Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

I genuinely believe that the value of life comes from service to others. I have dedicated more hours to this philosophy than our business manager would care to imagine. I have been rewarded kindly in the friends that I have made, the lessons that I have learned and the impact that I have made on the community. I never stop hunting for the next project.

My service to the community has been very broad in scope. I have served as a member of the Oconomowoc school board, the Oconomowoc Hospital Foundation, and as a trustee of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church. I created a foundation for the Oconomowoc Rotary. I set up a non-profit corporation which provides medical services in Haiti. I have coached soccer for the Oconomowoc Soccer Association and Lake Country United. Currently, I am President of the Village of Lac La Belle. I am a legal advisor to St. Jerome’s Catholic Church and Holy Hill, and run a free legal clinic.

It is my passion and dedication that have powered my law career. As founder and president of the firm, I have created and nurtured an organization that is dedicated to the service of our clients. I require respect and dignity for everyone. I insist that every attorney and assistant obtain the training and continuing education necessary for the highest level of assistance to our clients. I practice what I preach. I travel annually to seminars all over the country. I arrange for twice-monthly teleconferences for our attorneys and the financial planners/CPAs who are our strategic partners. I emphasize active listening so that our team understands the range and depth of our clients’ needs. I provide client education so that they are empowered to meet the unique and unexpected challenges of life. My aim is to provide my clients with peace of mind. In the end, I want our clients to be satisfied with their choice of our firm as their personal, family attorneys.

I concentrate my practice in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, but I am experienced in a wide-range of legal areas having represented financial institutions, medical facilities, real estate developers, condominium associations, real estate brokers, and business entities. I have a wide range of litigation experience including appellate work before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Beyond that, I am a real estate broker and have a Masters of Tax degree in accounting. It is this range of knowledge and experience that has allowed me to offer our clients superior legal service. I look forward to helping you.

Mr. Woody has a special interest in environmental and natural resources law. He is a member of the Natural Resources Division and Forest Resources Committee of the American Bar Association. He serves as legal counsel to the Ruffed Grouse Society, a national wildlife conservation and sportsmens association, on matters pertaining to the National Forests. He counsels natural resource clients in all aspects of Forest Service decision-making and its consequences on the forest's stakeholders, including industry, Native Americans, residents, and environmental interest groups.

In addition, to National Forest legal issues, Mr. Woody concentrates his practice on ERISA litigation, subrogation and insurance defense and complex coverage issues and appeals. Mr. Woody has represented ERISA Plans in numerous federal courts around the country.

Accomplished corporate generalist attorney with substantial in-house experience now in private practice.
Extensive experience providing legal advice to all levels of management. Legal experience includes franchise acquisitions, mediation of disputes between franchisees and the franchisor, review of franchise license agreements and franchise disclosure documents, wage and hour disputes, discrimination complaints, commercial lease review, vendor contract and sales contract review.

If you are buying or selling a franchise, I can help with the process. I can also support your on-going business given my extensive corporate legal experience.

We represent BUYERS OR SELLERS of Residential, Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate from the Offer to Purchase through the Closing.

We offer One Stop FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) Service Including: Forms & Contracts, Title Insurance and Closing.

ALSO, Offers, Deeds, Land Contracts, Broker Assisted Transactions, Section 1031 (âStarkerâ) Exchanges, Landlord/Tenant Issues, LLC Organization, Will and Power of Attorney Preparation, Estate Planning and Probate Matters.

Ask about our FLAT RATE FEES!

Member: Wisconsin Bar Association, Milwaukee Bar Association, Attorneys Title Guaranty Fund.

