Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

Practices in the areas of family law, employment law and personal injury. Is AV Rated Attorney--the pinnacle of professional excellence earned through a strenuous Peer Review Rating process that is managed and montiored by the world's most trusted legal resource.

Founder and CEO of MicroLaw, Inc., a 24 year old legal technology and law practice management consultancy serving law practices worldwide. Developed the "Paper LESS Office(tm)" process in 1994. In addition to consulting with law firm and legal department clients, I delivery over 40 CLE programs per year worldwide on a variety of legal technology topics. I write for a number of publications including Law Technology News and Technolawyer. I blog at the ABA award-winning blawg, Ross Ipsa Loquitur (rossipsa.com).

Sean's practice focuses on business transactional law, business litigation, civil litigation, and real estate law. Sean has experience litigating business and civil disputes as both plaintiff's and defendant's counsel, helping buyers and sellers complete real estate transactions, as well as experience drafting contracts ranging from small business contracts to plow a parking lot to large corporation contracts dealing with operating and maintaining real estate.

Sean earned his Juris Doctor (JD) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Marquette University. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from Northern Arizona University. Before joining Halling & Cayo, Sean ran his own practice, Tosa Law Office.

Sean has not only the legal training and experience needed to provide complete service, he also has the education and training to understand the real world needs and challenges that organizations large and small face today.

I am a founding and managing partner of Flynn Fleming LLP, a boutique law firm combining the best aspects of a small firm with big firm experience. I represent businesses and professional individuals in resolving disputes, both in and out of court.

I have represented individuals and businesses for ten years in a variety of litigation and pre-litigation matters in the areas of intellectual property, contract disputes, franchise and distribution, real estate, fiduciary duty, stock appraisal, insurance coverage and domestic relations.

Jody L. Usow was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, obtained her bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1983, and is a 1986 graduate of the Marquette University Law School in Wisconsin. She was admitted to the Wisconsin State Bar in 1986.

Jody has extensive experience in civil and criminal law and is an experienced litigator having tried hundreds of cases in Wisconsin Circuit Courts since 1986. Although the focus of her practice is increasingly devoted to aspects of family law, she continues to litigate in several areas.

-- Family Law and Litigation, including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity and domestic violence. In addition to representing private clients, Ms. Usow is regularly appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in the interest of minor children by local Circuit and Childrens Courts and is a member of the Collaborative Law Council.

-- Criminal Law and Litigation, including felony and misdemeanor defense, municipal and criminal traffic defense. While Ms. Usow tries a large variety of criminal cases, she has significant experience in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault including both adults and minors.

-- Civil and Corporate Law and Litigation, including contract enforcement and disputes, insurance claims and defenses, general civil litigation, large and small claims actions and collections.

Attorney Jody L. Usow has broad experience trying cases before both juries and courts throughout Wisconsin, with a primary focus in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Racine and Kenosha Counties. Jody has been a partner with Hickey, Turim and Usow, S.C., since 1996.

Tamara B. Packard is a Partner in the Madison, Wisconsin law firm Cullen Weston Pines & Bach LLP. Ms. Packard has been practicing law since 1994, primarily in the areas of litigation and appeals, emphasizing employment, labor and civil rights law. She was named a Wisconsin Rising Star in Employment and Labor Law for 2006 and 2007, as announced in Milwaukee Magazine. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Ms. Packard frequently represents people with gender, disability and sexual orientation discrimination claims, as well as claims under the wage and hours laws, the State and Federal Family Medical Leave Acts, and in other employment and civil rights disputes. Her litigation and appeals practice also encompasses commercial disputes and serving as local counsel in complex federal litigation.

She is admitted to practice in the state courts of Wisconsin and Michigan, the Federal District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, the Eastern District of Michigan and before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. She also regularly appears on behalf of clients at the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, and other administrative agencies.

Ms. Packard currently serves on the Executive Committee of the James E. Doyle Chapter of the American Inns of Court as Program Chair. She is also active in the Legal Association for Women, the National Employment Lawyers Association and the Wisconsin Employment Lawyers Association.

In a decision released on June 5, 2008, Ms. Packard prevailed on behalf of Fair Wisconsin before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in a case involving free speech, gay rights, allegations of defamation, and a frivolous lawsuit. Partner Lester Pines was co-counsel. Donohoo v. Action Wisconsin, 2008 WI 56.

In 2007, Ms. Packard and Mr. Pines defended, in an Original Action before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Wisconsin Ethics Board's right to discipline Judge Annette Ziegler for her violations of the State Ethics Code. The Supreme Court declined Judge Ziegler's request to take her case, and soon after Judge Ziegler admitted to the violations, agreed to pay a $5,000 forfeiture, and also paid the Board's attorney fees.

