Vision
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) supports its employees and clients in the provision of innovative and equitable solutions that foster just results.
Mission
DLS is dedicated to the provision of high-quality legal representation and advice to the Governor, Legislature, other state officers, and state agencies. Experienced assistant attorneys general, paralegals, and legal associates seek to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of Wisconsinites by enforcing the law. To achieve this, DLS consists of units organized on the substantive areas of law that maximize the advantages of specialization:
- The Civil Litigation Unit serves as defense counsel in wide variety of substantive areas including civil rights, eminent domain, torts, employment, and administrative law.
- The Criminal Appeals Unit represents the state in all felony appeals before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court.
- The Criminal Litigation Unit prosecutes select criminal violations and provides training and advice to state prosecutors and law enforcement.
- The Medicaid Fraud Control & Elder Abuse Unit investigates and prosecutes crimes committed against vulnerable adults in nursing homes and other facilities, as well as fraud perpetrated by providers against the Wisconsin Medicaid program.
- The Public Protection Unit enforces the laws that protect consumers and our natural resources.
- The Special Litigation & Appeals Unit provides legal advice to the State and its agencies and handles litigation in a wide variety of substantive areas, frequently on issues relating to constitutional law and governmental authority.
Leadership
Lara Sutherlin
Division Administrator
Division of Legal Services