Superior Lawyers

I assist clients with estate planning, probate, trust administration, pre-marital agreements, guardianship, and small business succession planning. Regardless of net worth, everybody should have an estate plan. I am happy to assist a range of clients: from the young couple who wants to do estate planning to appoint a guardian for their minor children to the multi-millionaire who needs estate tax planning.

Michael M. Hayes was a founding partner of the Milwaukee law firm of Hayes & Rothstein, 1983-2019.

A Milwaukee native, Mr. Hayes earned his Juris Doctor law degree in 1981 from Marquette University Law School, where he was the Lead Articles Editor on the Law Review. During this time, he also served as a Judicial Intern for Wisconsin Court of Appeals Chief Judge John Decker. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated in 1977. Within 3 years he was listed in Best Lawyers in America after founding what had...

Mr. Dixler specializes in immigration, visa law, citizenship and related matters since 1993. He is a 31 year member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He now serves on the AILA National Committee for the 2025 Annual Convention in Denver. Mr. Dixler was nominated and named a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer in immigration for the last eleven consecutive years. Many are marriage-based and family immigration clients. However, he is experienced in all aspects of immigration and visa law, which includes practice in the Immigration Courts. He has exceptional insight on cancellation of removal and waiver work. Mr. Dixler represents those...

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...

Franklyn M. Gimbel founded GRGB after serving as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1963 through 1968. His experience as a federal prosecutor has proven invaluable in developing a successful private criminal defense law practice.

Over the years, Frank has expanded his practice into civil litigation, including complex business, employment, communications, and First Amendment cases. He has represented small businesses and large corporations, as well as individuals ranging from working men and women to judges, CEOs, and other professionals. No person's problem is too insignificant or too complicated.

Helping people is Frank's passion and the cornerstone of his practice. As he so...

Mr. DeVinney is a civil rights and personal injury attorney. He is a partner at Martin Law Office, S.C., in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Mr. DeVinney devotes his practice to representing those who have been injured, including civil rights victims, victims of trauma, victims of nursing neglect, and those who have suffered personal injuries due to the negligence of others. Prior to joining Martin law Office in 2014, Mr. DeVinney interned for Justice Ann Walsh Bradley of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and practiced at a private firm in Madison, Wisconsin. Mr. DeVinney's cases have been covered by various national and local...

Kirk Obear began his career in the U.S. Air Force as a JAG, prosecuting military cases. He later became one of the most renowned defense lawyers within the military. In the 1990s, Kirk moved his practice to defend civilians in private practice. Today, with the help of superior legal professionals, he represents individuals facing the most serious crimes.

At our firm, we take a teamwork approach. To us, more muscle means getting the job done faster and better. Frequent meetings, brainstorming, extensive investigation, and applying our years of legal and scientific training are all part of what makes our teamwork approach...

Rick Coad is the founder and principal of Coad Law Office, S.C., in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a top-rated criminal defense attorney with more than 19 years of experience. Rick focuses his practice on defending individuals and corporations in state and federal court. His skills have carried him to courts throughout the midwest, and he has argued a case in the United States Supreme Court. He has been named by Super Lawyers thirteen times in his career, most recently in 2023. He is widely considered a leading defense lawyer in Wisconsin.

AVVO CLIENT CHOICE AWARD WINNER

Originally trained as a litigator, Jason knows that the best way to avoid problems is to start with a well thought out and carefully crafted document. Jason's clients benefit from his 23+ years of practice, his comprehensive knowledge of real estate law and his experience assisting clients in thousands of transactions.

Jason is a frequent lecturer on the topic of residential real estate transactions and is recognized by both the local and national media as an innovative leader in Wisconsin real estate law. As a member of the Wisconsin Realtor Association Real Estate Forms Committee, Jason lends...

Steve graduated from Iowa State University, with honors and as a member of the scholastic fraternities of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. He received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1979, and has been a member of the bar in both Wisconsin and Minnesota since 1979. He is also admitted to practice in the federal courts of both states and in the Supreme Court of the United States. Steven is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Specialist. He has concentrated his practice on commercial and business litigation,...