In 2003, Ms. Packard won her first case in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, In re Bar Admission of Vanderperren, 2003 WI 37. The Supreme Court found that the Board of Bar Examiners wrongfully denied her client the privilege of practicing law in Wisconsin.

In 2001, on behalf of Madison Teachers, Inc., Ms. Packard and Mr. Pines protected the teachers' union's ability to negotiate domestic partner health insurance for school district employees. This victory was achieved in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in cooperation with attorneys for the Madison Metropolitan School District. Pritchard v. MMSD and Madison Teachers, Inc., 2001 WI App 62.

Ms. Packard is a past-President of the Board of Directors of Fair Wisconsin Education Fund. She continues to serve on the Board. She also writes a regular column for Madison magazine Our Lives. She offers information on legal topics of particular interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

By the appointment of the Honorable Shelley J. Gaylord, Dane County Judge, Ms. Packard is a Dane County Supplemental Court Commissioner. This appointment allows Ms. Packard to officiate at marriage ceremonies throughout Wisconsin.

James W. McNeilly, Jr., is the principal of Law Offices of James W. McNeilly, Jr. LLC, with offices in La Crosse and Kenosha, where he focuses on bankruptcy, estate planning, real estate and business law. Jim is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, the Commercial Law League of America and the American Bankruptcy Institute. He has a BSSW from UW - La Crosse and obtained his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1981. He has been a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee in the Western District of Wisconsin since 1987 and was a La Crosse County Court Commissioner from 1995 to 2007. Jim has administered thousands of Chapter 7 bankruptcies and has been a receiver and an operating Chapter 11 Trustee. He has also represented debtors, creditors, and trustees in bankruptcy proceedings under all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code and debtors, creditors and receivers in receiverships. Jim serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditors' Rights section of the Wisconsin State Bar and is a frequent lecturer and author on bankruptcy, real estate and business law topics.

Milwaukee Wisconsin plaintiff's personal injury lawyer with over twelve years of experience representing injury victims.

At Roney Law Office, LLC, we know that you work very hard for your money. That is why we work very hard for you! We offer a comprehensive flat fee schedule where you know the cost for legal services up front.

With a flat fee structure you pay one amount at the time that you retain Roney Law Office, LLC. After that you pay an additional amount ONLY if there is a fee, court expense or other expense related to your legal matter. You only pay for the additional fee or expense when the fee or expense is actually incurred.

While we cannot offer flat fee services for every conceivable matter, in situations where we are unable to offer a flat fee we offer a very competitive hourly rate. In addition, there are contact rates for businesses referring large volumes of legal matters, such as collections and landlord/tenant matters.

Since 1995, I have used my experience as the chief executive officer of a trade association and an elected official to assist corporations and public entities avoid litigation and prevail in complex disputes. I assist my clients by managing their risk and terminating commercial disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or, if necessary, litigation. I'm also an experienced trial lawyer, having led or second-chaired more than 15 trials, with a 90% success rate. In addition, I defend professionals accused of negligence.

I've helped large corporations and other public entities such as cities and school districts achieve their business and organizational goals:

On behalf of subsidiary of a 6,000 employee industry leader in power plant technology and power generation, successfully sued a deep-hole drilling subcontractor when it failed to properly manufacture large-scale heat exchanger components. Obtained 2007 summary judgment in Washington County Circuit Court.

Defended numerous employment claims brought against Racine Unified School District, which annually educates approximately 21,000 students with 1,400 teachers and more than 100 administrators. Prevailed at both federal and state investigation and administrative hearing stages on discrimination, retaliation, and disparate impact complaints, effectively preventing litigation of all claims brought from 2005-2009.

Defended a leading global engineering and design firm against claims of negligence arising from the design and construction of a water intake and transmission main for a Wisconsin municipality. Prevailed on 2007 summary judgment against co-defendant construction company, preventing trial on $2 million-plus claim in Winnebago County Circuit Court.

Defended a global restaurant chain (280+ locations worldwide) in Milwaukee County Circuit Court litigation arising from food-borne illness outbreak that made headlines in Milwaukee. Settled the majority of the eight-figure case before trial, leaving only the restaurant chain's cross-claims to be tried.

Defended regional HVAC equipment supplier against claims of negligence and breach of contract in Waukesha County Circuit Court. Obtained reversal of default judgment and pretrial judgment dismissing the majority of plaintiff's claims. In 2008, settled the action for less than its cost of defense.

