Merrimac Lawyers

Make It Happen Law is about providing realistic and practical legal solutions to family law issues. These situations are obviously very emotional. Our goal is trying to find an affordable solution that is as painless as possible so you get back to doing what is important, taking care of your family. While we specialize in mediation we also do family law through the traditional court process. We understand that the legal system can be overwhelming and intimidating. Let us help you figure out a way to navigate through the system and focus on your family.

Education
Mr. Baus earned his bachelor’s of arts in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1984. He graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1990. He was a member of Marquette Law School’s National Labor Law Moot Court Team, and placed first in the Intra School Moot Court Competition.

Background
Mr. Baus was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on March 18, 1962. He is married and resides in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Personal Comments
After working as a journalist, I had a strong desire to work in a job that has a direct positive affect on people’s lives. We all hope and believe that we won’t be...

Michael is a Wisconsin native and graduated cum laude Marquette University Law School in 2009. He has spent time working for the Internal Revenue Service and Former Chief Judge Susan V. Kelley, as well as on both sides of creditor-debtor law, primarily dealing with bankruptcy, foreclosure, and eviction matters. He is admitted to the Wisconsin State Bar, the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, and the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.

Michael enjoys practicing law to help people solve problems that would be difficult to manage on their own. He believes that everyone is entitled to be fully...

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 Drew Sapinski has been practicing bankruptcy law for over 15 years. He chose to devote his practice exclusively to this area because it enables him to change people’s lives. At his firm, Sapinski Law Office, S.C., clients are treated with care and respect. He handles his bankruptcy cases personally and guides his clients through every step of the way. Mr. Sapinski received his B.S. with honors from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Temple University Law School. Attorney Sapinski is currently a member of the Wisconsin State Bar and is admitted...

My Philosophy: In Divorce lies the seeds of a new life, the hope of greater understanding and wisdom that comes from great struggle.

When you hire an attorney you should find out first if they are competent (do they know the law; are they experienced; do they have a good reputation) and second you should ask yourself, could I work with this person over a long period of time.

There are many philosophies on practicing law. Some attorneys want to take the lead and the client follows; some attorneys want only to settle the case and will do almost anything to...

Our top notch attorneys are supported by an exceptional and caring staff, ensuring that our clients receive dedicated and personal attention for their matters, while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Established in 1994, we represent clients in the areas of Family Law, Divorce, Legal Separation, Estate Planning, Probate, Criminal/Traffic, Real Estate, Corporations and Litigation.

In addition to traditional divorce, we offer an alternative called Collaborative Divorce which focuses on helping family members transition in a mutually respectful manner. Ultimately we reach a settlement that upholds the priorities and interests of all family members, but especially...

Attorney Mayer is known for his compassionate and client-centered approach to legal representation. Attorney Mayer believes in building strong relationships with his clients based on trust, open communication, and understanding. He takes the time to listen to his clients' stories, thoroughly assess their legal needs, and develop customized strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes. He is a skilled negotiator and litigator who is not afraid to fight for his clients' rights in and out of the courtroom. He is known for his attention to detail, thorough preparation, and strategic thinking, which permits him to provide effective and efficient...

Michael hails from the Milwaukee area, and is an avid fan of all Wisconsin Sports. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his Juris Doctorate from University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Law. Initially Michael had a general, civil practice which included: Criminal Law, Landlord/Tenant Disputes, and Real Estate Law. Helpful by nature, Attorney Rud decided to expand his practice to include Bankruptcy. He joined ESSERLAW in order to make people, who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, more aware of accessible choices.

Michelle Fitzgerald is an attorney and founder of Horizons Law Group, LLC. She practices family law, including mediation and collaborative law, real estate, new business start-ups, estate planning including probate and guardianships. Michelle is on the board of the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin as well as a past Chairperson. She formerly served on the Wauwatosa Village BID Board and school governance council at her children's former school. She is also an active member of the Milwaukee Bar, and the Association for Women Lawyers (AWL), and past volunteer at the House of Peace Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic. Michelle was...