Kathleen B. Stilling is a partner in the Milwaukee area law firm of BUTING & WILLIAMS, S.C., practicing statewide primarily in the field of criminal defense, both trials and appeals. She is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is a charter member and past-president of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She is admitted to practice in federal and state courts in Wisconsin as well as the United States 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a frequent speaker at CLE seminars for lawyers throughout Wisconsin, as well as national seminars sponsored by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Effective November 1, 2008, I opened my own law office in Brookfield, Wisconsin (in Waukesha County, a suburb of the City of Milwaukee). In addition to being more centrally situated to my personal client base, this move also reflects the fact that as my practice was increasingly focused on asset planning and debt reorganization, it resulted in my former law firm more frequently encountering conflicts of interest with business organizations and financial organizations it represented (or, desired to represent!).

Generally, I will continue to provide services in the following areas of concern as they tend to interact, and at the listed rates:

A. Personal/business debt reorganization/resolution. My services here are based on assisting clients either eliminating debt concerns that hamper their business, or in exiting the business under circumstances where protection of the owner's personal assets are maximized, to the extant legally possible. This involves the use of such tools as Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcies; Chapter 128 state law liquidations: and personal asset protection plans. To that end, I am representing only a few area banking concerns [AnchorBank; NorStates Bank) to eliminate conflicts of interest which, far too often, may be influencing the vigor of representation offered by other firms in this locale. Fees in this practice area will range from $250 to $265 per hour.

B. Employment matters and litigation. For businesses, I offer services in responding to employee claims, and assisting in employment decisions where a claim potential exists. I also will counsel higher-compensated employees about exploring their options in conflict with their employer. To this area, I bring my experience as a former claims investigator for the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division and years of representing each side in - typically - contested employment disputes, where trials or administrative hearings are likely to occur. My litigation (courtroom work) matters will focus on misrepresentation, fraud and/or administrative code violations, such as deceptive business practices. Fees here will range from $225-$245, again driven by the complexity and breadth of the issues.

C. General business consulting, planning and setup matters, including subsidiary and affiliate implementation, as a means to protect the core business in the event a planned expansion or venture either fails, or is more successful than anticipated. Generally, these services will be at an hourly fee range of $200-225, based on the size and complexity of the client's project.

A note about the fee ranges: Generally, these ranges are markedly less than charged by similar practitioners with similar experience in the subject fields. Nor do I expect to increase them any time soon. The business model of a "downtown firm," with annual fee increases noted as
standard in their engagement letter is not one I care to follow. I have a long relationship with most all of my present client base; they expect effective service and I intend to keep my overhead under control to eliminate fee spiraling for such services.

It goes without saying that a business seeks customers that pay timely for fair services; but the larger you grow in the service fields, the harder it is to hold true to that goal . . . and other clients tend to suffer for the consequences of that growth. I am proud that my practice has been virtually client referral-based. After initial discussion on a matter, I quote a fee rate from the above ranges and confirm it by letter. I also charge as "expenses" only out-of-pocket fees (for legal filings, court reporter fees) and, occasionally, photocopying; scanning; mailing, if a large volume is handled on my end (versus being copied and issued at your own facilities).

Personally, I obtained the coveted A-V rating from Martindale-Hubbell (generally recognized as the foremost and longest-established lawyer evaluation service) back in 1991 (one of the first to achieve such at my former firm).

Prior to engaging in private practice, I served as a law clerk (legal researcher) to the Wisconsin Supreme Court after graduating cum laude from Marquette Law School, where I was one of the editors of its Law Review. During law school, I was employed as a field investigator for the Equal Rights Division (through a law school clinical program) of the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (investigating discrimination claims).

I have also been president of the Alumni Association for the Law School, and served two terms as its representative on the Marquette University National Alumni Association's Board of Directors. Early on, I was awarded the Volunteer Lawyer of the Year for the Milwaukee Young Lawyers' Association/Legal Action of Wisconsin joint program for supplying legal services to the community for complex employment matters; and still provide services on bankruptcy matters for its current program.

CHRISTOPHER KOLB is a 1981 graduate from Yale University Law School. Prior to attending Yale, he earned two postgraduate degrees from UCLA, which he attended on an NDEA fellowship, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, where he graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors.