Founder of Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center, Dan has helped thousands of families with estate planning and estate administration since 1999. A retired Army Major and JAG Officer, Dan is a board-certified Estate Planning Law Specialist. He is certified by The Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc.

Dan and his former law partner, Nelson Donovan, wrote the book _Estate Planning in Wisconsin: Privacy, Protection and Taking Control_, published in 2017. It is an easy-to-understand primer for non-experts, covering the basics of estate planning, including wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

Besides offering education classes for the public, Dan has lectured on...

Attorney Dera L. Johnsen-Tracy is a shareholder and co-founder of Horn & Johnsen SC. Dera and focuses her legal practice in the areas of estate planning, probate and guardianship. Prior to completing law school, Dera gained 14 years of legal experience as a paralegal in Texas and Wisconsin. Dera’s extensive experience provided a strong and practical client-centered foundation for her legal practice. She strives to meet the needs of her clients in a personal and efficient manner. In furtherance of her passion for helping families plan, Dera is an active participant in the Wisconsin Wills for Heroes program and...

Active Scout leader and Council Board member, Elderly Housing Board, Local party treasurer, Radio broadcasting board member. Past Red Cross Chapter President and Water Safety Chair and WSIT. Concentrate in Criminal Law, Probate, Real Estate and General Practice.

Attorney Julie C. Hancock is a seasoned legal professional with a career spanning nearly a decade, encompassing both corporate and solo practices. Holding a bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University and a JD from Barry University School of Law, Julie has further honed her expertise by obtaining an Entertainment Law certificate from Southwestern Law School. She also gained global exposure by studying intellectual property law in Dublin, Ireland. Julie's legal forte lies in a diverse array of areas, including immigration, entertainment law, business operations, and federal election law. Her specialization particularly shines in visas like EB-2/National Interest Waivers and O-1A/B, marking her...

I am the founding shareholder of Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC. Throughout my career, I have represented clients of diverse financial, ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds.  Experience gained through participation in hundreds of court hearings allows me to serve my clients across the entire spectrum of family issues.. I routinely lecture on family and child-related topics at seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin and other legal organizations.  For example, in 2010, I was Wisconsin’s representative to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Community Property Symposium in Seattle.  From 2015 onward, I was named by my peers as a Rising Star and designated Superlawyer by SuperLawyers magazine, a lawyer review publication....

Raised in Northcentral Wisconsin, Attorney Wojan attended UW-Oshkosh and Marquette University Law School. Attorney Wojan has practiced at Petit & Dommershausen since 2012.

Attorney Jim Lewis received his Bachelor Degree with highest honors from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. He then went on to the University of Wisconsin and earned his Law Degree in 1998. Jim has appeared on behalf of his clients in 25 Wisconsin Counties and both Wisconsin Federal District Courts. Although he has previously handled controversies in almost every area of the law, Jim currently concentrates his practice in the areas of Bankruptcy, Business Reorganization and Collections. Jim also practices in the areas of Business and Estate Planning and Family Law. He is a...

Greg Vanevenhoven is an attorney with Davidson Law Office where he concentrates his legal practice on assisting individuals, families, and businesses preserve their assets to create a lasting legacy for future generations. Greg also works with business owners to limit their liability exposure through focused contractual language in Buy-Sell Agreements, Purchase Agreements, and Service Contracts. In addition, Greg regularly handles real estate transactions, probate administrations, litigation matters, and a wide variety of municipal legal issues. Greg understands everyone has unique goals and objectives. By advising clients on an individual basis, Greg allows each individual to understand the available tools...

Dean is a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist who has represented hundreds of injured people throughout Wisconsin. He received his Masters of Business Administration degree in 1986 after working as a commercial loan officer. In 1989 he received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dean believes that quality representation begins with treating every client as if they're your only client and spending whatever time necessary to get the best result. When working with injury victims, Dean makes sure his clients know he'll be as aggressive as necessary, and fight tirelessly on their behalf.

Tracy received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1990, where he served as Articles Editor for the Minnesota Law Review. He received a B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1987. He is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Specialist and focuses on plaintiff's personal injury. Tracy N. Tool is a civil litigator experienced in a wide range of substantive areas of law. He uses the legal process to restore the balance of power and to remind big corporations and insurance companies that injured clients must be...