Attorney Sawyer served for more than 8 years in the United States Navy as an officer and helicopter pilot. He graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame Law School. Attorney Sawyer's focus is criminal defense.

Attorney William M. Cannon is a member of one of Wisconsin's best-known and most prominent legal families extending over four generations of lawyers, beginning with his grandfather's admission to the Wisconsin Bar. This four-generation legal family has practiced continuously in Milwaukee and other communities throughout Wisconsin for over 100 years. Mr. Cannon has won more $10 million paid verdicts and settlements for his clients than any other lawyer in Wisconsin. His cases have been featured on the CBS program "60 Minutes" and the "ABC Evening National News". He has continuously been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Over...

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...

25 years of experience helping injured and disabled people throughout Wisconsin in personal injury, worker's compensation, social security, short and long term disability policies, and disability pension cases and claims. I personally handle every aspect of your case.

Richard Reilly brings the sharp strategic instincts of a litigator to the delicate practice of family law. He balances his practice with a compassion for the client and a willingness to fight on their behalf. “We know the issues surrounding family law can be very sensitive and require a soft touch, however, we also show our clients that we are not afraid to take an aggressive approach if need be,” he notes. Richard honed his instincts while serving five years as a trial lawyer in the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's...

Mr. Prachthauser is a frequent presenter and speaker for the State Bar of Wisconsin, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has been a Civil Trial Practice Instructor at the University of Wisconsin Madison-Law School.

RICHARD J. PODELL, born Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 22, 1943; admitted to bar, 1969, Wisconsin and U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin; 1974, U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Colgate University (A.B., 1966); University of Wisconsin (J.D., 1969). Editor, Wisconsin Journal of Family Law, 1987-1989. Milwaukee Bar Chairman, Family Law Section, 1979-1984); Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1974--, Wisconsin, Chairman, 1986-1987; Active Member in the American Bar Association, Family Law Section for 35 years, 17 of which served as an officer or member of Council; Chairman of the American Bar Association, Family Law Section, 1988-1989;...

Attorney Timothy H. Hassell is a partner at Watton Law Group. He concentrates his legal practice on assisting consumers through bankruptcy matters. Mr. Hassell received his law degree from Marquette University in 2010 and his undergraduate degree in Economics from Brigham Young University in 2007. Mr. Hassell admitted to practice in the state courts of Missouri and Wisconsin, as well as in the federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, the Southern District of Illinois, and the District of Colorado. Contact Watton Law Group today to schedule a consultation with...

Luke Mayefske is a Milwaukee personal injury lawyer at the law offices of Pitman, Kalkhoff, Sicula & Dentice. With a focus on helping his clients to obtain the justice they deserve, Luke is known for his key communication skills, which help to fully understand the concerns and objectives of the clients that he represents. If you or someone that you love has been injured due to no fault of their own and require the services of a highly skilled attorney in Milwaukee, contact Luke today for your FREE case review.

Attorney Philip J. Ohrtmann is an associate attorney with Watton Law Group who focuses his practice on helping Wisconsin residents through bankruptcy cases. Mr. Ohrtmann received his law degree from Marquette University in 2021 and his undergraduate degree in Economics from Marquette University in 2018. Mr. Ohrtmann is admitted to practice in the state courts of Wisconsin and the Eastern Federal District Court of Wisconsin. If you are facing debt, Attorney Ohrtmann can guide you through the legal process to get you a fresh start. Call Watton Law Group today to schedule your initial consultation.

General counsel and labor and employment lawyer to small and mid-sized businesses.

Scott is a founding member and partner of the firm. He represents individuals in personal injury and death cases. Scott is also one of the few Wisconsin attorneys licensed to practice before the United States Court of Federal Claims, representing individuals harmed by vaccines. He also practices in the areas of worker’s compensation, nursing home abuse, products liability, and insurance disputes of all types.

Scott has served on the Board of Governors of the Wisconsin Association for Justice (formerly the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers) since 2007. He has also served as Wisconsin’s State Delegate to the American Association for...