His practice includes litigation on behalf of plaintiffs in securities disputes, representation of lawyers, doctors and other professionals facing possible disciplinary action by licensing authorities, and business litigation involving contract, intellectual property, and employment matters. He has also represented the owners of a large area shopping center regarding their leasing and litigation needs, and has extensive experience as a mediator.

He is a member of the Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin Bar Associations and has also appeared before the Federal Courts of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (which includes Wisconsin and Illinois), Ninth Circuit (including California), and Federal Circuit (in Washington, D.C. ).

Mr. Kolb has lectured at Marquette University Law School on the subject of alternative dispute resolution, and he is a two-time recipient of the State Bar of Wisconsin Authorship Award, once for an article on structured settlements and once for a two-part article on arbitration of securities disputes.

Main Office:
320 East Buffalo St.
Suite 700
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-271-3400

Waukesha Office:
20720 Watertown Rd.
Suite 202
Waukesha, WI 53186
Phone: 262-782-5200

Jerome Buting is a shareholder in the Milwaukee area law firm of BUTING & WILLIAMS, S.C., where he practices throughout the state exclusively in the field of criminal law, handling both trials and appeals. He received his B.A. in Forensic Studies from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1978 and his J.D. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1981. Mr. Buting is admitted to practice in Wisconsin state and federal courts as well as the United States 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He is a current member and past chair of the Criminal Law Section Board of Directors. He is a member of the Wisconsin Criminal Justice Commission, which is presently reviewing potential areas of reform in the Wisconsin criminal justice process. He is a past-president of WACDL, and a life member of NACDL and formerly served on its board of directors. Mr. Buting has organized CLE seminars for the State Bar Criminal Law Section and NACDL, and is a frequent contributor to State Public Defender seminars.

Mr. Buting is frequently sought after for his expertise on DNA and other forensic evidence, cross-examination of experts, innocence and wrongful convictions challenges, and how to handle a high profile case.

The Law Offices of David J. Carlson, S.C. offer full service probate law assistance, expert will and trust assistance, real estate law assistance, power of attorney and guardian issue assistance, and personal injury law assistance, for clients in the Waukesha, Milwaukee and Wisconsin region.

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.

My practice focuses on federal bankruptcy law, Wisconsin debt amortization law, debt settlement and negotiation, traffic and municipal law, and estate planning.

I help consumers file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, offers clients an affordable repayment option by utilizing Wisconsin laws, assists with negotiating debt settlement, helps clients reduce traffic citations, and drafts wills and power of attorney documents.

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.

My practice is intentionally limited to Divorce and Family Law issues. I have been practicing for over 20 years, and place a personal emphasis on resolving family conflicts rather than inflaming them. I listen closely to my clients to identify what is most vital to them, and then we pursue those goals in a way that is least divisive. Unfortunately, sometimes we need to act quickly and decisively to protect these goals. But this is usually done only after attempts at resolution have failed.

I enjoy what I do, because I can see the positive influence that I have on the lives of family members who are experiencing very stressful and difficult times.

PATRICIA L. GROVE was admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin in 1981 after graduating from Tulsa University Law School where she was an editor of the Tulsa Law Journal, a member of the International Moot Court Team, and the recipient of the 1981 Rogers Inn Graduate of the Year Award. Pat has a B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an M.S.W. from Washington University.

Pat served from 1981 to 1982 as law clerk to Justice William Callow of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She is the author of numerous articles and is the co-author of Appellate Practice and Procedure in Wisconsin (1986), the standard work on appellate procedure in the State of Wisconsin. She is a member of the Milwaukee and American Bar Associations, the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Society of Family Attorneys and the Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, Inc. She has been recognized as one of Milwaukee's top family law attorneys by Milwaukee Magazine, and in the 2006 Super Lawyers edition. Pat's practice is principally devoted to family law and appellate practice. Pat is also a court commissioner.

Main Office:
320 East Buffalo St.
Suite 700
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-271-3400

Waukesha Office:
20720 Watertown Rd.
Suite 202
Waukesha, WI 53186
Phone: 262-782-5200