Defended Bergensons Property Services, Inc., a California-based leading national provider of superior maintenance, cleaning, and janitorial service to the retail, commercial, institutional, and hospital industries. Despite not meeting contract requirements, a subcontractor sought payment from Bergensons. Settled the contentious dispute in 2007.

Defended 2005 commercial eviction of car repair chain boasting approximately 60 locations nationwide. After bringing a motion to dismiss before the Kenosha County Circuit Court, settled the suit within two weeks, and negotiated the client's continued presence in Wisconsin.

In 2009, successfully defended of one of Wisconsin's leading worker's compensation attorneys against claims of professional negligence. Settled the $2+million suit prior to Dane County Circuit Court trial.

Second-chaired the Western District of Wisconsin federal court trial of a constitutional challenge to the State of Wisconsin's system of Medicaid administration. The 7th Circuit's appellate decision cleared the way for the client to attract new clients from throughout the United States, significantly increasing its revenue.

In 2009, second-chaired the successful Milwaukee County Circuit Court trial defense of a renowned trauma surgeon accused of negligence after a laparotomy sponge was left inside a patient following surgery.

In the Eastern District of Wisconsin, defended a regional warehousing and transportation logistics company against allegations that it induced a breach of fiduciary duty and interference with multiple contracts. During 2008 and 2009, conducted dozens of depositions of third-parties in this approximately $2 million case, establishing the basis for a summary judgment motion and related motion to recover six-figure costs and fees.

I'm a member of the Litigation and Real Estate Sections of the State Bar of Wisconsin. I also participate as a member of the Commercial Litigation and Professional Liability Committees of the Defense Resource Institute. I practice with Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP, a 475-lawyer firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Hinshaw's 23 offices in 15 states from Florida to Oregon offer comprehensive legal services, including intellectual property, business transactions, transportation, environmental, employment, fidelity and surety, white-collar crime, and products liability.

Executive and Governmental Experience
For three years, I served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin, the second-largest such association in the state of Wisconsin. During my tenure, the Association grew to include three additional counties. Under my leadership, the Association successfully defeated multiple municipal, county, and state legislative efforts that would have harmed its members' businesses. For instance, one proposed ordinance would have mandated participation by all rental property owners in the federal government's Section 8 housing subsidy program.

I have extensive experience as an appointed and elected official in the State of Wisconsin. For example, Governor Tommy Thompson in 2000 appointed me to the Lead Paint Technical Advisory Committee, which was instrumental in crafting a lead paint law for Wisconsin. In 2006, I was appointed to the City of Muskego's Board of Review, where I served as vice-chairman. In 2007, I was elected to the City Council of Muskego, Wisconsin, and was three times elected to serve as the Council's representative on the Plan Commission, and appointed to chair the Public Works Committee in 2008. In April, 2009, I was re-elected to my second two-year term on the City Council of Muskego, Wisconsin, and was also elected President of the Council.

Attorney Craig Vance founded Wisconsin Lemon Aid, LLC in Novmeber of 2008 to continue the fight for the rights of consumers. He practices in many areas of consumer law, including lemon law, warranty litigation, and fraud, in addition to handling other civil litigation matters. Craig handles consumer cases throughout the State of Wisconsin and will be practicing from the Wisconsin Lemon Aid, LLC offices in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He can be reached by e-mail at cvance@wisconsinlemonaid.com. Attorney Vance has successfully handled hundreds of lemon law and waranty litigation cases and is looking forward to continuing his assistance of consumers in enforcing their rights.

Attorney Vance is a 2001 graduate of Marquette University Law School and a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Washington, Waukesha and Milwaukee County Bar Associations. Craig resides in Germantown, Wisconsin with his wife and two children and is active in the community coaching youth sports and volunteering and his church and his childrens' school.

Shane Laughton Brabazon is the Owner and Managing Attorney of Brabazon Law Office, LLC. A native of Northeastern Wisconsin, Shane attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he earned degrees in Economic and Finance and Minored in Speech Communication. He served three terms as President of the Creighton University Speech and Debate Team and won numerous awards for debating and persuasive speaking. He graduated from Creighton Magna Cum Laude.

Shane graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Law in 1995 and passed the Wisconsin State Bar that same year. While at the University of Minnesota, Attorney Brabazon was an intern for the Honorable Federal Magistrate Franklin Noel.

