West Bend Appeals & Appellate Lawyers

For 30 years, I have been providing the highest quality representation on appeal in State and Federal Courts, in both civil and criminal cases.

Ralph Ehlinger is a lawyers' lawyer who brings knowledge and creativity to transactional matters and enjoys the challenge of an uphill battle in court. With a depth of experience in creating and acquiring businesses, drafting shareholder agreements and non-competes, and negotiating and closing business and real estate transactions, he represents individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations not only when things are going well but in times of trouble. He is a skilled litigator at both the trial and appellate levels, with particular emphasis on libel and slander, shareholder disputes and non-competes, open meeting and public records challenges,...

Attorney John A. Birdsall has more than 30 years of experience and has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and victorious criminal defense attorneys in the State of Wisconsin. With over 260 jury trials, mostly for serious felonies, he has an acquittal rate that is three times the state average. John’s practice is focused exclusively on defending the wrongly accused, and he has recently made headlines for his defense of a client named Eddie Gill. After being accused of shooting and killing a Milwaukee resident, John helped uncover that the police had interrogated Gill into confessing when...

Attorney Kelsi Cottle grew up learning first-hand about the struggles of migrating your family and business to a new Country. Ms. Cottle was born in New Zealand, to parents who were each citizens of different Countries, and spent her childhood living in Canada, New Zealand and the USA. Because of these experiences, Ms. Cottle has a unique, and personal, perspective on the implications that migration can have on a family and a business. Ms. Cottle received her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Computer Science from Lakeland University in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Upon deciding to pursue a career in...

Using as a foundation engineering and legal services provided to Fortune 500 companies, individuals, venture capitalists, start-up companies, and family businesses alike, Garet works with clients towards efficient and strategic IP management, assertion and defense; from concept through all levels of appeal. He enjoys meeting with clients to establish long-term, candid relationships that help to achieve client objectives through a team approach.

Atty. Matthew Pinix has represented hundreds of individuals in postconviction, appellate, habeas, and civil rights matters. He has also given several educational talks to lawyers, law students, and the public about criminal appeals and the processes involved.

On multiple occasions, he has been invited by other lawyers to represent individuals or organizations before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in criminal cases.

Every year since 2013, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star, an award given to no more than 2.5% of the attorneys in Wisconsin.

Prior to becoming a practicing lawyer, Matthew worked as...

I'm a shareholder with DeWitt Law Firm practicing in the areas of real estate and business. I have assisted local and international banks and retailers, national restaurant operators and other businesses, community associations, property managers and owners, title insurers, general contractors and construction trades, creditors, landlords, and parties to insurance coverage disputes. I also work with community associations and their property managers in all kinds of transactions and disputes. I have successfully tried and arbitrated cases and handled insurance appraisals in state and federal courts, as well as appeals. I have also been selected to serve as mediator involving issues...

Nicole M. Masnica is a Partner at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Working to serve Wisconsin clients and bettering her community has always been a top priority. Nicole has spent countless hours in circuit courts in Southeastern Wisconsin both as a trial attorney and appellate advocate. Prior to joining the firm, Nicole spent nine years representing countless individuals in all stages of criminal litigation at the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, from pre-charging conferences to appellate representation to administrative revocation proceedings. She has tried multiple cases to a jury with successful outcomes and has achieved relief for...

Jason D. Luczak is a trial and appellate attorney at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He represents clients in a variety of practice areas, including criminal and white-collar defense, administrative and licensing matters, and civil litigation in the state and federal courts, as well as municipal courts and administrative agencies throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. His experience includes trying serious felonies and other charges in state and federal court and briefing and arguing appeals before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Jason is licensed to practice law in...

Ms. Stephanie Rock graduated from Lakeland University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Criminal Justice. She then received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Madison. While in law school, Ms. Rock worked for the Legal Assistance to Institutionalized Persons Clinic, assisting Wisconsin prison inmates with post-conviction matters. This experience is what made Ms. Rock passionate about criminal defense work. She was also a student in the Federal Appeals Project which handles direct appeals for federal inmates. This allowed Ms. Rock to enhance her legal writing skills and become a strong advocate for her clients....

