Public Interest Legal Services Fund (PILSF)

In 2005, the Wisconsin Supreme Court established the Public Interest Legal Services Fund (PILSF), citing its necessity "to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the judicial system of this state.”

In managing the state’s court system, the Supreme Court found unrepresented clients challenge courts' efficacy, efficiency, available staff time, administrative costs, and public confidence. As a partial solution, the Court has looked to Wisconsin’s attorneys and judges, who commendably take on a “special responsibility for the quality of justice” as part of their profession's rules of conduct. Attorneys and judges currently contribute an annual assessment to the Fund, equivalent to approximately one quarter of a billable hour.

These resources play a critical role. They augment erratic IOLTA funding by providing a more stable revenue foundation for civil legal services for low-income Wisconsinites. WisTAF distributes PILSF funding throughout the state’s judicial districts.