Benjamin Nicolet focuses his practice on Personal Injury and representing clients who have been injured as a result of another’s negligence. He is admitted to practice law in the state courts of Minnesota and Wisconsin; as well as the federal courts of the District of Minnesota and Western District of Wisconsin. Ben has handled the gamut of injury cases, from life-altering 18-wheeler accidents, to vicious dogs terrorizing neighborhoods, and family camping trips ending in tragic boating accidents. Ben says, “Clients generally come to us when they feel like their lives have been turned upside down; whether it’s from a car accident...

Attorney Westley practices criminal defense and DUI/OWI all over Wisconsin. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2015 with a certificate in litigation and uses that every day. She did her undergrad at the University of Minnesota and graduated from there in 2011. She has done a stint with Americorps and regularly volunteers for Teen Court in Waukesha County as a judge.

She has won numerous awards for client satisfaction and works hard to get the best case scenario for her clients on a daily basis.

Keith is a member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice and is on the Board of Directors. He has also lectured and authored articles for presentation at continuing legal education seminars sponsored by that organization. Keith is the author of the Jury Deliberations chapter in a State Bar of Wisconsin publication entitled “Wisconsin Trial Practice.” He is listed in the Martindale Registry of Preeminent Lawyers as having the highest ratings awarded by that group. He has been awarded a Superlawyer designation for Personal Injury since 2011.He has an AVVO rating of 10.0 out of a possible 10.0. He is also...

I proudly represent only those injured by the negligence of others. On three different cases I recovered awards that were at that time the highest personal injury awards in the history of Wisconsin. Currently I have the largest personal injury compensatory damage verdict in Wisconsin history, a $35 million medical malpractice verdict. I am an invited member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an organization limited to 100 of the best plaintiff attorneys in the U.S, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Society of Barristers.. I was honored as the Marquette Law...

Education
Mr. Llaurado earned his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, graduating magna cum laude in 1983 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu. He graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1986, and was a Thomas More Scholar. He was on the Marquette Law Review as an Articles Editor.

Background
Mr. Llaurado was raised in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He resides with his wife, Kathleen, and together they have four children, Thomas, Kathryn, Joseph, and Patrick.

Mr. Llaurado is an active member of the American Association of Justice, Wisconsin Association for Justice, American Bar Association, and State Bar...

Attorney Michael Fox has been consistently recognized, not only as an outstanding trial lawyer, but as a teacher of trial practice. His record of success in trials has led to hundreds of settlements that allowed his clients to recover financially with dignity and without requiring a public trial. He was described by a noted colleague in the media as the “father of the modern civil rights jury trial” and promoted by the Minnesota State Bar as one of three national “stars of the plaintiff’s bar” repeatedly invited to address its annual Midwestern Employment Law Institute.

At the law firm of Nowlan & Mouat LLP, Rock County personal injury attorney Steve Caya will provide the expert legal support you need in this time of crisis. He will protect your rights with insurance companies and seek fair and full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Just as important, he will help you plan for a secure future.

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.

My first trial after graduating law school was a homicide case and we achieved a not guilty verdict. Since then, our firm has achieved innumerable dismissals and acquittals. We have won cases that seem unwindable. We have won cases when clients have confessed to crimes. In one very remarkable case, one of our clients confessed to a crime and pleaded guilty with another lawyer. After coming to us for a second opinion we were able to withdraw his guilty plea, go to trial, and convince a jury of his innocence despite the fact that he confessed his guilt to the...

Attorney Amy C. Scholz is a former state criminal prosecutor who primarily focuses her practice on providing the best defense to clients with criminal defense, traffic, and drunk driving matters. Amy began her practice in Ohio where she worked for the City of Akron Prosecutors Office. She then returned to Wisconsin where she worked as an assistant district attorney before refocusing her practice to criminal defense. Amy is a zealous advocate for her clients. She has successfully argued motions to the court, negotiated the reduction of felony and misdemeanor charges, prevailed at jury trials, and earned...

