limited to the purposes stated above;
2. The Client is responsible for all other aspects of the case;
3. Upon termination of the limited appearance, the Client will be treated as self-represented unless other counsel enters an appearance;
4. The undersigned will file a Notice of Completion of Limited Scope Representation upon concluding the engagement.

8. PRO HAC VICE ADMISSION

Complete this section only if counsel is not a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

☐ The undersigned has been admitted pro hac vice by Order dated [__/__/____].
☐ A Motion for Pro Hac Vice Admission is being filed concurrently with this Notice.

Pro Hac Vice Attorney Information

Wisconsin Sponsoring Attorney

Under SCR 10.03(4), a pro hac vice attorney must associate with a Wisconsin-licensed attorney who is responsible for the conduct of the case and who will participate meaningfully in the preparation and trial of the case.

SCR 10.03(4) Requirements: The pro hac vice applicant must: (1) be a member in good standing of the bar of another U.S. jurisdiction; (2) associate with an active member of the State Bar of Wisconsin who will participate meaningfully in the matter; (3) pay the required fee; (4) file the required verified statement with the court; (5) not be a Wisconsin resident. The sponsoring Wisconsin attorney has professional responsibility obligations in the matter.

9. SIGNATURE BLOCK

DATED: [__/__/____]

[________________________________]
(Firm / Organization Name)

By: ______________________________________

[________________________________]
State Bar of Wisconsin No. [________________________________]
Attorney for [________________________________]

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________], Wisconsin [__________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]

10. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on [__/__/____], a true and correct copy of the foregoing NOTICE OF APPEARANCE was served upon each of the following parties or their counsel of record by the method indicated below, in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 801.14(2):

Service Recipients

Recipient 1:

Recipient 2:

Recipient 3:

(Attach additional pages if needed.)

______________________________________
[________________________________]

11. E-FILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURTS

Wisconsin eFiling System (CCAP) Procedure

1. Access the System: Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling portal at https://www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/efilecircuit.htm.
2. Log In: Use your registered State Bar credentials.
3. Opt In on the Case: If this is an existing case, use the "Opt In" function to become an electronic party. Search by case number and follow the opt-in process for attorneys.
4. Select Filing Type: Choose the appropriate document type for the Notice of Appearance. (Note: Wisconsin does not have an official form for a Notice of Appearance; file as a general document or "Notice/Notification" type.)
5. Upload Document: Upload the completed Notice of Appearance as a PDF.
6. Service: The eFiling system will electronically serve all registered e-filing parties upon acceptance.
7. Payment: Pay any applicable filing fee electronically.
8. Confirmation: Retain the eFiling transaction receipt as proof of filing and service.

Important E-Filing Notes for Wisconsin

• Mandatory for Attorneys: All attorneys must file electronically in Wisconsin circuit courts under Wis. Stat. § 801.18. Paper filings from attorneys will generally be rejected.
• CCAP System: The Wisconsin eFiling system is built and maintained by CCAP (Consolidated Court Automation Programs), which is part of the Wisconsin court system.
• Document Format: Documents must be filed as PDF files. Maximum file size limits apply; check current CCAP guidelines.
• Filing Fees: Filing fees for certain documents are collected electronically at the time of filing.
• Case Access: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), formerly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records at https://wcca.wicourts.gov.
• Technical Support: For eFiling technical issues, contact the Wisconsin Court System eFile Support at https://efilinghelp.zendesk.com.

12. PRACTITIONER NOTES AND WISCONSIN-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

Wisconsin Circuit Court Structure

Wisconsin has 72 counties, each with a circuit court. The circuit court is the court of general jurisdiction, organized into nine judicial administrative districts numbered 1–5 and 7–10. Larger counties have multiple branches (judges). Each county's circuit court handles civil, criminal, family, small claims, and juvenile matters.

Judicial Administrative Districts

Key Wisconsin Practice Points

1. No Official Appearance Form: Wisconsin does not have a mandatory court form for a Notice of Appearance or Notice of Retainer. The notice is typically prepared on firm letterhead or in standard pleading format. It should include: attorney name, State Bar number, firm name, address, telephone, email, and the party represented.

2. Scheduling Conference: Under Wis. Stat. § 802.10, the court may schedule a scheduling conference after all parties have appeared. Some counties automatically set scheduling conferences; others require a party to request one. Review local practices.

3. Mandatory Mediation: Some Wisconsin counties require mediation for certain case types before trial. Check the local rules for the applicable county.

4. Service Requirements: Under Wis. Stat. § 801.14(2), after the initial summons and complaint, service of papers may be made by: (a) delivery; (b) mailing; (c) facsimile; (d) electronic service through the eFiling system. Service by mail is complete upon mailing.

5. Withdrawal of Attorney: Under SCR 20:1.16(c)-(d), counsel must follow any applicable rule requiring notice to or permission of the court when ending representation, comply with a court order to continue, and take reasonable steps to protect the client's interests, including reasonable notice and time to obtain other counsel.

6. Limited Scope Representation: Wis. Stat. § 802.045 expressly authorizes limited scope representation. The attorney must file a Notice of Limited Scope Representation and may withdraw by filing a Notice of Completion without court approval, provided the specified purposes have been completed.

7. Responsive Pleading Deadlines: Under Wis. Stat. § 802.06(1)(a), a defendant generally must serve an answer within 20 days after service of the complaint. The State, its agencies, officers, employees, and agents have 45 days. Entering an appearance does not change the applicable deadline.

8. Family Court Cases: In family law matters, additional requirements apply, including mandatory financial disclosure statements and, in some counties, mandatory mediation for custody and placement disputes.

9. Small Claims Cases: In small claims matters, the procedures are simplified under Wis. Stat. Chapter 799. A Notice of Appearance may still be filed, but the evidentiary rules and procedures differ from large claims civil cases.

10. CCAP Public Records: Wisconsin has an unusually open public access system. Court records, including the names of parties and attorneys, are publicly available through WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access). Be aware that filings become part of the public record.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to "opt in" as an electronic party through the eFiling system when entering an appearance on an existing case
• Not including the State Bar of Wisconsin number on the filing
• Paper-filing when electronic filing is mandatory for attorneys
• Omitting the branch number in the caption
• Failing to check county-specific local rules and scheduling procedures
• Not serving all parties of record when filing the Notice of Appearance

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• Wisconsin Statutes: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes
• Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling: https://www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/efilecircuit.htm
• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): https://wcca.wicourts.gov
• CCAP (Consolidated Court Automation Programs): https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/offices/ccap.htm
• State Bar of Wisconsin: https://www.wisbar.org
• eFiling Support: https://efilinghelp.zendesk.com
• Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms: https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/index.htm

This template is provided by ezel.ai for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. All legal documents should be reviewed by a licensed attorney in the applicable jurisdiction before filing.