Michael F. Hart has been one of Wisconsin's leading criminal defense attorneys for the past twenty-nine years. His imposing courtroom presence has distinguished him as a prominent trial lawyer, and his dedication to justice has earned him the recognition of being a Wisconsin Super Lawyer by many of the state's judges and lawyers.

His successes include a variety of practice areas, and his clients range from high-profile members of the National Football League to white collar workers. Most notably, his triumphs include one of the largest defamation awards in Wisconsin history against a private individual, where Michael successfully helped his client...

Christopher M. Hayden is an associate with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chris is a graduate of Marquette University Law School and The University of Kansas. As a law student, he competed in several national moot courts and mock trial competitions. He also assisted local nonprofit organizations through an internship with the Marquette Legal Initiative for Nonprofit Corporations, which led to him being inducted in the Pro Bono Honor Society. Prior to joining GRGB, Chris spent four years as a law clerk and attorney at a suburban Milwaukee law firm. He quickly developed a civil litigation practice...

Kathy joined Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in 1989 as an associate attorney. Her experience with the firm began even earlier, as she worked at GRGB as a law clerk from March 1985 through May 1986 during law school. Kathy has a distinct ability to make people immediately feel comfortable, but she is also known for her no-nonsense approach and willingness to fight hard for her clients. Kathy has a diverse practice area. She is the firm’s lead appellate attorney and has authored scores of appellate and trial court briefs in all areas of GRGB’s practice. Known as...

Jerome Buting was featured as one of Steven Avery's defense lawyers in the Netflix docuseries "Making a Murderer." He has handled many high profile cases and spoken worldwide about America's criminal justice system. His first book is "Illusion of Justice: Inside Making a Murderer and America's Broken System" (Harper 2017). His current and past speaking engagements are found at http://jbuting.com/speaking-engagements/

Mr. Buting is a shareholder in the Milwaukee area law firm of BUTING, WILLIAMS & STILLING, S.C., where he practices exclusively in the field of criminal law, handling both trials and appeals. He received his B.A. in Forensic Studies from Indiana...

Kristen Nelson is a Partner at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to joining the firm, Kristen was a solo practitioner in private practice, specializing in criminal and health care defense. She has represented clients before the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, the Wisconsin Department of Hearings and Appeals, Wisconsin State Courts, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Kristen graduated from DePaul University College of Law, earning a Health Law Certificate along with her law degree. In September 2012, she became licensed to practice law in the...

Attorney Nicole A. Muller is a partner at Birdsall Muller LLC. Previous to being partner, she spent six years working as an associate, specializing in criminal defense, with Birdsall Obear and Associates. Not only is Attorney Muller a graduate of Catholic University in Washington D.C. where she studied Political Science and Studio Art, but before going to law school also graduated from Columbia University in New York City. After graduating from Columbia, Attorney Muller realized that this country’s criminal justice was severely broken and the world needed more advocates for criminal defendants across the nation. This passion to bring...

An experienced personal injury attorney, with the extensive professional credentials: Wisconsin Association for Justice (Board of Directors since 2005) Judicial Clerk to Chief Judge Eich, Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Madison, WI (August 1996-1997) Co-Author, Chapter 9: “Special Damages” Wisconsin Law of Damages (2005-2008) Note, “AIDS Behind Bars: Judicial Barriers to Prisoners’ Constitutional Claims” 45 Drake L. Rev. 527 (1997) Cannon & Dunphy, S.C. has won more $10 million and higher awards than any other personal injury law firm in Wisconsin. While we are large enough to successfully handle your problems, Cannon & Dunphy is small enough to hear your concerns...

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...

Since 1994, I have aggressively defended OWI and criminal cases throughout Wisconsin. My practice is statewide, focusing solely on drunk driving, criminal and traffic defense. I have successfully defended hundreds of OWI cases. I have been the lead attorney on more than 1000 OWI jury trials. My years of experience practicing in Wisconsin and my former law clerk experience have given me a unique perspective from both sides of the aisle. I fully understand the necessity of having the representation of a qualified attorney in an OWI case. Prior to working in Wisconsin, I was a law clerk for...

I practice as a criminal defense lawyer because I believe that the rights of all depend on the rights of one. As a result, each person’s rights must be vigilantly safeguarded against the powers of the state. An unfettered state results in the very tyranny our Founding Fathers sought to protect us against with the Constitution.