After working for a downtown Green Bay law firm for a period of time, Attorney Brabazon created Brabazon Law Office, LLC in 1997. Attorney Brabazon has a wealth of experience in many areas of Law including; Business & Commercial Law, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Family Law, Estate Planning, Personal Injury, and Civil Litigation

Attorney Brabazon devotes most of his practice to cases involving litigation. He has appeared in front of most Judges throughout Eastern Wisconsin and has extensive experience in both State and Federal Courts.

Attorney Brabazon has represented various types of clients; CEO's of corporations, casino employees, managers, police officers, teachers, small business owners, mill workers, members of political families, and professional athletes. Attorney Brabazon is also proud of his representation of indigent clients, whether providing his services pro bono or representing indigent clients through appointment by the State or Federal Defenders office.

Attorney Brabazon has handled very complex criminal, family and federal civil cases. Involved in numerous high-profile cases, Attorney Brabazon has been quoted in local, state and national newspapers and has appeared on CNN.

Wisconsin personal injury lawyer Frank Pasternak is managing partner of Pasternak & Zirgibel S.C., award-winning plaintiffs personal injury attorneys in Wisconsin. In 2008 and 2007, he was honored by "Super Lawyers" (top 5% of all Wisconsin attorneys) in Milwaukee Magazine. In 2006, he was recognized as a Wisconsin "Super Lawyer Rising Star" (top 2.5% of all Wisconsin lawyers under 40) in Milwaukee Magazine and in 2005, he was voted by CNI Newspapers as "Best Attorney." Pasternak & Zirgibel focuses exclusively on plaintiffs' personal injury and wrongful death litigation, including car accident, asbestos, malpractice and mesothelioma cases. Frank Pasternak has litigated lawsuits nationwide, including a trial against Walmart that resulted in a post-trial recovery of $11,400,000.00.

In practice since 1977, Marty Kohler has developed a reputation as a talented and tenacious litigator, and has been consistently recognized by his peers as a leader in criminal defense. Over the last three decades, Marty has successfully handled thousands of cases, from white-collar offenses to arsons, sexual assaults to drug conspiracies, and virtually everything in between.

Marty is especially well known for his work in homicide cases. He has represented hundreds of homicide defendants, and built up a remarkable record of acquittals, a number of which have involved confessions by the accused. Contrary to the common adage that "if you kill someone, you go to prison," Marty has on several occasions been able to obtain probation for defendants who have been convicted of homicide.

Marty is equally well known for his successful representation of law enforcement officers, court commissioners, judges and other elected officials in a wide variety of legal proceedings, from civil matters to pre-indictment criminal investigations and beyond.

Marty regularly handles high-profile cases, some of which have appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Newsweek, and dozens of other publications. He has appeared numerous times in the national broadcast media, including MSNBC and Dateline, and is frequently sought out as a commentator on criminal law issues.

Marty has taught continuing legal education courses since 1984, including presentations to the National CLE Conference in Criminal Law and throughout the state of Wisconsin. For more than two decades, he has been a coordinator and presenter for the Annual Conference on Recent Developments in Criminal Law at Marquette University's Center for Continuing Legal Studies. Since 1994, Marty has also been a regular presenter to law enforcement officers from around the state at the Wisconsin Department of Justice's annual Death Investigation School. He is a past chair of the Criminal Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association, a position he held for eight years.

Marty earned his Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin and his law degree from Hofstra University. Before founding Kohler & Hart, he was a partner in the Milwaukee law firm of Levine, Epstein and Kohler. Marty is licensed to practice in Wisconsin state and federal courts, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

The practice of family law has been the perfect opportunity to use the skills I have nurtured throughout my life.

Divorce cases are complex. The issues range from creating a placement schedule to permit your children to thrive, to assessing the values of businesses or pensions. My mathematical and analytical background, along with over fifteen years of experience, allow me to fully and effectively counsel our divorce clients about family and financial issues in an effort to obtain a resolution that is fair and well-reasoned.

I believe that children's needs and interests are paramount. I have three young children and understand the importance of maintaining stability in the midst of change. Since parents put their children's needs before their own during marriage, I encourage clients to keep their children's needs and interests at the forefront as a part of the divorce process as well. Since the parents are divorcing and not the children, I urge clients to isolate the children from the conflict to the greatest extent possible.

My peers have named me a "Wisconsin Super Lawyer" in the area of Family Law. I have also been elected to the Board of Directors for the State Bar Family Law Section. I am a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the preeminent organization of Family Law lawyers in the nation. My dedication to law extends beyond my practice. I have presented seminars to fellow lawyers and judges, written proposed legislation, and testified before legislative committees on family law matters. I also offer mediation services.

I look forward to using my experience to help you during your time of need.