Raymond M. Dall’Osto is a partner with the law firm of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is admitted to practice law in Wisconsin and Illinois. His practice areas are white-collar and criminal defense in federal and state courts, defense of regulatory investigations, professional discipline defense, ethics and licensing matters, civil litigation, personal injury, employment, and constitutional rights. Ray received his law degree from the Marquette University Law School in 1977. He taught there as an adjunct professor of law from 1985 to 1990, and also has lectured at the University of Wisconsin...

Atty Youso has been practicing law since 1992, and concentrating on divorce and family law since 2004. She has special training in low conflict resolution, including Divorce/Marital Mediation, Collaborative and Cooperative divorce, and creative problem solving. In particular, Atty Youso has extensive experience dealing with cases involving domestic abuse, substance abuse, and mental health issues. She recognizes divorce is extremely emotional and difficult on parents and children alike, and seeks to minimize the negative impact on all involved. First Look Family Law practices primarily in the counties of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Washington, but occasionally assists...

As a litigator, Alan Olson helps his wrongfully discharged clients recover their lost pay and benefits. He has argued four of his cases to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, resulting in expansion of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing for employees, as well as increased protection for employees in retaliatory discharge cases. Undaunted by huge insurance companies, Alan repeatedly sues them in federal courts across the United States in order to recover long-term disability benefits for his disabled clients. Alan also sues big corporations when they defraud the government and retaliate against the employee who blew the whistle. As...

Jeff Pitman is an experienced trial lawyer that has helped thousands of injury victims throughout his 33+ year career. As a partner at PKSD, Jeff takes great pride in providing a voice for victims of serious personal injury, nursing home abuse, assisted living facility abuse and memory care facility abuse which has been proven in the millions of dollars of verdicts and settlements he has recovered for his clients. Jeff specializes in helping residents and families who have been neglected in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and memory care centers. Jeff and his team obtained an $11 Million...

Attorney Timothy W. Schelwat has been practicing with Hupy and Abraham, S.C. since 2002. Attorney Schelwat is an avid Harley-Davidson motorcyclist who can often be found at rider events, and has given lectures to motorcyclists throughout the Midwest on legal and insurance coverage issues.

Personal Injury Attorney Thomas A. Perlberg joined Hupy and Abraham in 2010, following years of insurance defense practice. Prior to working on behalf of the insurance industry, he was an Assistant District Attorney in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Danielle Rousset is the newest addition to the GRGB team and joins the firm as an Associate. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Art in political science. After working at several law firms, Danielle decided to attend law school and graduated from Chicago Kent Law School, with honors, in 2008. Upon graduating from law school, Danielle joined a small local firm where her practice focused on insurance coverage and defense, as well as other civil disputes. She has represented clients such as S.J. Johnson, CNH, and the County of Racine. Danielle represents clients in probate, trust,...

Michael A. Edwards was born in Milwaukee, WI. Michael attended the Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated in 2014 after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law, Politics & Society and Rhetoric & Communication Studies. Michael graduated from Drake with University Honors.

Michael graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2017 with a Certificate in Sports Law as well as Pro Bono Honors for volunteering nearly 400 hours of his time to pro bono legal services.

Currently, Michael assists clients with family law issues in Fond du Lac and surrounding counties.

While in school, Michael held various internship positions including...

Shawn Rice practices primarily in the areas of mergers & acquisitions, corporate, business, real estate, banking & finance and estate planning. Shawn provides counsel and strategic direction to business clients and individuals, guiding them through a variety of transactional matters. Shawn focuses his practice on business, corporate and commercial matters. He advises businesses of all types and sizes, from closely-held, family companies to multi-national corporations. He has extensive experience providing counsel on general business matters such as start-up and formation, limited liability companies, joint ventures and partnerships, corporate governance, shareholder relations, bank and other financing, securities, real estate matters, and contracts...

John W. Menn is a partner in the bankruptcy and insolvency group of Steinhilber Swanson LLP in Oshkosh, WI. Mr. Menn joined the firm in 2009 with a law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He has built a practice centered primarily around consumer bankruptcy, farm reorganizations and business reorganizations. He represents individual and business debtors in cases filed under Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code, and represents debtors in adversary proceedings in bankruptcy, as well as negotiating settlements outside of bankruptcy. He assists clients who are facing foreclosure, helping them defend their foreclosure case and...