I devote my practice to representing employees in benefit disputes, contract claims, unemployment insurance appeals, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation suits, and other employment cases. I listen to my clients and carefully develop goal-oriented plans starting with the first consultation. Communication is essential, and I counsel clients on all options throughout the litigation process. I have successfully litigated appeals to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. I draw from my decade of experience in state, federal, and administrative venues, as well as my knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title...

PRACTICE AREAS AND CLIENTS

My practice is focused on protecting individuals’ and businesses’ property rights. Whether those rights are affected by disputes arising out of construction projects, real estate transactions, property insurance disputes, or business matters. Most of my clients are homeowners, construction professionals, and small business owners.

WHY I ENJOY BEING A LAWYER

The aspect of being a lawyer that I enjoy the most is that I am constantly learning new things. I strive to immerse myself into the legal and factual issues of a particular case to better serve my clients. This means that I often find myself out in the...

I represent people who have been seriously injured as well as the families of those who have been neglected or abused in nursing homes, hospitals, or other long-term care facilities.

Before I joined firms that specialize in representing people, I was a shareholder in the litigation department at a well-established firm that represented businesses and insurers in commercial litigation, personal injury, and insurance coverage matters. Having defended complex cases for years, I am versed in the strategies that defendants use and employ, and this understanding now helps me offer unique insight and reliable advice to individuals seeking to hold corporate defendants...

I have been a trial lawyer since graduation from law school. I find the practice of law exciting. It is my calling. I have learned so much about so many different types of businesses and the manner in which business disputes arise. I have also experienced with my clients the devastation that come from personal injuries and challenges that they face which cause them to become involved in the legal system. All of those experiences have given me a strong and I believe unique set of skills in helping people find solutions to their problems. The largest corporate client and...

DVG Law Partner LLC helps clients (in Wisconsin and across the U.S.) who are in disputes with large organizations. We enforce Employee Rights, Shareholder Rights, Contract Rights, Fraud Victim Rights, and Class Actions. Michael Brown is the founding attorney of DVG Law Partner. He has been recognized as a Rising Star in the Super Lawyers publication, has a “Superb” rating from Avvo, and has had several legal cases with prominent media coverage. DVG has value-based fees, partners effectively with clients, and leverages technology to reduce costs. If a matter requires the sharing of legal work and/or financial risk,...

Attorney David J. Bischmann is a life-long Wisconsin resident, earned an undergraduate degree, with distinction, in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1991. From 1993 to 1995, he served as law clerk to Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Harry S. Snyder, and in 1995, he went on to serve as law clerk to Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley during her first term on the Court. David brought his extensive expertise in legal research, writing and appellate practice to his current position with Hausmann-McNally, S.C. in the fall...

Chuck Palmer is the Managing Partner of Michael, Best & Friedrich's Waukesha, Wisconsin office. His primary practice areas are Labor and Employment Law, OSHA defense, fire, explosion and safety related litigation, and construction law. He is co-chair of the firms construction practice group. He is the author of Wisconsin Workers Compensation Law, a Handbook for Employers. He is on the Board of Directors for the following organizations: Wisconsin Underground Contractors Assn., Wisconsin Council of Safety, Make A Wish Foundation. An example of one of his published opinions can be found at: http://www.wicourts.gov/sc/opinion/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=33223

Kent A. Tess-Mattner is a shareholder with the Brookfield law firm of Schmidt, Rupke, Tess-Mattner & Fox, S.C. He received his B.A. (cum laude) from Carroll University and his J.D. from Marquette University. Before entering private practice, he was law clerk to Chief Judge John A. Decker of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. He has co-chaired the Civil Litigation Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association and is past president of both the Society of Family Lawyers and the Leander J. Foley Matrimonial Inns of Court. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar...

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...

Practice limited to Wisconsin and Federal Criminal Appeals, habeas corpus, and post-conviction litigation

A true Wisconsin native, Attorney Wood earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin. From the beginning of her legal career, Attorney Wood dedicated herself to defending OWI cases—allowing her to gain valuable experience and insights that are used to help her clients. Attorney Wood is the first Wisconsin attorney to serve on the Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) held at Harvard Law School, an organization devoted to furthering education for attorneys in this field of law. She is also a frequent speaker at...