Never one to shy away from difficult cases, Austin worked on cases involving abuse allegations, restraining orders, and termination of parental rights. He has also assisted in arranging step-parent adoptions. No matter how difficult the case, if it means protecting client's children and families, Austin is prepared to go the extra mile for his clients.

To Austin, nothing replaces hard work and preparation, and every one of his clients deserves the same level of excellence. His overriding goal is to be a source of stability and strength in some of the stormiest moments in his client's lives. Ultimately, he hopes that...

Frank Gilbert Slinkard is an experienced attorney representing Wisconsin clients in the fields of Internet law, intellectual property, and business formation. Slinkard was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with specialization in political theory. He completed his undergraduate thesis on the concept of reflective equilibrium in Rawls’s Theory of Justice. He received a Master of Arts in Government from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, completing his master’s thesis on Grotius’s Introduction to the Jurisprudence of Holland. Slinkard received his law degree from the Cornell Law...

Virginia E. George is a partner at Steinhilber Swanson, LLP. She has served as a Chapter 7 Panel trustee in the Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Milwaukee Division) since 1999. She has, for 25 years, been peer- rated “AV” at Martindale Hubbell. She has extensive experience in all aspects of consumer and business bankruptcy. She has also represented Creditors, and Debtors in Chapter 11 and 12 cases. For the past 25 years she has concentrated over 95% of her practice in bankruptcy and insolvency matters also serving as receiver in...

Jerome R. Kerkman is a shareholder with the firm. He has a business litigtion practice with an emphasis in commercial financial transactions, business restructuring in court or out-of-court, mergers and acquisitions, personal planning and complex business litigation involving wrongful competition and trade secrets.

Michael G. Levine received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He went on to receive his juris doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Florida, receiving a Dean's Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Academic Performance in Substantive Criminal Law and graduating cum laude.

While living in Florida, Mr. Levine began his legal career working in the Public Defenders Offices of both Dade and Broward Counties. During his time as a public defender Mr. Levine managed a felony case load in excess of one hundred files at any given time. He...

The Law Offices of Dantzman & Dantzman provides quality, affordable, hands-on bankruptcy representation to our clients in Wisconsin and New York. We understand that the decision to file bankruptcy is not an easy one, and we take pride in being accessible to answer the difficult questions you may have. We offer a free consultation, reasonable fees, and flexible payment arrangements. It is our commitment to personally spend time with you to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action to help you and your family. Personal attention. Compassionate attorneys. Focused on helping you get back on track. We...

Daniel Finerty concentrates his practice on representing and counseling clients in labor and employment litigation and compliance matters in front of administrative agencies, federal, state and tribal courts and in labor arbitration. Daniel has represented Wisconsin counties, cities, school districts, Native American tribes, tribal businesses and private sector employers in senior living, healthcare, manufacturing, food manufacturing, commercial laundry, dry cleaning and other industries. He has handled litigation matters involving Title VII, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the...

Thomas L. Frenn is a Leading Lawyer in Business Law, Litigation and Estate Planning. He focuses his practice on small business law, real estate, non-profit organizations, wills, trusts, estate planning, and business litigation. He also has extensive experience in residential and commercial real estate transactions, including buying/selling, tax-free exchanges and eminent domain cases.

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...

I have been practicing criminal defense in Wisconsin for over 20 years. I have handled cases ranging from simple misdemeanors and ordinance violations to homicide prosecutions. I practice in state, federal and municipal court. I have been recognized as a "Leader in the Law" by the Wisconsin Law Journal, and teach regularly at legal seminars.

Attorney Esser has been serving the people of Wisconsin for over 25 years. She is a board certified advocate, who handles personal injury cases that range from a simple car accident to a home explosion. She offers free, in-person consultations to ensure that she and her staff are a good fit for you and your case.

I have been successfully representing satisfied clients in the greater Milwaukee area since 2002. When you call my office, you speak with me - not an associate or paralegal.